Author: Staff Writer

Czech play-maker Tomáš Rosický has been penciled in to make his come back from injury in Arsenal’s Reserves League South clash with Chelsea on the 23rd of March.

Rosický returned to training in early February, and the initial assessment of his return was very promising, with Arsène Wenger saying he looked ‘unbelievably strong’ in training. He recently rejoined the rest of the group at London Colney, and is making significant inroads towards a return.

The Chelsea clash is the final Reserves game of March, and leads into a busy April with back-to-back fixtures with Tottenham adding up to a tasty penultimate month of the season.

Wenger has already confirmed his desire for Tomáš to play in the Reserves before coming back into the first-team, and with Neil Banfield’s great record of easing some of the Frenchman’s prized possession back to action, expect the Czech skipper to be featuring in a handful of second string games before the end of April.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Håvard Nordtveit made his debut for Lillestrøm this evening, as the new Norwegian Tippeligaen season kicked off with current Champions Stabæk hosting the centre back’s new club at their new Telenor Arena stadium.

Starting at right full back, Nordtveit was thrown straight in at the deep end after just a handful of training sessions since completing the loan switch on Wednesday.

The 18-year-old began well, launching two deep balls into the Stabæk half, before he got a taste of the notorious physical Eliteserien. Pálmi Rafn Pálmason smashed Håvard across his nose as they both went for possession, leaving the youngster nursing a badly bleeding nose (photo).

Lengthy treatment helped the prospect find his way, and he grew in confidence as time ticked on. Lillestrøm’s direct style seemed to suit Nordtveit’s qualities. He was enjoying launching direct and pin-point balls forward, and his team were beginning to control things.

They managed to take the lead in the 54th minute, when Magnus Waade struck the opener. Pálmason then completed his eventful evening’s work by netting the equaliser for Paul Davis’ former side 9 minutes later.

It finished 1-1, and Nordtveit played the full 90 minutes. The majority of the after match attention was on Håvard. Manager Henning Berg was pleased with his latest recruit, noting his versatility as a key asset.

“He has done very well in training after his arrival, so I let him play even though he has not been here for too long. I’m very happy that he can play both right back and centre half, and it seemed like he coped very well with the task he was given today”

While the player himself enthused.

“It is defiantly a much higher level then in the English Reserve League”

Stay locked to Young Guns for more news and reviews on Arsenal’s other loan players later in the day.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal’s Under 18’s extended their mighty advantage over the chasing pack in Academy League Group A this morning, after smashing Fulham 5-1 at London Colney.

Steve Bould returned to take charge of the youngsters after going on a scouting mission last week, but kept the same names that Liam Brady deployed.

Szczesny
Obed – Miquel – Boateng – Evina
Rasmussen – Aneke – Ozyakup – Freeman
Deacon – Afobe

Subs – Shea – Yennaris – Emmanuel-Thomas – Neita.

The usually robust and tactically sound Fulham looked a shadow of their former selves in the opening stages, and were quickly set upon by the rampant Gunners.

Luke Freeman slotted home his 6th of the campaign on 9 minutes, before Oguzhan Ozyakup doubled the advantage from the spot 10 minutes later.

The Whites were in need of some solid defending, and maybe that could have been provided by former Arsenal defenders Anton Blackwood and Oliver Nicholas who were named on the visitors bench.

However, it was a defender who would bring Fulham back into it, but surprisingly it was one in a red shirt. Danny Boateng forced the ball beyond Szczesny under pressure, halving the arrears.

Yet it only lasted 60 seconds. Benik Afobe bullied his way forward and matched Freeman’s 6 goal haul shortly before half time.

Half time brought an opportunity to re charge, and with the whistle for the second period, Arsenal went straight for the jugular.

Ozyakup clipped home his second of the fixture, doubling his tally for the season in one game. There was just enough time for Nigel Neita to mark his home debut with a goal after replacing Afobe, summing up a terrific morning for the Gunners.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal will have a fight on their hands this summer – to retain the services of exciting young midfielder Samir Carruthers – who is interesting, among others, Fulham.

Carruthers, who is of Moroccan descent, is largely regarded as one of the hidden gems coming through the youth system, and has subsequently attracted interest from several English sides who are keen to take advantage of his contractual situation.

Samir has been offered fresh terms by the Gunners, but with Nico Yennaris and Chuks Aneke already making movements into the Under 18’s, the youngster would like reassurances over his development.

A versatile and technical midfielder, Carruthers’ playing style has seen him compared to his Arsenal name sake and look-a-like, Samir Nasri. Fulham invited him along for a look at their facilities last week, and are expected to follow up the interest with an offer in due course.

Young Guns first introduced fans to the all action starlet last year, and the potential we talked about then seems to be very accurate. All that remains now is for his long term future to be decided, and then the real work of harvesting his talents can begin.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Håvard Nordtveit enjoyed his first training with his new team mates this afternoon, but as the dust begins to settle on the Norwegians transfer to Lilleström, Young Guns brings you the latest news on the deal.

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Norwegian Tippeligaen outfit Lillestrøm have confirmed this afternoon that they have signed Arsenal defender Håvard Nordtviet on loan until August 1st 2009.

The news comes after the 18-year-old was left out of the Reserves 1-0 defeat to West Ham yesterday – fueling speculation that he was set to leave London. Arsene Wenger also admitted his desire to loan out the centre back during an interview with Arsenal TV last week.

Håvard flew back to his home land yesterday to finalise details of the loan. All this came after Lillestrøm’s chairman told Setanta Sports earlier this month that they had no money to bring in any recruits – including loanees.

However, Wenger was keen to push through a deal, as the Frenchman is a big fan of Lillestrøm’s coach Henning Berg, who has a terrific record of developing young talents.

Speaking to the local media, Nordtveit revealed the reasons behind the switch.

“This is very important to me, to both get to play and get some experience. I hope to play and to play to win points. This is something that Arsenal wants us younger players to do, and I think that´s extremely important to me right now.”

“The coach, Henning Berg (former Blackburn- and M.United-defender and also captain of Norway), has played in the Premier League himself, and so he knows how it is. He´s got all the answers I need and I believe the loan move will do me good.”

After being shown around, the press asked what he thought about the difference in facilities between a Norwegian Premier League club and an English one.

“I have seen the stadium and everything seems very professional. It´s almost like a little Arsenal-club.”

Young Guns will have more on this transfer shortly.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal’s Reserves returned to action this evening, with Neil Banfield’s boys hosting West Ham United in the first home game since the turn of the year.

Last time out, the Gunners lost 1-0 to an experienced Hammers outfit, with Junior Stanislas scoring the only goal on a freezing night in October. However, this time around, both sides fielded their Under 18’s.

Arsenal showed 8 changes from the XI that started the reverse encounter, whilst West Ham also opted for a largely Academy based team.

Shea
Eastmond – Bartley – Ayling – Thomas
Randall (c) – Coquelin – Frimpong – Wilshere
Bischoff
Sunu

Subs – Evina – Watt – Murphy

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As Arsenal look forward to an F.A Cup Quarter Final clash with Hull City, Arsène Wenger will no doubt be delighted that his options have been boosted with the likes of Theo Walcott and Eduardo returning to action.

But while those more established names get back into the groove, the boss will be equally pleased with the progress of Kieran Gibbs, who put in an almost faultless performance left back.

His form has been pretty good since Wenger converted him to full back last season, but the odd mistake has limited the Lambeth born starlet from kicking on. Yet, although Burnley are not the biggest of names, Kieran looked assured and confident and dealt with the danger very well when called upon.

Gibbs is no longer a surprise name on the team sheet, and with Gael Clichy struggling to replicate the form shown last term, Wenger could turn to the England Under 21 international if he decided that Gael needed a break.

He demonstrated that he is learning a great deal this afternoon. As Wade Elliott attempted to attack him in the second period, Kieran stood his ground, and the frustrated Elliott lashed his cross over the bar. The attacking side to his game was also present, as the 19-year-old cropped up in the box late on, and frequently tried to play forward passes, with mixed results.

The F.A Cup and closing moments of Premiership games show that Wenger is nto afraid to throw the prospect in at the deep end, so why not give him a start?

Your opinions are welcome.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal’s Under 18’s made it two wins in three days against London rivals this morning, when they edged out Chelsea at their Cobham training centre to win 4-3.

Striker Benik Afobe proved to the difference, as he took full advantage of a rare start to walk away with an important brace. Sandwiched in between, was Jonas Rasmussen’s first for the club, and a Rhys Murphy penalty.

Shea
Obed – Blackwood – Miquel – Evina
Rasmussen – Byles – Boateng – Freeman
Afobe – Murphy (c)

The Gunners struggled in the opening stages, and found themselves a goal down when Jacopo Sala took advantage of poor defending to lash home the opener.

After more pressure leading up to half time, Sala again worked an opportunity, and doubled his and his teams tally. But half time would see Steve Bould earn his money.

The response was almost as instant as that from the F.A Youth Cup game on Thursday. Within 60 seconds of the restart, leggy winger Jonas Rasmussen rifled home his first for the club.

Seven minutes later, Chelsea’s lead had diminished. Afobe bullied his way into position, and calmly helped himself to his 3rd Academy League goal of the season.

The Arsenal poacher was making life difficult for the Blues, and when he strode into the box on the hour mark, Rohan Ince clipped the England Under 17 international down, and a penalty was awarded. Rhys Murphy confidently converted from 12 yards, and the win appeared to have been snatched.

However, Joshua McEahon’s 87th minute effort salvaged a point. Or so he thought.

Benik Afobe matched Sala’s two goal haul with a stunning winner in stoppage time. A 25-yard-lob which had the small crowd applauding the audacious strike. It was a fitting end to an exceptional game.

Article By – J.Sanderson