Author: Staff Writer

Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal first team were among a large crowd who witnessed Steve Bould’s Under 18’s take a 4-1 lead in the F.A Youth Cup Final 1st leg this evening at Emirates Stadium.

Goals from Gilles Sunu, Jack Wilshere (pen) Sanchez Watt and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas help give Bould’s boys a firm grip on the trophy ahead of next week’s second leg at Anfield.

Yet the result could have been so different had Liverpool capitalised on the possession and energy they showed in the opening stages. The game began with a high tempo which both sides handled well, but an overzealous challenge on Emmanuel Frimpong seemed to settle things.

On the 15 minute mark Frimpong’s thigh injury got the better of him, and the teary Ghanaian born midfielder departed with Sanchez Watt replacing him. It was a bitter blow for the youngster who had been one of the lynch-pins of the whole Cup run.

But Watt announced himself in style by lashing an effort into the side netting before the Gunners stepped up their play and bagged themselves the opener. A smooth move involving Lansbury and Wilshere saw Gilles Sunu put through 1-1 with the ‘keeper – the Frenchman made no mistake with a clam finish into the corner.

On 33 minutes the pressure tolled once more. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas’ drilled free kick was spilled by Bouzanis right into the path of Watt. The winger tried to turn but was clipped down by Chris Buchtmann. A penalty was given. Jack Wilshere stepped up and drilled home to double the advantage.

But just as the tie seemed to be slipping away from Liverpool, Alex Kacaniklic went down the other end and pulled one back. After seeing Bartley block his first effort, the visitors number 11 crashed a superb volley to make it 2-1.

The half time whistle came and went with further Arsenal chances, before Sanchez Watt and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas with a bullet header from Lansbury’s corner sealed an outstanding win.

There was just time for Rhys Murphy to find the back of the net – but it was offside. However, that said, it really was the perfect evening for the young Gunners.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Henri Lansbury spoke about reaching the “winning stage” of his career last week after returning to action during the Academy League Playoff final following his loan spell with Scunthorpe United, and the 18-year-old will get another opportunity to battle for honours when he lines up against Liverpool tomorrow night.

Steve Bould is set to recall Lansbury – who last played in the second round of the Cup at Sunderland where he scored two penalties – to help bolster his midfield ahead of the double headed duel which gets underway tomorrow night at the Emirates.

The rugged midfielder returns to the side two rounds later in the competition and his inclusion could see Bould revert to a 4-4-2 with Rhys Murphy and Gilles Sunu leading the line. That formation helped the Gunners claim the League title last week and the boss was clearly impressed with Henri’s performance.

“I thought he was fabulous in the second half. Before the break he was right wing, left wing, off the front – all over. He was a little bit undisciplined and we tried to rein that in a bit and in the second half and he started to look like the player we know he is.”

Having somebody who has played 16 times and scored four goals in League One earlier in the campaign will certainly be a massive boost in what promises to be a tight couple of games.

Remember to check back tomorrow for a full preview and later a report from all the action from the first leg. In the meantime, check out Arsenal TV Online to watch the kids training ahead of the fixture.

Article By – J.Sanderson

The injury curse has stuck once more for possibly one of the most unfortunate players to ever play for the Arsenal Reserves, and that’s saying something. Remember Ryan Garry?

Dutch winger Vincent van den Berg has had a frustrating time since joining the Gunners from SC Heerenveen in 2006. After failing to settle in London, and putting in several dreadful performances for the Reserves, former player Marc Overmars arranged for Vincent to be loaned to the Go Ahead Eagles in his home land.

He only featured a handful of times before injuries ended the loan spell early. He was set to return to Arsenal but the club made it clear his future lay away from London. Subsequently he spent last term on loan with FC Zwolle – but never made a single appearance for their first team or their B side. Injuries were again the cause of frustration.

Despite this, another club offered him a lifeline this summer – Sparta Rotterdam. He turned out for them during a behind closed doors friendly along with three other hopefuls last week. Vincent trained twice with the first team and was thrown straight into the starting line up against NEC’s youth team.

His opportunity to impress lasted just 15 minutes. The 20-year-old pulled up and was subbed off with a hamstring injury. It was a bitter blow to his hopes of earning a permanent contract and it now seems unlikely that Sparta will be taking their interest any further.

Van den Berg’s deal with Arsenal runs out in the summer and the club will not be offering him new terms.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Rui Fonte will return to parent club Sporting Lisbon in the coming days after Arsenal decided against paying the £1.7 million ($2.5 million) to break the agreement with Lisbon and extend his contract with the Gunners.

Contrary to several reports, including one previously on Young Guns, Fonte was never on loan in North London. In the summer of 2006 Arsenal scouts approached Sporting and Rui after he impressed playing for Portugal’s youth teams. But while the player himself wanted to move, his club were far from happy.

Eventually an agreement was reached which entailed that Liam Brady would get his man for three seasons on a development based contract. £39,000 ($60,000) exchanged hands with the promise that after three campaigns in London a review of the deal would take place.

Should Arsenal be keen to keep Rui for the long term future, a one off fee of £1.7 million ($2.5 million) would be paid and the Gunners could sign up the Portuguese striker to whatever contract they wished. However, should Arsène Wenger and Liam Brady decide against it, Sporting Lisbon would reclaim the player.

After two campaigns in the Under 18’s and Reserves, this season saw Fonte lead the line for Neil Banfield’s second string. In pre-season he scored three goals in three games and despite starting the Reserves League South season well, he only managed three strikes until being loaned to Crystal Palace. He played ten games for the Eagles and scored no goals.

One Carling Cup substitute appearance was the highlight of his stay with Arsenal, and it’s now expected he will be loaned out to another club in his home land to gain more experience.

Everybody at Young Guns would like to wish Rui all the best for the future, and thank him for his contribution during his time with the club.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal have joined a host of European Club’s in sending scouts to watch Club Atlético Huracán play-maker Javier Pastore, according to a report in Argentina.

The 6ft 1 (1.87m) starlet reportedly turned down the advances of Manchester United last month, with his agent, Marcelo Simonian, noting that the 19-year-old preferred to sign for a side who could develop and grow with him.

“I received an offer of €10 million for Pastore but the player isn’t interested so much in money as he wants to be transferred to a team where he can play and grow up.”

“We want the correct team and project.”

Despite the report, the Argentine media remained skeptical that United had made the bid, but they have previously confirmed that they are scouting Pastore.

Javier began his career with home town club Talleres de Córdoba in 2007, but after making just 5 appearances, Huracán snapped him up – taking him to the Argentine Primera division. So far he has 6 goals in 26 games and has won the attention of many including Lazio and Juventus.

A creative and stylish play-maker, Javier is capable of playing off the striker in a typical number 10 role, or on either flank. Boasting quick feet and a clam head, it only seems a matter of time before he heads to Europe. You can watch one of Pastore’s goals by clicking the link below.

Click Here To Watch

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsène Wenger confirmed last week that winger Armand Traoré will be returning to the club during the summer, and on his final appearance at Fratton Park last night, the former Monaco trainee scored his first Premier League goal in Portsmouth’s 3-1 win over Sunderland.

Being named in the squad for the first time in 2009, Paul Hart brought Armand into the action at half time. His pace and energy brought a new impetus to Pompey, and despite falling behind, John Utaka, a Phil Bardsley own goal and a late drive from Traoré secured the win.

You can watch all the highlights below.

Click Here To Watch

Article By – J.Sanderson

Armand Traore – Portsmouth 3-1 Sunderland

Armand Traoré marked his return from injury by netting the decisive third goal in Portsmouth’s 3-1 win over relegation threatened Sunderland.

After not featuring throughout 2009, Armand made his return to the team for a typical ‘6 pointer’ at the bottom. Either side knew a win would all but guarantee their Premier League status for another season – meaning everything was on the line.

Both teams made a lively start, but neither side took advantage of the handful of chances that fell their way. The half ended with a scrappy midfield battle setting up an indifferent second half of the game in prospect.

Yet the introduction of Traoré and Youness Kaboul from the bench seemed to revitalise Portsmouth. That said, it was Sunderland who notched the opener through leggy striker Kenwnye Jones. It looked like being a stern blow for Paul Hart’s men, but within 60 seconds they were level.

John Utaka levelled proceedings before Traoré lashed one just over the bar. And just 8 minutes later the come back was complete. Phil Bardsley put through his own net leaving the visitors stunned.

The win was sealed in the 88th minute when the lively Traoré lashed home the third from inside the area with a driven left foot effort. It means Pompey’s survival is inevitable.

Håvard Nordtveit – Lillestrøm 1-1 Odd Grenland

Håvard Nordtveit played the full 90 minutes as bottom of the table Lillestrøm surrendered a 1-0 lead to draw with 5th place Odd Grenland.

Nordtveit continued his prosperous run in the side, but switched to centre back as Henning Berg opted to reshuffle his pack. It meant the Under 21 international would be in for an experience building game.

After a physical opening period, Vidar Riseth crashed Lillestrøm in to a vital lead. Håvard then moved to right back for the remainder of the game, but could do nothing as Chukwuma Akabueze hammered home a stunning volley with 4 minutes left. It was a cruel blow for Nordtveit and his colleagues.

Article By – J.Sanderson

After 29 F.A Academy League fixtures – including 24 wins, 3 draws and 2 defeats – Steve Bould’s all conquering Under 18’s face North London rivals Tottenham Hotspurtomorrow afternoon to decide who claims the prize of League Champions.

40 teams kicked off the season in 4 groups of 10, with each group winner taking on another in two Semi-Finals. Arsenal beat Manchester City 2-1 in the first game, while Tottenham reached this stage by edging out Sunderland. It truly is a fantastic final in prospect, and if the two previous meetings this season are anything to go by, it promises to be an exhibition of youth football.

Arsenal’s 3-1 win in the F.A Youth Cup will still be hurting Tottenham after they led and seemed in cruise control until a second half fight back pegged back Alex Ingelthorpe’s outfit. Yet they earned some respect by gaining a draw from the League fixture towards the end of the campaign. So it’s 1-1 with the biggest game to come.

Steve Bould called for his team to show their character ahead of kick off, and in midfield duo Emmanuel Frimpong and Francis Coquelin the Gunners certainly have a driving force to offer that. In other team news, Rhys Murphy and Conor Henderson have proved their fitness and will be in contention to play, they’ll be joined by Benik Afobe and Luke Freeman who have returned from International duty.

It should be the usual XI which saw Bould’s boys shoot out of the traps and into a massive lead in group A before the Under 16’s came in later on, meaning Jay Emmanuel-Thomas will skipper the side in an attacking line up. Gilles Sunu could drop back now Murphy is back on form, while Luke Freeman could come in if one or the other is benched.

Predicted Starting XI

Shea
Eastmond – Bartley – Ayling – Cruise
Frimpong – Coquelin
Sunu – Thomas – Watt
Murphy

Prediction – Arsenal 2-0 Tottenham

Kick off is at 4pm UK time at Tottenham’s White Hart Lane. There is no live steaming of this fixture, but Tickets are avaliaible on the gate and are priced at £5.00 for adults and £1.00 for Concessions. A full Match Report will be published shortly after the full time whistle with reaction and analysis to follow.

Article By – J.Sanderson

If one youngster had a point to prove at the start of the season it was Luke Freeman – the January 2007 signing from Gillingham had only shown flashes of his potential – and still had his doubters. Yet with the campaign drawing to a close, the diminutive marksman has certainly made it a year to remember.

With 11 Academy League goals and a bag full of assists, Luke has played an integral part in Steve Bould’s play off final side. Add to that a sprinkling of England caps and you’ve got the recipe for a promising prospect. Indeed, Freeman has had a marvelous finish to the season – after signing professional forms he was named in the England Under 17 squad for the Under 17 European Championships.

The Three Lions usually have a good crop of talent at such tournaments, and with the games coming so thick and fast, the pressure was on to settle in quickly.

“When you are at your club you see the other players week in, week out, you know what they’re about, but when you come away with England you only really see them three or four times a year. You have to mix with them quickly and get down to playing football.”

Luke wasn’t the only young Gunner at the competition – Jack Wilshere and Benik Afobe were part of the same team, while Oguzhan Özyakup was in action for Final making Holland. Having some of your club colleagues around you was defiantly a boost, according to Freeman himself.

“It is always good to see the Arsenal boys. If you are feeling a bit down you can also go and talk to them.”

“But it’s weird. You see Ozzy week in, week out at the club so it’s weird to play against him rather than with him.”

It’s quite easy to forget the rise that the striker nicknamed ‘Owen’ has had, and the appreciative 17-year-old admits he used to watch on with envy as Reserve team regulars Gavin Hoyte and Rhys Murphy played in the same competition in seasons past.

“I watched them on telly before I went to Arsenal thinking how good it would be to be there.”

“They often speak about it, to say what a good experience it was.”

With an attitude like that, Luke can only progress.

Article By – J.Sanderson