Arsenal got off to a disappointing start in the UEFA Youth League despite a goal from Ethan Nwaneri, with PSV u19s coming from behind to win 2-1.

The Arsenal u19s played their first game back in the UEFA Youth League on Wednesday, qualifying for the competition after a long absence thanks to the senior side making it into the Champions League.

Mehmet Ali took charge of an Arsenal side with some talented players, with Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Reuell Walters, and others in the starting lineup, and it initially appeared to pay dividends as the hosts took the lead.

Just after the half-hour mark, Nwaneri gave Arsenal the lead, pouncing on a loose ball before playing a one-two and firing into the bottom corner for his fifth goal of the young season.

But the lead didn’t last, with PSV hitting Arsenal on the counter and Emir Bars finishing via a deflection.

Following an even first 45, both sides had chances to win it in the second half, but another stroke of fortune went PSV’s way as a deflected free-kick went in for 2-1.

Arsenal’s misery was compounded as Lewis-Skelly was forced off with an injury and Lino Sousa also hobbled off, and if anything PSV looked the more likely to add a third in the latter stages of the game.

But neither side managed to add to the scoreline, and the game ended 2-1.

Certainly not the ideal start to the group stage, but the young Gunners have plenty of time to turn things around in the coming months.

Arsenal u19 lineup vs PSV

Rojas, Rosiak, Walters, Heaven, Sousa, Lewis-Skelly, Ibrahim, Nwaneri, Cozier-Duberry, Sagoe Jr, Benjamin

Substitutes

Nichols (for Sousa, 69), Ferdinand (for Benjamin, 75), Dudziak (for Nwaneri, 75), I. Oulad M’Hand (for Lewis-Skelly, 88), Cooper, Kacurri

What’s next?

The u19s will next be in action against RC Lens away from home on Tuesday, October 3rd at 13:00 BST.

In the meantime, the u18s face Southampton and the u21s face Manchester United on Saturday, September 23rd at 11:00 and 12:00 BST respectively.