Nichols, Ranson, Idele, Ismail make UEFA Youth League debuts as Atalanta beat Arsenal

Arsenal suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Atalanta in their opening game of the UEFA Youth League on Thursday afternoon, with four teenagers of Nigerian descent makings their debuts in the prestigious competition.

Goalkeeper Khari Ranson, fullbacks Josh Nichols and Cam'ron Ismail were on parade for the Gunners at Stadio Comunale (Caravaggio).

Atalanta U19 boss Giovanni Bosi handed a starting berth to Javison Idele, with the wing-back in action for 79 minutes.

Pietro Comi towered above the Gunners defence to break the deadlock in the 16th minute.

The Italian club established a three-goal lead at the break, courtesy of goals from Fiogbe and Steffanoni.

Less than three minutes into the second half, Jack Wilshere's team pulled a goal back with Max Dowman finding the bottom right corner.

Any hopes of an Arsenal comeback ended in the 89th minute when Artesani put his name on the scoresheet after dribbling past the Arsenal defenders.

English-Egyptian-Nigerian defender Cam'ron Ismail came off the bench with three minutes left on the clock while Ranson and Nichols played the full ninety minutes. 

Ifeoluwa Ibrahim traveled with the Arsenal squad to Italy but was one of the five players not utilized off the bench by manager Jack Wilshere. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com