Three wins and a draw leaves Steve Bould’s Under 18’s top of Academy League Group A, yet there is still a general feeling of disappointment ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Reading.
The results have been on the whole very good – 11 goals from 4 games – but the performances have been the biggest let down, with Bould admitting inconsistency in their play has cost them. Arsenal still remain the team to beat in the League, and it’s Reading who will attempt to take points from the Gunners next.
The Royals have had an even worse start – they sit 8th in Group B with just 2 points from 4 fixtures. This form has been particularly worrying as they were a strong side last year, indeed, it took a late James Dunne penalty to snatch the points last time these two met.
Injuries have taken hold in the last two weeks leaving a previously strong team struggling for cover. Emmanuel Frimpong and Sanchez Watt are the big name absentees, Cedric Evina and Conor Henderson have taken over. But Henderson was injured on his Reserves debut in midweek and looks set for a long spell on the sidelines, Jonas Rasmussen should take his place.
Captain Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been in amazing form this season, Bould has urged him to be a little less flash, yet he will carry a large threat from midfield. Gilles Sunu is the man to watch, his form has been nothing short of brilliant so far this year.
Predicted Starting XI
Shea
Eastmond – Blackwood – Ayling – Cruise
Sunu – Rasmussen – Thomas (c) – Evina
Murphy – Freeman
Substitutes – Nicholas – Deacon – Obed
A win is definitely on the cards for the Young Guns, we will go with a 2-1 prediction, Gilles Sunu and Jay Thomas to get the crucial strikes. James Shea has been poor between the sticks, it’s doubtful he will keep a clean sheet against a hard working Reading.
Match Prediction – Arsenal 2-1 Reading
The game is an 11am kick of at Reading’s training ground, a Match Report will be available shortly after full time. Highlights could be around on Arsenal TV in midweek.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Is bould trying to win this year or is he more focused on bringing players through?
great work again j. inspired me to create my own blog, of course not gonna try and rival yours! if u fancy it have a look and let me kno what you think (early days tho…)
forgot to add the website…http://gobbygooners.blogspot.com/
The focus is always on development, winning is just a luxury at this level. But of course a winning mentality is always important.
Do you have a address or post code for the ground?
I have not seen much of this guys but does any one think Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is getting ready for Carling cup action as he seem to me to be matured and ready for carling cup.
Jay I am waiting to hear from you.
J.Sanderson, How long on the sidelines for Henderson? He doesnt need this injury spell bcuz is very talented and it might set his development backwards like R Murphy. I know its harsh but i wish the injury occured to a less talented member of the squad or someone who is likely to make @ arsenal
There is a rumor hovering around in India that Arsenal is tracking an Indian youngster called Malswamfela. He is a striker of great quality and he featured in the 3-3 draw while the Indian u-16 team took on Man U. Do you have kind of leads regarding this? Just the curiosity of an Indian Arsenal Fan.
Bye the way Arsenal was down in India last year for a school scouting programme.
JS, you have mentioned watching home youth games live. I was under the impression that Arsenal did not allow this. Can you tell us what the position is ,please.
How good are the defenders? This side we have put out is not the most exciting one we’ve put out is it?
Arsenal shud try and sign that indian boy that could run a marathon at eight so he can play DM. It came on channel five. I dind’t watch it though.
Anyway goobygooner you’re site looks quite good but there are a lot of them at the moment. You have to distinguish yourself otherwise u may be trapped in the graveyard arsenal blogs. My site is one of them at the side: arsenalcolumn
cheers for the feedback alhassan100, i know theres loads out there so its not gonna be easy!! anyway today is literally day 1 so hopefully with enough effort i’ll get there in the end!
I personally think that it will be a very very very tough game because Reading are a good team and have some very good young players like Jacob Walcott, Abdulai Baggie and Tom Browne
Does anyone have the address or name of the reading training centre i want to go along to watch but have no idea where there training centre is
I think we will win this but dont underestimate readings reserves
http://themostbeautifulgame.com/
Arsenal 1 0 down first minute