Author: Staff Writer

Arsenal’s youngsters will get another taste of the big time this evening as they take on Sunderland in the 5th round of the E.ON sponsored F.A Youth Cup.

Wins over Aston Villa and Wolves have set up a clash with the Black Cats, and a large crowd is expected at the Stadium of Light to watch two of England’s most dominant academies go head-to-head.

The fixture will also see Coach Steve Bould return to one of his former stomping grounds – but there will be no room for sentiment as the 90 minutes decides who will reach the quarter-finals, and who will return to League action with their tails firmly between their legs.

The Youth Cup is infamous for unearthing starlets, but on paper, the current crop of Gunners are the ‘weakest’ for a couple of years. However, they’re out to prove themselves, and a convincing romp against Wolves last time out showed the swagger and prowess of a side very capable of winning the competition.

This evening will be the biggest test of Bould’s boys’ abilities and character so far, but his resources have been further stretched.

He is already without Conor Henderson, Ignasi Miquel and after picking up a knee injury against Villa – Rhys Murphy. But in the last week first choice ‘keeper James Shea has joined the list, and there are big doubts over Frenchman Francis Coquelin.

Yet despite all the absentees, new stopper Harry Lee and first team play-maker Jack Wilshere will be on hand to help fill some of the gaps. Benik Afobe and Oguzhan Ozyakup have also travelled, with the latter set to deputise should Coquelin fail a late fitness test.

The game is not being shown live, but match highlights will be avaliable on Tuesday evening. Check back shortly after full time for a match report.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal duo Carlos Vela and Fran Mérida are being strongly linked with loan moves to Portsmouth as the transfer window hots up in it’s final few days.

19-year-old Vela has had precious little game time over the last few months, and was previously linked with switches to Hull City and West Brom. Carlos’ Arsenal colleagues have lauded his’ influence from the bench since Christmas, but the last 3 games have seen his steady run of minutes come to an end.

Our close friends at Carlos Vela News understand that Pompey boss Tony Adams will make contact with his former employers should Arsène Wenger land his top target Andrei Arshavin. The Mexican international would be offered the chance to follow Armand Traoré to the South Coast until the end of the season.

But Carlos isn’t the only young Gunner linked with a switch to Fratton Park – Spanish play-maker Fran Mérida is also interesting former skipper Tony Adams according to sources in both Spain and the UK.

Mérida’s growing reputation was enhanced this term as he turned out for the first-team during the Carling Cup run. Wenger has previously spoken about the need for patience with the former Barça starlet as he is a ‘late developer’, but a loan similar to the one he undertook last term would no doubt be beneficial.

The closing days of the transfer window are sure to see some movement involving the youngsters, with a selection of Reserves expected to leave on loan.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Francis Coquelin is expected to miss Friday’s F.A Youth Cup clash with Sunderland as the club’s medical staff help the Frenchman back to full fitness following an ankle injury.

The 17-year-old limped out of last weeks Reserves clash with Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium, but manager Neil Banfield seemed relaxed about the situation after the full time whistle, telling Arsenal.com:

“I think Coquelin is fine. He has twisted his ankle after Kyle [Bartley] stamped on him when they were defending a cross. I think he’ll be OK.”

However, a scan later showed that the ligaments were damaged, to the extent that Francis couldn’t walk for days after the fixture. We’ll look at potential replacements in our Match Preview tomorrow afternoon.

Turning our attention to the International stage, ‘borrowed’ Reserves striker Eduardo will play 45 minutes of Croatia’s forthcoming friendly with Romania, before making the final push into Arsène Wenger’s first team.

Fellow marksman Benik Afobe has also been selected to represent his country – the 15-year-old will join up with the Under 17’s for the The Algarve Tournament which takes place next month.

Benik, one of the youngest members of the squad, is joined by colleagues Luke Freeman and Emmanuel Frimpong who previously have experience at this level. Tottenham’s John Bostock is also included.

Finally, contrary to reports doing the rounds this week, there is still no update on any potential deal for Brazilian trialist Wellington. Quotes emerged eon Tuesday which suggested the Fluminense winger was mulling over contact offers from Arsenal, Real Madrid and Manchester United.

But the quotes were actually from the 17-year-old Sao Paulo midfielder of the same name. You can check out the latest on Wellington Here.

Article By – J.Sanderson

It’s been a long hard fought and definitely stressful season for Arsenal all around. Even though I realize that it’s far from over but given that we really don’t have a shot at any cup and have only like a game or two to go, I guess it’s safe to say that the season is done.

With all the patchy roads that the team has gone through, the stress that the fans have been through and the disappointments that have followed it got me thinking what the real reason of the struggle and miserable failure was this season.

Honestly there were a number of reasons. From the lack of quality players to bad strategies at times to team spirit just lingering around. But the one thing which stood out for me was the number of injuries the team was hit by throughout the season. I feel as this could have been the root of all the problems.

How you ask? Here’s how, with most of the first team players out during the middle of the season, Arsenal either drew or lost a number of games in a row which was because of lack of good players, mixed with aggressive strategies which the players couldn’t pull of and course a defeat at the end of the day lead to low team spirit.

So I was thinking. Besides extreme amounts of high level training and excising the team should look into more muscle relaxing forms of excising or what ever you want to call it. One thing which comes to mind is hot tubs or even ice tubs. Either way both forms are useful and widely used to relax soar muscles by players. Commonly used by American football players and technique that is extremely effective in that sport as well.

A small investment in potable spas is probably worth making for a couple of reasons. First it beats getting your players injured, especially key players like Cesc, Gallas, Persie and others. On top of that with a portable spas facility at the camp will probably save time to going to a spa or any other form of hot tub facility.

I have a strong feeling that this suggestion will go unnoticed at levels were it really matters but I feel important measurements need to be taken to have a more consistent squad and team performance. Honestly like I just said a minor investment into things like hot tubs and spas could go a long way for the team. Course we will always need some more quality signings and hopefully better strategies going into the next season.

This is a guest article.

Injury ravaged Czech midfielder Tomáš Rosický has been penciled in to end his year long exile from football for the Arsenal Reserves in March.

The 28-year-old versatile play-maker returned to light training on Monday morning, and despite his steady progress, plans are already being made to step up his rehabilitation.

One of Neil Banfield’s various duties is to provide a link between the first team and Reserves – something that not only eases the transition for many young players into Arsène Wenger’s plans, but it also allows Banfield the opportunity to call on the experienced and mature members of the first team who may be frozen out at the moment.

A whole host of famous faces have got their fitness back playing for the second string – with Eduardo and Amaury Bischoff the latest two cases of players who are currently turning out for Banfield’s side in a bid to get their sharpness back.

March sees the Reserves open with a home tie against West Ham, before further skirmishes with West Brom and Chelsea before the month is out. March will prove to be the final full month of fixtures of the Reserves League South season, although several friendlies are expected to be arranged.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Welcome to the first in what we hope we will be a long running feature on Young Guns – our Podcast.

The first episode has been a long time in creation, and whilst unfortunately this one is a little late, we hope you can get the general idea of how things will be in the future. Coming up in this episode –

• Introduction To The Podcast Team
• Jay Emmanuel-Thomas Profile
• Loan Watch Analysis
• General Podcast News
• & Lots Of General Waffle

Things are a little rough at the moment, but we hope by number 10 we will have a well organised and enjoyable cast. Stay tuned to the site for more Podcast news in the next few days.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Győri ETO FC defender Máté Tóth recently completed a 7 day trial with Arsenal, and despite extensive coverage of his travel to North London in the Hungarian press, Managing Director Tibor Klement has slammed suggestions his player is set for an imminent transfer.

Young Guns was the first English source to reveal that centre back Tóth was on his way to London Colney for a trial, and in a statement on Győri’s official website, Klement was frustrated that the information was leaked.

“The players agent specifically requested that neither the supporters or media were informed of Máté’s trip to England. Győri FC kept to this request.”

The 18-year-old is thought of as a future star in the developing football country of Hungary. His talents have already seen him play for the likes of Kerületi TTVE, Ferencváros, Újpest, Empoli – and as of July 2008 – Győri.

It was Tóth’s performances for the Hungarian Under 19 side that attracted Arsenal’s attention, but despite a week passing since the completion of the trial, Klement says there has been no further contact between the club’s.

“A letter was received today – from Arsenal Football Club – where they expressed their thanks for having the opportunity to give the player a trial.”

“The letter went on to add that on day two Máté suffered an ankle injury and was unable to take part in further training. With this in mind, Máté returned to Hungary shortly afterwards.”

“Both club’s are not even close to sitting down and discussing any transfer. “

Although the Gunners are yet to firm up any interest with an offer, Máté will take heart from Francis Coquelin who still completed a switch to Arsenal despite having his trial ended prematurely by injury.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Should Arsenal beat Sunderland and progress into the latter stages of the F.A Youth Cup on Friday night, they will no doubt have fellow Londoners Charlton Athletic to thank.

Injuries sustained to first choice stopper James Shea and his back up Charlie Mann saw Steve Bould spend most of last week rushing around trying to organise a replacement.

Polish stalwart Wojciech Szczęsny is still recovering after breaking both his arms before Christmas, so the young Gunners were facing the real threat of not having a goalkeeper for the clash with Southampton yesterday, and for Friday’s Cup game with Sunderland.

However, Head of Youth Development officer Liam Brady used his connections with the Irish Football Association to wrangle a deal with The Addicks for their second choice Reserves stopper Harry Lee – who represents The Republic of Ireland at Under 18 level.

Lee arrived on Thursday and was given his debuttwo days later down on the blustery South Coast as Bould’s boys took on a tenacious and well organised Southampton. He kept a clean sheet until the final 28 minutes where an 8 goal melee insumed – Arsenal’s new number one let in three – but was still on the winning side thanks to some killer finishing from his colleagues.

Harry spent time cutting his teeth with Maidstone United last season, where he earned plaudits for his mature and commanding displays. He turns 18 next month and will be hoping he can do enough to get a permanent stay in North London. But with fellow countryman Sean McDermott arriving in the summer, it remains unlikely.

The Sidcup based stopper will start between the sticks on Friday, and looks set to play a key role in any chances the youngsters have in making the next stage.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal and Southampton played out a thriller on the South coast this afternoon, as an amazing 8 goals in 30 minutes saw a poor game finish up as an outstanding example youth football.

Steve Bould was able to bring back several of his outstanding Youth Cup prospects, and with an injury to Charlie Mann, in came new signing Harry Lee for his debut between the sticks.

Lee
Eastmond – Blackwood – Ayling – Evina
Deacon – Frimpong – Thomas – Watt
Sunu – Freeman

Both sides struggled to settle in the awful conditions, but eventually Arsenal showed their dominance when skipper Jay Emmanuel-Thomas danced inside and shot just wide.

Charlton Athletic loanee Lee was then forced into making his first save since joining the Gunners, as the hosts kicked on. The half time whistle came and went but there was still no serious chances – changes were needed.

Bould then looked to his bench for match winning inspiration, and minutes later Özyakup and Afobe came on. However, their entrance had the reverse effect as Southampton bagged two goals in quick succession.

However, Arsenal then showed their character and took the game to the Saints. Oğuzhan Özyakup bagged a superb brace, before an own goal put the visitors in front. Gilles Sunu thought he’d made the game safe with a 4th, until Southampton found another from nowhere.

At 4-3 Bould’s boys could have panicked, but they kept their heads and the hard working Jay Emmanuel-Thomas capped off an excellent display with his 9th of the season.

Article By – J.Sanderson