Author: Staff Writer

Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock famously once said he has massive respect for Arsène Wenger but he wishes the Frenchman would allow him to sign a defender for Arsenal.

But the then Sheffield United boss probably didn’t bank on the Gunners chief moving in for one of his stoppers as the local media are strongly linking Palace’s Nathaniel Clyne with a switch across London.

The newly crowned Eagles Young Player of the Season has had a remarkable campaign which saw him go from Reserve team hopeful to a right back who featured on 26 occasions for the first team. Just two days after his debut he was rewarded with a brand new three-year-contract where Warnock enthused the prospect ‘had a very bright future in the game’.

Two consecutive Man of the Match awards came against Doncaster and Sheffield United while just a 17-year-old. Wigan were also impressed with his versatility as he featured at both right and left back during both games and were reported to have bid £1 million for his services.

However, local newspaper the Croyden Advertiser – which broke the news that Rui Fonte was set to join Crystal Palace on loan first – claims Arsenal have been scouting Clyne for a number of months with the view to firming up an initial interest when transfer window opens.

Yet those hopes could be short lived according to Warnock who hopes to keep the 18-year-old for at least another season despite interest from Premier League sides.

“I am confident Clyne will report for pre-season at the club and will start the season with us. He played very well last season and we feel he is only going to get better.”

“There will be a lot of big clubs looking at him – there’s no doubt about that, but we feel his development as a player will be more beneficial here.”

The same newspaper suggests a bid of around £4 million could be enough to prize away one of the Championship’s brightest starlets.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal have completed the deal to sign FC Zürich defender Martin Angha-Lötscher, known simply as Martin Angha, yet the prospect is a relative unknown to many Gooners.  Young Guns has subsequently moved to help inform you of the in’s and outs of our latest acquisition with a player profile.

Born on the 22nd of January 1994 in Switzerland, Martin Angha joined the FC Zürich Academy as an 9 year old. He went on to develop through the ranks as a centre back before earning the rank of captain of the their Under 16’s.

Martin was soon included in the Swiss youth teams where he was again named skipper – once more at Under 16 level. Angha’s big break came during this seasons Nike Cup where he led his Zürich side all the way to glory against FC Luzern in front of watching scouts. The stopper described the Cup win as a ‘dream come true’.

Arsenal moved quickly and invited the whole Angha family to London where the 6ft powerhouse was shown around the stadium and training ground before being given VIP tickets to watch Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Stoke City. Clearly in awe of the Emirates Stadium, he was then given the opportunity to play on the surface when as the Under 16’s beat Chelsea 4-1 the next day.

After being taken to Anfield with the rest of the squad to watch the Gunners lift the F.A Youth Cup on Tuesday night, the prospect signed on the dotted line with a small amount of compensation changing hands between the two clubs.

So what will he bring?

Martin will bring a classy and composed style to Arsenal. He’s a strong leader and somebody blessed with pace, technical skills and strength in abundance – like any modern central defender. He will also weigh in with a handful of goals – and he’s very good at taking penalties (see above photo for proof).

He should start his career with Steve Gatting in the Under 16’s but he will hope to follow the example set by Ignasi Miquel who took the same route and finished the campaign playing in the Reserves.

So it’s a very warm welcome to Arsenal, Martin.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Twenty years to the day that Arsenal’s history making Gunners beat Liverpool 2-0 to win the League on Mersyside, one of the victorious players from that evening, Steve Bould, returned to Anfield to make some more history of his own this evening.

Already boasting a 4-1 lead from the first leg, his Under 18’s sealed the Cup win with a cool effort from Sanchez Watt and a Daniel Ayala own goal which meant they became the first side to win both the League and Cup double for the first time since the Academy system was reformed despite a Lauri Dalla Valle strike.

Yet things could have been different – Liverpool kicked off and began well with an adventurous 4-3-3 which clearly showed the hosts had set out their stall to get goals. But it was Arsenal who had the first opportunity as Francis Coquelin won an early corner via the left leg of Daniel Ayala.

Lauri Dalla Valle then could have had the opener but James Shea turned behind the strikers prodded effort for a corner. A further two set pieces followed before Kyle Bartley’s intervention was needed to stop Thomas Ince from racing clear.

The travelling Gooners found their voice on the quarter of an hour mark with chants of ‘We won the League on Mersyside’ which clearly upset the home support. Arsenal were seeing the majority of the ball but couldn’t covert the possession into any real chances.

Shea was then called into action a further time to deny Ince before Gilles Sunu took advantage of slack defending to lash a fizzing volley which was well saved by Dean Bouzanis.

The magic atmosphere of 20 years ago was once more in the air as Sanchez Watt produced a bull dozing run reminiscent to that of Michael Thomas to carve up the Liverpool back line and slide home the 5th goal.

Ayala was then booked for a late tackle on Henri Lansbury in a frustration fulled challenge. Wilshere then turned on the style with several delightful touches but the talented number 10 couldn’t find the vital second.

The half time break came and went with a change of momentum from Liverpool. Nathan Eccleston came on and seemed to revitalise the Reds who pulled one back through the super impressive Dalla Valle who side footed home from the edge of the box.

David Amoo launched a pile driver at Shea minutes after as the tempo rose in the stadium as the home supporters began to believe a come back was possible. However, any hope was dashed with 20 minutes remaining as Ayala turned home Watt’s drilled cross for an unfortunate but decisive second of the night.

The chants may had changed but the end of which it was coming from did not. ‘You Watt, You Watt, You Watt!’ was being lauded around Anfield at a rate of decibels. Subs were then the order of the night after Rhys Murphy replaced Gilles Sunu, a double change saw Conor Henderson and Cedric Evina come on for Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and Thomas Cruise.

There was just time for Alexander Cooper to be the third Liverpool player to be booked after a dreadful challenge on Coquelin. But it didn’t matter.

The four minutes of added time passed by quickly – just as Steve Bould would have hoped. The final whistle blew and the curtain came down on what has been an outstanding campaign for Bould’s boys who can once more call themselves Champions – this time of the F.A Youth Cup.

It was a fitting way to repay the Legends of 89′.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal’s Under 18’s arrived on Mersyside early this afternoon to prepare for their season swansong – the F.A Youth Cup Final second leg. Already boasting a 4-1 aggregate lead following Wednesday’s enthralling first leg, it would require a massive upset for the Cup to be heading anywhere else than the Emirates Stadium this campaign.

Goals from Gilles Sunu, Sanchez Watt and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas were sandwiched in between a Jack Wilshere penalty in front of 33,000 at a bouncing Emirates on arguably one of the most enjoyable atmosphere’s ever at the £430 million stadium. The only sour note came when Alex Kacaniklic pulled one back for the visitors.

But that goal and the sort of form that Liverpool have shown this term will be enough to make them believe a come back of epic proportions is possible. Yet with away goals not counting for anything it would mean they need FOUR unanswered goals to walk away with the trophy for a third time. Arsenal are safe in the knowledge they could go down 2-0 and still be crowned Champions.

Steve Bould was his typical bullish self in the after math of the first leg and maintained the stance that it’s only half time in the tie. But with the Academy League trophy already in the bag it seems nothing can stop his rampant charges from pulling off a double which seemed unlikely at the start of the season.

In terms of team news, only one change is expected to the side which performed in the first installment – that’s injured midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong will bow out in place of third goalscorer Sanchez Watt. It will allow a change to the formation with a more narrow five man midfield.

Predicted Starting XI

Shea
Eastmond – Bartley – Ayling – Cruise
Coquelin
Lansbury – Watt – Thomas
Wilshere
Sunu

Prediction – Liverpool (2) 1-3 (7) Arsenal

Kick off is at 19:45 (7:45pm) UK time at Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium. Arsenal have returned all their unsold tickets to the Liverpool ticket office and you can only buy them on the gate on the night.

Alternatively the game is being shown live on Setanta Sports with live Audio commentary on Arsenal TV Online. You can also catch a Match Report right here on the full time whistle.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal’s Under 15’s and Under 16’s played out their traditional end of season friendly against Chelsea yesterday – and both came away with wins on a delightful afternoon in front of the players friends and family.

The Under 16’s boasted their skipper Benik Afobe in attack and several other starlets who have made the step up to Under 18 football this season. Indeed the experience gained in playing for the side which went on to win the League proved vital as the Gunners cruised past their London rivals.

Captain Afobe led by example by bagging a classy brace while tricky winger Jernade Meade and imposing central midfielder Chuks Aneke added to their growing reputation with further strikes. It was a fantastic result for Steve Gatting’s boys following their Atalanta Cup heartbreak.

But before all that the Under 15’s kicked things off with a credible 2-1 victory over the same opponents. A Zak Ansah thunderbolt and a Nigel Neita tap in was enough despite the award of a penalty to Chelsea. Yilmaz Aksoy was also on hand to guarantee the win – the youngster made several superb saves on what was an excellent day of football.

Click below for a selection of photographs from the games. With thanks to Lesley Johnson Photography for providing Young Guns with these exclusive snaps.

Click Here To View

Article By – J.Sanderson

Welcome to this weekends Loanees Watch – Young Guns’ analysis, reports and updates on the progress of the young starlets currently plying their trade away from the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal currently have two Reserve team players gaining experience elsewhere, while a further two signed off from their loan spells this weekend. Read on to find out how they got on.

Reports:

Armand Traoré – Portsmouth 0-1 Wigan – (90 Minutes)
Håvard Nordtveit – Lillestrom 2-1 Sandefjord – (90 Minutes)
Pedro Botelho – UD Salamanca 0-1 Real Sociedad – (90 Minutes)
Jay Simpson –  West Brom 0-0 Blackburn – (Unused)

Read more →

Arsenal have reached an agreement, in principle, to sell Brazilian wing-back Pedro Botelho to Liga Adelante front runners Xerez C.D. according to reports in Spain.

The 19-year-old is currently coming to the end of a two year loan spell with UD Salamanca, and with his constant unprofessional behaviour, it seems the Gunners are keen to offload the versatile prospect.

Arsenal representatives apparently met with their Xerex counterparts while Arsenal played Villareal in the Champions League Semi-Final on April 7th. An agreement was reached of around €300,000 for the youngster who would join up with the ‘Xerecistas” if they saw out their promotion push. That all but looks a certainty now, meaning if the news is to be believed there is no reason why the deal won’t go through.

Botelho has had several fall outs with the Salamanca coaching staff this term, these followed after first he skipped training to go and watch Real Madrid with his friends, and then refused to pay a €200 fine after insulting the referee who accused him of diving. Both resulted in club suspensions.

Yet on the pitch he’s been brilliant. Having drawn a total of 11 yellow and 3 red cards from opponents this term and really impressed both at left back and on the left of midfield.

There have been other reports suggesting a loan spell with Osasuna is on the cards in the coming months, but whatever happens it seems almost certain Pedro won’t be with Arsenal full time this summer.

Article By – J.Sanderson

1. James Shea – (4) – Seemed to feel the nerves of the whole occasion – especially when the crowd found their voice in the second half. Helpless with the Liverpool goal but could have conceded more after racing from his goal chasing a lost cause late on.

2. Craig Eastmond – (5) – Had a mixed evening. Stood his ground well on occasions and made a handful of good tackles but failed to read the play or track runners on the Liverpool goal. Much improvement needed.

3. Thomas Cruise – (5) – Bombed forward well but like his fellow full back Eastmond, he has lots to learn. Commitment to the cause is 100% and that transmitted in his play.

4. Emmanuel Frimpong – (N/A) – Terribly unlucky. Almost certainly ruled out for the second leg after being on the wrong end of a crunching challenge in the opening quarter of an hour. Never really had time to impose his massive talent and energy which could have spurred the team onto more goals.

5. Kyle Bartley – (7) – Unlucky to have deflected Kacaniklic’s shot right back into his path to make it 2-1 but comfortably read whatever danger the visitors offered. Didn’t really have much to do but he looked quality when called upon.

6. Luke Ayling – (7) – Mr efficient was again solid at the back if a little predictable. His partnership with Bartley will no doubt be one of the notable reasons why the Gunners lift the Cup (if they see off Liverpool in the second leg).

7. Henri Lansbury – (9) – The midfielder was absolutely everywhere. Ran the channels well but really looked exceptional when he moved inside. Him and Wilshere pulled the strings in the middle and their excellent one-two to set up Sunu for the opener was brilliant. Also did the dogged defensive stuff and looked ready to play some part in the first team.

8. Francis Coquelin – (6) – Quiet by his standards but still tidy when called upon. He really seemed to thrive operating alongside Wilshere in a central midfield battle. The Frenchman’s tenacity looked to have fazed Liverpool.

9. Gilles Sunu – (7) – Took his goal beautifully and ran the flanks really well. Still work to do but clear signs that playing down the middle is his best position. The Youth Cup has helped showcase the best of Sunu and his opening goal came at a real crucial stage of the game.

10. Jack Wilshere – (8) – Many have lauded him ‘Bergkampesque’ and with a performance like that he certainly showed signs of the Iceman. Helped lead the side when Liverpool had possession and epitomized the way Steve Bould wants to play the game with his lovely, classy touches. Converted the penalty expertly.

11. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas – (7) – Quiet by his standards in the first half but exploded into life in the second. His powerful running and dribbling had Steve Irwin running for cover. Jay’s header for the final goal was superb, but the celebration dance was not. He’ll no doubt be warming up his arms ahead of surly lifting the trophy next week.

Substitutes –

14. Sanchez Watt – (8) – Changed the game when he came on and notched the goal which killed off Liverpool. Unlucky to have missed out on a start after having an excellent end to the campaign but made the most of it and could have had a strike within the first 20 seconds of his arrival.

15. Rhys Murphy – (6) – Very unlucky not to have got a goal as replays showed his late strike was two-yards onside. Has put himself in contention to start the return leg.

16. Conor Henderson – (N/A) – Came on in the 90th minute.

Article By – J.Sanderson