Author: Staff Writer

Arsène Wenger has moved to protect Jack Wilshere’s development, in counter-balancing his run of indifferent form by letting the 17-year-old go ‘back-to-basics’.

Wilshere’s performances have taken a dip since Arsenal’s elimination from the Carling Cup at the hands of Burnley in December, and Wenger has resisted the temptation to use Jack in recent Premiership and Champions League fixtures. Indeed, the Hitchin born winger has only made the bench once in the last 6 first team encounters.

Fran Mérida and Amaury Bischoff are rapidly becoming the preferred options as the ‘spare’ midfielder, and both now regularly train with Arsène’s usual squad.

The slump took prominence during the F.A Youth Cup games, where Wilshere was marked out of the 3-1 win against Wolves, and then subbed off during the 4-0 romp over Sunderland. Jack seemed frustrated with the decision, and decided to leave the ground early with his watching parents rather than stay and travel with his team mates. Steve Bould hinted that his shift wasn’t good enough after the full time whistle.

‘Wilsh’ marked his debut for England’s Under 19’s with another indifferent 90 minutes, and Wenger has used his vast knowledge to help transform his fortunes. The Frenchman will allow Reserves coach Neil Banfield to ‘look after’ the left footed maestro for final few months of the season, and attempt to draw the deadly form back out of his star man.

Dips in performances are common things for young players, but the next months are all about Jack’s character and how he bounces back.

But make no mistakes, Arsenal still have an outstanding young prospect on their hands.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Unlucky Arsenal stopper Wojciech Szczęsny has prolonged his spell on the sidelines, after breaking his toe in training.

The Polish Under 21 goalkeeper only returned to full time training on Monday after fracturing both his arms in a bizarre incident at London Colney 3 months ago. The news came at an awful time for Wojciech, who had just penned terms on a new contract, and was being touted by many Championship clubs for a possible loan.

However, in one of his first full sessions back, Szczęsny collided with an overzealous team-mate, and was left requiring treatment from new doctor Gary O’Driscoll. A hospital scan later confirmed that the 18-year-old had broken his toe, and he faces another few months on the sidelines recovering.

It’s unknown when the giant ‘keeper will return to competitive action, but the injury looks like it will end Szczęsny’s season prematurely. All this comes after ‘Tech’ was on the fringes of returning after being spotted warming up with the Under 18’s last month.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal’s Reserves return to action this evening, as Neil Banfield takes his young charges across London to do battle with Fulham at their Motspur Park training complex.

The difference between 2nd place Arsenal and 4th place Fulham is just one point. The state of the League is epitomised by the fact that just 4 points separates the Gunners and third from bottom Portsmouth, whilst three sides currently have 13 points – with this evening’s opponents being one of them.

Fulham have a mixed record at developing youth talent, and the ‘never know what you’re going to get’ side to the Whites has transmitted onto the pitch. In recent seasons Banfield’s boys have been on the end of some thrashings, but the past two campaigns have brought better form.

November’s 2-0 win at Underhill showed the prowess of the second-string squad, as Portuguese duo Amaury Bischoff and Rui Fonte did the damage either side of the break.

Tonight will see a real test of form, as both sides are unbeaten in four Reserves League South fixtures.

Of the team that walked away with the points at a rainy Underhill before Christmas, only one player remains in the starting XI for the return clash; Amaury Bischoff. The 21-year-old won the Gunners the game with a stunning volley and then assist for fellow countryman Fonte in the second half. He starts tonight, playing just off live-wire Frenchman Gilles Sunu.

James Shea makes his first start at this level, replacing Vito Mannone between the sticks. Mark Randall returns from suspension to lead a flamboyant midfield containing out-of-form winger Jack Wilshere, Under 18 skipper Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and versatile speedster Sanchez Watt.

Shea
Eastmond – Nordtveit – Bartley – Cruise
Wilshere – Randall – Thomas – Watt
Bischoff
Sunu

Subs – Evina – Ayling – Ozyakup – Deacon

Match Prediction – Arsenal 1-0 Fulham

Kick off it at 7pm (GMT) at Fulham’s Motspur Park headquarters. The fixture is being shown live on Arsenal TV and Arsenal TV Online, with Match Highlights being broadcast later in the week.

Should you not be able to catch the game for whatever reason, check back immediately after the full time whistle (around 9pm) for an in depth Match Report and analysis.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Henri Lansbury scored his professional goal on Saturday afternoon, when the 18-year-old bagged Scunthorpe United’s second in their 4-2 defeat to Swindon.

After skipping past two challenges, Lansbury coolly finished beyond the on rushing goalkeeper in a fixture which the Iron were dominating. Two second half red cards saw United fall apart and they ended up being on the end of a 4-2 rout.

You can see Henri’s goal, and all the highlights from the encounter in the video player on the right hand side of the link below. Enjoy.

Click Here To Watch

Article By – J.Sanderson

La Liga outfit CA Osasuna have begun their recruitment plans for next season, and top of their list is Arsenal wing-back Pedro Botelho.
 
The Brazilian has been a regular for loan club UD Salamanca this campaign; and his performances have led to several of the bigger club’s in Spain keeping tabs on the 19-year-old. Arsenal won’t be able to recall Botelho in the summer, as he still hasn’t gained the required criteria for a work permit, meaning another loan spell beckons.
 
Salamanca have already expressed their keen interest in securing Pedro’s services for a third season, but should they fail to gain promotion this term, the Gunners would prefer the leggy defender to gain more experience cutting his teeth in the Spanish Premeria. Carlos Vela followed the same route, and you could argue that the Mexican wouldn’t have been the same player without that season spent at Osasuna.
 
Arsenal’s representative at Salamanca – Richard Law – is already working on securing Botelho a loan to a bigger side, but it will all depend on how The Union get on in the final games of the season. Promotion should all but seal another season for Pedro, but Segunda football is not what Law wants for the livewire Brazilian.
 
Whatever happens, the left back won’t be coming back to North London in the summer.

Article By – J.Sanderson – With Thanks To A.Zimmermann

After turning 16 last week, striker Benik Afobe has now signed scholarship terms with the club, securing his long term future.

Afobe celebrated his new contract by making his Reserve debut against Aston Villa in midweek, and capped off a fantastic week by featuring for England’s Under 17’s yesterday evening.

The young hit-man shot to prominence last season, when he scored 40 goals in 33 appearances for Steve Gatting’s Under 16’s. This term he was named skipper by Gatting, and currently has 14 goals in 12 games at that level.

However, Under 18 recognition has since arrived, and after scoring a vital equaliser on his debut at Fulham, Steve Bould has become a huge fan of the Dagenham born poacher.

A Youth Cup strike from the bench summed up a superb season for Benik, and although he has been full time since the summer, the new contract is an important one for both player and club.

Afobe will continue his education in the Hale End classrooms, and will now expect to kick on into the Reserves. A clause in the terms dictates that when Benik turns 17, his deal will automatically turn professional.

The future looks very bright for Benny, and Arsenal are set to reap the rewards of his talents in the coming years.

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 thirteen Reserve team players gaining experience elsewhere. Armand Traoré and Jay Simpson remain in the top flight with Portsmouth and West Brom respectively, whilst Gavin Hoyte, Nacer Barazite and Rui Fonte are playing Championship football for Watford, Derby County and Crystal Palace.

Further down the divisions, League One sides Leicester City, Northampton Town and Scunthorpe United have Kerrea Gilbert, Paul Rodgers and Henri Lansbury, while fellow defenders Abu Ogogo and Rene Steer will ply their trade with League Two Barnet and Gillingham. Two prospects are cutting their teeth aboard – Vincent van den Berg at Dutch minnows FC Zwolle, and Pedro Botelho with Spanish link club UD Salamanca.

In this update you can read about the following players in the following games.

Reports:

Nacer Barazite – Derby County 3-1 Nottingham Forest – (16 Minutes)
Henri Lansbury – Scunthorpe 2-4 Swindon – (58 Minutes)
Gavin Hoyte – Watford 1-0 Blackpool – (Unused)
Rui Fonte – Crystal Palace 0-2 Sheffield Wednesday – (Unused)
Rene Steer – Gillingham 2-1 Macclesfield – (90 Minutes)
Kerrea Gilbert – Leicester City 1-0 Bristol City – (90 Minutes)

Not In Action:

Armand Traoré – Portsmouth 1-2 Stoke City – (Injured)
Paul Rodgers – Northampton 0-1 Walsall – (Injured)
Abu Ogogo – Barnet 4-1 Bradford – (Injured)

Read more →

Arsenal’s Under 18’s remain on course to win Academy League Group A, after edging out last season’s main rivals West Ham United at London Colney this morning.

Steve Bould was able to call on Oğuzhan Özyakup following international duty, and the Dutchman was thrown straight into the starting XI – partnering Francis Coquelin in the middle.

England’s involvement in the Algarve Tournament robbed Bould of a host of usual options, including the in form Emmanuel Frimpong and Benik Afobe.

Shea
Eastmond – Blackwood – Ayling – Cruise
Coquelin – Ozyakup
Deacon – Watt – Thomas
Sunu

Subs – Evina – Obed – Byles – Rasmussen.

The opening stages were tentative to say the least. Neither side really got going and with Arsenal wanting to get the League wrapped up, frustration began to creep in.

Gilles Sunu and Özyakup exchanged wasted efforts, before West Ham began to step the pace up and dominate. The Gunners weathered the pressure, and should have grabbed the lead when Jay Emmanuel-Thomas burst forward and fed Sunu, but the French striker failed to convert.

Tricky Bajner bought himself enough room and time to get a shot away, but James Shea reacted well to deny the leggy forward. Up the other end, Sanchez Watt and Özyakup for a second time could have opened the scoring, but the youngsters lacked composure.

Former Gunner Abdulla was starting to pull the strings. He showed quick feet to place Payne through, but the lack of composure was also affecting the visitors.

Yet as the referee was deciding how much stoppage time to add on, Thomas combined neatly with Sunu to open up the Hammers back line. The result saw Arsenal’s skipper in space, and from a difficult angle, he emphatically smashed his side into the lead.

The second half saw the game become more end-to-end and open up. Watt deserved to be on the score sheet, but another tame finish from a good position meant West Ham were always in the contest.

Anton Blackwood made a superb last ditch challenge to stop a certain equaliser from Bajner late on, before Evina should have wrapped up the victory but nodded Thomas’ cross over.

It was the final action of the morning. Unconvincing, but effective. Arsenal took the three points.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Nacer Barazite bagged his first professional goal on Wednesday night, as the Dutchman scored the fourth in Derby County’s 4-1 win over Blackpool.

Whilst Barazite’s potential has become a hot topic in the comment sections of Young Guns over the past few days, the 18-year-old has a habit of scoring solo goals, including his strike at Pride Park earlier in the week.

Click Here To Watch

Article By – J.Sanderson