Dundalk fell to a 3-0 defeat as they faced Arsenal in the Europa League this evening.
The big stage of the Emirates Stadium did nothing to distract a well-organised Dundalk early on.
Manager Filippo Giovagnoli was an animated figure on the touchline as he tried to rally his troops.
As expected, the Gunners dominated possession but any chances that reached Gary Rogers in the early stages were routine saves.
Just when it looked like the Lilywhites would go in at the break without conceding, they found themselves behind in the 42nd minute.
Rogers tried to punch the ball away after an Arsenal corner but the ball hit Daniel Cleary and then fell to Eddie Nketiah who fired it into an empty net.
Two minutes later it got worse for the League of Ireland side as Pepe's deflected shot fell to Joe Willock who scored with an emphatic finish.
Arsenal made their lead even more comfortable just three minutes into the second-half.
Pep got an inch of space on the edge of the box and that was all he needed to fire in a stunning goal.
In fairness to Dundalk, they didn't let their heads drop even though that goal had effectively killed off the game.
Giovagnoli's side continued to work hard and defend well even though they were starved of possession.
Molde beat Rapid Vienna 1-0 in the other game in Group B, leaving Dundalk and the Austrian side without a point.
Dundalk travel to Austria to face Vienna next Thursday.
