Author: Staff Writer

Arsenal’s Under 18’s returned to action this morning following a series of frustrating postponements due to adverse weather conditions.

The opponents, Charlton Athletic, are all but resigned to finishing bottom of Academy League Group A, and knew they faced a massive challenge against their antithesis at the top at of the table.

Steve Bould left out his usual regulars, and opted to play a team of fringe players for the trip across London. Only two members of the squad have professional contracts, while none of the substitutes have signed scholarship deals yet.

Shea
Obed – Blackwood – Boateng – Evina
Ayling – Byles
Rasmussen – Watt – Freeman
Deacon

Subs – Chambers – Brisnal – Aneke – Afobe

Arsenal snapped out of the traps quickly, and could have gone in front instantly when Luke Freeman tested former Gunner Harry Lee in the Addicks goal.

Just as the momentum began to swing, skipper Sanchez Watt punished slack defending with his 4th of the campaign. Not to be undone, Charlton kicked on and forced an equaliser through live-wire winger Yabo Mambo.

Roarie Deacon’s strike matched Watt’s four goal haul for the season, but once more naive defending allowed the hosts back into the contest. Steven Lozano-Calderon rescued a point, leaving Steve Bould seething on the touchlines.

Article By – J.Sanderson

In order to play for Arsenal, you must be a special talent, according to Spanish midfielder Fran Mérida – who also enthuses that it’s an ‘honour’ to be with the Gunners.

Speaking to Arsenal TV Online yesterday, the 18-year-old was asked for his thoughts on extending his stay in North London, after penning a new deal last season.

“It gives you confidence when you know you have support from Arsenal. It’s an honour to be here.”

“The training ground is unbelievable, and the condition of the training is amazing. We know we are all special players, because we’re in a special club.”

This campaign has seen Fran push on into the first team setup, and brought three consecutive starts in the Carling Cup. Although the run was abruptly ended, forcing the former Barça starlet back into the Reserves, he still firmly believes this season has been a success.

“I always like to take the positives, and the experience with the first team in the Carling Cup was amazing. Even against Burnley, we couldn’t win, but personally, it was great for me.”

Wenger has previously suggested that Mérida must bulk up in order to combat his slight physique, and whilst there has been a significant improvement since last season, the left footed maestro knows he has work to do.

“If I had to look at my weaknesses, I will look at my physical game. I know that, and I’m working on it with Craig and Tony (Fitness coaches)”

The Catalan midfielder certainly comes across as intelligent, well spoken and full of desire. That, added to his football talent, means Fran is big prospect for the future.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Amaury Bischoff’s debut goal for Portugal’s Under 21’s on Tuesday helped propel the play-maker back into the thoughts of Arsène Wenger.

Several sides from his adopted country have made checks on the 21-year-old – including Sporting Lisbon and Boavista – but Bischoff has pledged his loyalty to the Frenchman who rescued him from oblivion.

“I suffered very serious groin trouble at Werder, but Arsène Wenger wanted me anyway. He hired me for one season while I was still injured.”

“The first five months at London, I was training all alone. Arsenal saved me. Wenger gave me one more year to come back to the best level.”

Amaury’s 4th minute curling finish was the perfect way to mark his long awaited Portugal debut. The diminutive midfielder put in a terrific display and finally looked like he’d got back to the form that enticed Arsenal and Werder Bremen to scrap for his signature. Make no mistakes, despite his previous groin injury; Bischoff is a player with a lot of potential.

Postponements to Reserve games and the Carling Cup exit have done the Alsatian no favours, but with the F.A Cup replay against Cardiff on Monday, and injuries to a handful of Wenger’s usual regulars, a place on the bench should be the perfect way to make inroads towards the first team.

Yet should it not arrive, Amaury seems calm about his longer term future, despite having just a few months left on his contract.

“After eight months I have already played two matches and appeared a few times in the professional group. But the coach doesn’t want to rush.”

Although Bischoff is still the subject of many Gooners’ jokes, his hard work and now performances must be rewarded with the opportunity to play, or Amaury’s signing will be a waste of his, and our time.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Amaury Bischoff – Portugal U21’s 3-1 Switzerland U21’s

Amaury Bischoff marked his debut for Portugal Under 21’s with the opening goal of his sides 3-1 win over Switzerland this evening.

The 21-year-old took full advantage of a mistake by the Swiss defence, to curl home from the edge of the box. Tiago Pinto doubled the lead on the half hour mark, before Jonathan Rossini pulled a second half consolation back.

Just minutes later though, Yazalde wrapped up a convincing win for Portugal, finishing a great team move. Amaury played an hour before being replaced with Rui Pedro.

Click Here To Watch Amaury’s Goal

Lansbury, Hoyte, Wilshere & Mérida – England U19 0-3 Spain U19

England’s Under 19’s comprehensively lost 3-0 to their Spanish counterparts in the opening game of the evening, and a quadruple of young Gunners were handed run outs.

for Brian Eastick’s England – Gavin Hoyte took his place at centre back, whilst skipper Henri Lansbury led the troops from the middle of the park. Jack Wilshere made his debut out on the wing. Fran Mérida started for visitors, operating as a left sided play maker.

In front of a decent sized crowd at Bournmouth’s Dean Court stadium, England began in a shaky manner, and found themselves behind after a defensive mix-up was punished by lethal Spanish finishing.

Hoyte’s lazy pass to Alex Smithies put his goalkeeper under pressure, resulting in Smithies miss kicking, and seeing the ball hit his own post. Shell shocked from what had happened, The Three Lions fell asleep, allowing Juve’s Iago Falqué the simple task of putting his side into a 5th minute lead.

But it was the Arsenal duo who inspired a come back, as first a long ranger from Lansbury tested Diego Mariño, and then Wilshere from just inside the box. However, the chances were not taken, and when Falqué’s flick found Jordi Pablo, the hosts were 2-0 down before the fight back had truly began.

Lansbury had several shots which forced good saves from Mariño, before Raul Ruiz sealed the win just after the hour mark. It wasn’t to be England’s night, but it was the Arsenal boys who showed the most promise.

Kieran Gibbs – England U21 2-3 Ecuador

Kieran Gibbs made his debut for England Under 21’s this evening, as he came on as a 63rd minute substitute during the Three Lions defeat to Ecuador.

Adam Johnson and Frazier Campbell goals looked to have sealed an impressive win, before two strikes in two second half minutes cut back the advantage.

Manchester City’s Feilpe Caicedo won the fixture in the 82nd minute, finishing well beyond Tom Heaton.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Benik Afobe was one of four Arsenal players chosen to train with the Brazilian National Team yesterday afternoon, as Dunga’s superstars prepared for this evening’s ‘World Derby’ with Italy at Emirates Stadium.

Centre back Daniel Boateng joined Benik, along with midfielders Emmanuel Frimpong and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas. The quadruple warmed up with the South Americans, before moving into 5-aside games.

Afobe managed to score a brace past Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar, and is pictured above successfully tackling two time FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldinho. The experience is something the 15-year-old is grateful for.

“It was such a great honour to be given the chance to touch the same ball as those players. They taught me a few things that I will definitely use.”

Benik may not have the same experience as some of the players he trained with, but he may be familiar with Brazil’s evening ‘preperations’, which included mini tournaments of FIFA 2009. Just for the record, Alex Pato beat everybody.

The youngsters will come back to earth with a thump as they get ready for next week’s F.A Youth Cup fixture with either Tottenham or Plymouth.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal Under 18 fringe players Benik Afobe and Daniel Boateng trained with the Brazilian National Team this afternoon, as Dunga’s superstars prepare for their clash with World Cup holders Italy at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow evening.

The duo warmed up with the South Americans at London Colney, before being separated into games. Afobe faced the likes of Lucio, Luisao, Dani Alves and Gilberto Silva, whilst Boateng had to try and keep out Alex Pato, Julio Baptista, Robinho and former FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldinho.

Benik and Daniel were left over at training after a whole host of Gunners linked up with their countries, and Neil Banfield selected his 16 for the Reserves clash with Tottenham, which has now been called off.

The pair will also be involved tomorrow afternoon as Dunga makes his final preparations for the 7:45 kick off. The experience gained by the talented duo will no doubt be priceless as they aim to force their way into Steve Bould’s Academy side as the season approaches it’s business end.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Eduardo da Silva’s rehabilitation from a fractured fibula and a dislocated ankle stained during the 2-2 draw with Birmingham last February is now complete.

The 25-year-old striker was named on the substitutes bench for today’s goalless draw with Tottenham at White Hart Lane, bringing to an end a four month spell with Neil Banfield’s Reserve team. ‘Dudu’ will also return to the International fold in midweek, when he’s expected to play 45 minutes of Croatia’s friendly with Romania.

During his time with the second string, Eduardo has featured in four matches. First up, he played the closing stages of Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest in a behind closed doors friendly, before pushing on to a start against Portsmouth‘s Reserves at the back end of December.

His first goal’s came against the Gunners Under 18’s as Banfield took on Bould at London Colney. A hat-trick against the Youth’s inspired confidence and kept him ticking over. The last fixture he played in was away to Stoke in the middle of January, where he put in another 90 minute shift and had a goal disallowed.

Tomorrow’s second clash with Spurs in 31 hours sees the 2nd place second string aim to keep the pressure on at the top of the table. Without Eduardo, Jay Simpson, Rui Fonte, Amaury Bischoff, Rhys Murphy and Benik Afobe, Gilles Sunu and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas are expected to lead the line.

Sunu – Young Guns’ Player of the Month for January – already had goals at this level, but has struggled to gain a starting birth up front this campaign. Luke Freeman and Roarie Deacon should provide options from the bench, but both are struggling for goals even for the Academy side.

It promises to be an interesting evening, where we’ll see a glimpse of potential Carling Cup talent for the 2009-2010 season.

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:

Jay Simpson – West Brom 2-3 Newcastle – (Injured)
Nacer Barazite – Derby County 3-0 Plymouth – (75 Minutes)
Rene Steer – Gillingham Town 0-2 Bradford – (12 Minutes)

Gavin Hoyte – Watford P-P Southampton – (Postponed)
Rui Fonte – Crystal Palace P-P Barnsley – (Postponed)
Paul Rodgers – Northampton Town – Yeovil – (Postponed)
Henri Lansbury – Scunthorpe P-P Cheltenham – (Postponed)
Abu Ogogo – Barnet P-P Rotherham United – (Postponed)
Armand Traoré – Portsmouth V Liverpool – (Late Kick Off)
Kerrea Gilbert – Leicester V Oldham – (Late Kick Off)

Read more →

Forward Gilles Sunu has collected the Lamb Awards sponsored Young Guns Player Of The Month crown for January 2009, after four goals from three starts helped steady the ship after an injury to leading scorer Rhys Murphy.

The Frenchman’s month began with disappointment though. He was dropped to the bench for the F.A Youth Cup tie with Wolves, and saw starlet Jack Wilshere take his place in the starting XI.

However, 35 minutes after the kick off, Rhys Murphy had a bone in his leg broken in a 50:50 collision with Wolves’ Jamie Reckford. Gilles was summoned from his warm up to take to the field in the biggest game of his season.

How did he respond? well 6 minutes later Arsenal won a corner, which Sunu emphatically volleyed home. It helped settle the Gunners going into half time, after struggling to get a firm hold of the tie in front of a good crowd at Underhill.

On 58 minutes the youngster doubled his account – the first time he’s scored two in a game for Arsenal. Then 16 minutes later Gilou outpaced the visitors back-line to wrap up a match winning hat-trick. Not even a late consolation could tarnish a fantastic evening for the club.

Gilles wouldn’t have minded a place on the bench for the Under 18’s game with Ipswich days later – as Steve Bould opted to rest his stars for the important two weeks ahead.

He then started the Academy sides 5-3 rout over Southampton, and lashed home the 4th goal after coming from 2-0 down. The month was complete with another Youth Cup 90 minutes, this time as his side breezed past Sunderland and into the Quarter-finals.

February promises to be just as prolific for the versatile forward, who is expected to take on a starting birth in the Reserves.

Article By – J.Sanderson