Author: Staff Writer

Loanees: Vela Assists As Afobe Stars

Staff Writer

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. You can read all the latest reports below.

Carlos Vela played the full 90 minutes as West Brom drew 2-2 with Tottenham Hotspur. Vela began on the left wing, and assisted the opener, crossing for Peter Odemwingie to score. The Mexican showed some neat touches in the wide areas, and is set to continue in that role in the coming weeks.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas came off the bench to play the final 13 minutes of Cardiff City’s 2-2 draw with Queens Park Rangers. Emmanuel-Thomas played out the closing stages of the game on the right wing, but struggled to get involved.

Henri Lansbury came off the bench to play the final 14 minutes of Norwich City’s 5-1 win over Ipswich Town. The midfielder had little to do after coming on, but did work a great chance for Andrew Surman, only for his volley to fly inches over the bar.

Vito Mannone started and played 45 minutes of Hull City’s 4-2 defeat to Middlesbrough. Mannone was withdrawn at half time after suffering a re-occurance of a long standing shoulder injury.

Sanchez Watt came off the bench to play the final 9 minutes of Leeds United’s 0-0 draw against Reading. Watt almost scored the winner in the closing stages of the game, when he flicked the ball past Alex McCarthy, only for him to poke the follow up wide. It was his first appearance after returning from a number of knocks.

Craig Eastmond was not included in the Millwall squad that beat Preston North End 4-0.

Benik Afobe played 76 minutes as Huddersfield Town beat The MK Dons 3-1. Afobe turned in another Man of the Match display, which included winning a late penalty. Benik asked to take it, but was refused by Scott Arfield who missed.

Mark Randall was an unused substitute as Rotherham United drew 2-2 with Northampton Town.

Ryo Miyaichi played the full 90 minutes as Feyenoord beat PSV 3-1. Miyaichi showed some bright early touches, but found it difficult to be involved late on, as he was double marked.

Francis Coquelin started and played 85 minutes as Lorient drew 1-1 with Lille. Coquelin played on the right of midfield, and turned in an impressive shift. After a quiet first half, he made an impression in the second, making several key tackles and stamping out the threat of reported Arsenal-target Eden Hazard. Gilles Sunu was an unused substitute.

Armand Traoré was an unused substitute as Juventus drew 2-2 with Catania.

Wellington Silva was not included in the Levante side that lost 4-1 to Atletico Madrid.

Pedro Botelho played the full 90 minutes as FC Cartagena drew 1-1 with Real Valladolid. Botelho returned after suspension to play the whole game at left back, although did cause danger in attacking areas, delivering a handful of crosses from the wing.

Samuel Galindo was a stoppage time substitute as UD Salamanca beat Girona FC 1-0. Galindo came off the bench in the 92nd minute, as The Union looked to run the clock down.

Dallas Cup Semi-Final: Arsenal 0-2 Frankfurt

Staff Writer

Arsenal crashed out of the Dallas Cup at the semi-final stage this morning, losing 2-0 to Eintracht Frankfurt. An early goal from Okan Durci set the Germans on their way, before a late Dustin Ernst strike wrapped it up, on a frustrating night in America.

Steve Bould was rocked by a late injury to Luke Freeman before kick off, but looked to compensate by bringing Jeffrey Monakana in for his first start of the competition. Roarie Deacon led the line, while Josh Rees was surprisingly left on the bench.

ARSENAL: Martínez; Hajrovic, Boateng, Angha; Brislen-Hall; Frimpong, Ebecilio; Monakana, Ozyakup, Henderson; Deacon.

Arsenal began slowly in every one of their group games, and continued that trend against a defensive and well organised Frankfurt side. Okan Durci almost opened the scoring seconds in, when he collected a sloppy Ozyakup pass and curled a left foot shot that just went over Martínez’s cross bar.

The Gunners tried to press forward, but found their German opponents a difficult match, with their quick and aggressive way of closing the ball down. Deacon then created space in the box after a successful passing move, but after he lost possession, Frankfurt broke away, and grabbed the opener. Schmidt burst away from Hajrovic down the right, and crossed for Durci to turn home from close range. 1-0.

Martínez denied Durci a second shortly after, as he saved brilliantly as the winger tried to go around him. Angha then hacked a header off the line, as Arsenal battled back from the brink. The ineffective Monakana was replaced with Ansah before half time, and it payed instant dividends.

Ansah’s clever lay off on the edge of the box found Frimpong, and he lashed a pile driver that flew just wide. It was a significant chance in a half of few opportunities for Steve Bould’s boys.

A half time re-shuffle saw Montiero replace Frimpong, and the early signs were positive. Arsenal began to pass the ball better, but as the minutes ticked on, they struggled to create any clear chances.

A Henderson free-kick caused panic at the back, but it was cleared, and Frankfurt broke again. The resulting move almost made it 2-0, when a cross-shot from Schmidt looked to have caught Martínez out, only for it to bounce over.

Ansah then headed an Ebecilio cross onto the roof of the net, but the Dallas heat began to get to the players in the closing stages. The coaching staff and impressive gathering of American Gooners tried to urge the team on, but it was to no avail. Substitute Dustin Ernst sealed the win late on, when he finished confidently beyond Martínez. 2-0.

The late strike confirmed the result on a hugely disappointing evening. The loss of Freeman to injury before kick off was no doubt a bitter blow, but Arsenal proved to be one-dimensional against the well organised Germans.

Dallas Cup: Arsenal 3-1 Club Bolivar

Staff Writer

Arsenal wrapped up the group stages of the Dallas Cup with a 3-1 win over Club Bolívar this morning. A brace from Roarie Deacon sandwiched between a Luke Freeman strike saw the Gunners continue their winning ways ahead of a semi-final against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Neil Banfield and Steve Bould resisted the opportunity to rest players ahead of that crunch game, although Jordon Wynter did come into the midfield for his first start of the competition.

ARSENAL: Martínez; Rees, Boateng, Angha, Brislen-Hall; Frimpong, Wynter; Deacon, Özyakup, Henderson, Freeman.

The Gunners were once again slow to get going, and following on from the example The Dallas Texans showed on Monday, Bolívar grabbed themselves an early lead. Emi Martínez was left stranded as a powerful shot deflected off an Arsenal leg and flew into the goal. 1-0.

If starting slow was a trait Arsenal had had acquired, so was quick come backs. Luke Freeman burst clear of the Bolívar defence and rounded the ‘keeper to level the scores, moments after falling behind. 1-1, but they weren’t finished there. On 34 minutes Roarie Deacon turned home from close range after a spilled cross to make it 2-1, and the group leaders headed into the break in front.

A host of half time substitutions combined with solid defending disrupted the flow in the second half, but the Bolivians resilience was finally broken 15 minutes from time. Deacon took a deep cross down on his chest expertly, before cutting inside and lashing his second and Arsenal’s third. 3-1.

The full time whistle brought to an end what had been a solid work out, but for Arsenal, the tournament favourites move on to the semi-final, live on Fox Soccer TV.

Bartley Contemplates Arsenal Exit

Staff Writer

Kyle Bartley will contemplate leaving Arsenal this summer, should Arsène Wenger sign a centre back. The 19-year-old is seeking assurances over his future, amid speculation of a deal for PSG’s Mamadou Sakho.

Bartley is back at Arsenal for treatment after sustaining medial ligament damage during his hugely successful loan spell with Rangers. The youngster earned rave reviews in Scotland, and The Gers have already enquired about a second loan spell, which Arsenal have initially turned down.

The former Bolton trainee is expecting to be rewarded for his impressive displays with a place in the Arsenal first-team, but if that fails to materialise, he is all but certain to ask for a transfer. Future Rangers manager Ally McCoist has already indicated he would be a key part of his plans next season, and they would be willing to double Kyle’s wages, as a sign of just how highly they rate him.

Any potential move away hinges on what business Arsène Wenger does this summer. A move for PSG’s Mamadou Sakho has long since been talked up, and while Arsenal have been keeping tabs on the Frenchman, suggestions of an imminent deal seems wide of the mark.

Bartley is expected back in full training at the end of May.

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Dallas Cup: Arsenal 6-0 Chorrillo FC

Staff Writer

Arsenal sealed their place in the semi-finals of the Dallas Cup after beating Chorrillo FC 6-0 this evening. Penalties either side of half time from Conor Henderson and Luke Freeman set the Gunners on their way, before Josh Rees, a second from Freeman, an Oguzhan Özyakup penalty, and a Zak Ansah strike sealed the result.

Steve Bould rotated his side from the 5-1 win over The Dallas Texans earlier in the day, making four changes, including between the sticks, with Sean McDermott replacing Emi Martinez.

ARSENAL: McDermott; Hajrovic, Boateng, Angha, Brislen-Hall; Özyakup, Ebecilio; Deacon, Henderson, Rees; Freeman.

Arsenal began with a swagger but struggled to break down their Panamanian opponents, as their solid defensive approach paid dividends in the opening moments.

The Gunners did eventually find a way through though, but after Henderson found Freeman in the box, a smart header on the line denied the opening goal. It proved to be a common theme, as minutes later Chorrillo had an effort cleared off the line, after a flap by McDermott. However, a foul was called in the build up.

Chorrillo then had a selection of chances for themselves as the half wore on, but solid defending from Angha, plus the excellent reflexes of McDermott kept the scores level. Arsenal continued to push on, and with the half time whistle approaching, they found a lucky break through. Rees was clipped down in the box, and Henderson converted a soft looking spot kick for 1-0.

Özyakup could have made it 2-0 with the final kick of the half, but his stunning volley smacked the bar and was cleared.

The half time interval gave Chorrillo renewed impetus, but just as they began to get a foot hold, Arsenal got another penalty for what looked like a harsh call for a hand ball. Freeman stepped up, and although he slipped, the ball hit the back of the net. 2-0.

Arsenal continued to push for another, and sealed the result when Deacon’s left wing cross was thumped in by Rees in the box. 3-0, but they weren’t finished yet. Ansah came off the bench and he was involved a move with saw Freeman cut in from the left and lash home a fourth from the edge of the box. 4-0.

A flood of changes then slowed the tempo down, before two combined for a fifth. Boateng’s ball out from the back fed Ansah in the box, he turned away from goal but was pushed to the floor. A third Arsenal penalty, converted this time by Özyakup. 5-0.

A late red card for an elbow on Özyakup summed up what had been a horrible game for Chorrillo FC. But Arsenal were not finished yet. After two brilliant saves from McDermott, they broke, and a sublime finish over the ‘keeper from Ansah made it 6-0.

The win sees Arsenal march on into the knock out phase, safe in the knowledge they can rest players for their final group game against Club Bolivar on Wednesday.

Dallas Cup: Arsenal 5-1 Dallas Texans

Staff Writer

Arsenal kicked off their Dallas Cup SuperGroup campaign in style this morning, coming from behind to thrash The Dallas Texans 5-1. Goals from Conor Henderson, Roarie Deacon, Luke Freeman and a brace from Josh Rees sealed the win.

Neil Banfield’s boys came into the game knowing Club Bolivar had beaten Chorrillo FC 2-1 in Bracket A, so a three goal margin would put them top. However, Corinthians and Barcelona had been beaten by American sides earlier in the day, so the Gunners knew they faced an up hill task.

ARSENAL: Martínez; Hajrovic, Boateng, Monterio, Bihmoutine; Frimpong, Ebecilio; Deacon, Özyakup, Henderson; Freeman

The Dallas Texans promised they would mean business this week, and followed that mandate straight from the off set. A slick team move saw Douglas find space on the edge of the box, but his volley ended up inches wide.

As Arsenal struggled to get into the game, the hosts kicked on. A hopeful ball over the top caused panic in the back line, leading to Martínez coming racing out of his goal. He got nowhere near the ball, and clattered into Richardson. Despite the huge protests from the crowd, no penalty was given.

The Texans would have their revenge shortly after, though. Arsenal failed to deal with a simple free-kick, and Eduardo Aranda was on hand to turn home from close range. 1-0, and thoroughly deserved.

It could have been more just minutes later, when a long throw was lashed just wide by Aranda, before Richardson smacked the bar with a neat volley. Özyakup then looked to respond with a rare Arsenal chance, but his free-kick hit the wall and was easily cleared.

Arsenal won another just before half time, but this time Henderson stepped up to take it. He curled the ball expertly, and despite a deflection, it flew into the net. 1-1 and the Gunners had a foot hold to build on.

Freeman showed off Arsenal’s growing confidence with a flick header that went just wide in first half stoppage time, before an injection of quality saw the visitors take the lead. Özyakup’s delightful through ball found Deacon, and as the ‘keeper rushed out, he finished well to put the Gunners in front at the break. 2-1.

Banfield rotated at half time, bringing on George Brislen-Hall in place of Bihmoutine. It may have a been a tactical change to combat the attacking threat of Richardson, but his second half only lasted a matter of minutes, as the Texan forward was dismissed for a second yellow card.

Arsenal pressed home their advantage, and all but sealed the win when Freeman bundled home Özyakup’s corner, after a shot from Ebecilio. 3-1, and no way back for The Texans.

Frimpong came off shortly after, with the Ghanaian looking a little tired in the midfield. Josh Rees replaced him, and he added the icing to the cake in the closing stages, with a delightful header to make it 4-1. He followed that up with another shortly after, finishing a fine through ball, for what proved to be the final meaningful action of the game.

The full time whistle brought to an end a super start to Arsenal’s Dallas Cup challenge. The young Gunners recovered well after going behind, and will surely face easier challenges ahead in Chorrillo and Club Bolivar.

Loanees: Miyaichi & Coquelin Bag Goals

Staff Writer

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. You can read all the latest reports below.

Carlos Vela came off the bench to play the final 18 minutes of West Brom’s 3-1 defeat to Chelsea. Vela replaced James Morrison on the left of a five man midfield and looked dangerous in the closing stages. He first won a free-kick after a foul by John Terry, then he skipped down the wing and crossed for Chris Brunt, who headed straight at the ‘keeper.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was not included in Cardiff City team that beat Portsmouth 3-0, due to Football League rules. Emmanuel-Thomas may have scored in midweek, but a ban on more than five on loan players being used in one squad saw him miss the final cut.

Henri Lansbury came off the bench to play the final 30 minutes of Norwich City’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest. Henri made a positive impact after coming on, creating two goal scoring chances for Simeon Jackson with through balls. He almost grabbed one for himself, though, but his stoppage time effort was easy for Lee Camp.

Vito Mannone played the full 90 minutes as Hull City beat Doncaster Rovers 3-1. The Italian only returned to full fitness in midweek, but turned in a solid shift in The Tigers goal, as their promotion push continues.

Sanchez Watt missed Leeds United’s 2-2 draw with Watford through injury.

Craig Eastmond was not included in the Millwall team that lost 2-1 to Coventry.

Benik Afobe started and played 86 minutes of Huddersfield Town’s 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic.

Mark Randall was not included in the Rotherham United team that drew 0-0 with Hereford United.

Ryo Miyaichi played the full 90 minutes and scored twice as Feyenoord beat Willem II 6-1. Miyaichi helped the Rotterdam outfit come from behind, with an assist for Luc Castaignos, before scoring from close range to put the hosts in front. Ryo then bagged another assist, before turning home from close range for Feyenoord’s sixth and final goal.

Francis Coquelin played 82 minutes and scored the winner as Lorient beat Rennes 2-1. Coquelin turned home from close range in the 62nd, for what proved to be the winner. Gilles Sunu came off the bench to play the final six minutes.

Armand Traoré was an unused substitute as Juventus drew 0-0 with Fiorentina

Wellington Silva was not included in the Levante team that beat Hercules 2-1.

Pedro Botelho missed Cartagena’s 5-0 defeat to Real Betis through suspension.

Samuel Galindo was an unused substitute as UD Salamanca lost 1-0 to Las Palmas.

Video: Coquelin Goal v Rennes

Staff Writer

Francis Coquelin is long since earned a reputation as a highly rated defensive midfielder. His ability to protect his back four is summed up by the fact he has failed to have a single shot on target during his time in Ligue One with Lorient.

However, the Frenchman did register his first effort on target today, and scored, as Lorient beat Rennes 2-1. It was his first goal in professional football.

You can watch Francis’ strike here.

Interview: Dallas Cup CEO Gordon Jago

Staff Writer

Arsenal began the long flight to Texas this morning ahead of the clubs first visit to America in the Arsène Wenger era, as a squad made up of Under 19 players challenges for the Dallas Cup.

The Gunners will take part in the competitions show piece, the Gordon Jago SuperGroup, which sees some of the most prestigious names in world football go head-to-head. Arsenal know they could face Barcelona or even the Japan national team if they progress to the knock out stages.

The first of three games in four days kicks off on Sunday, against local side The Dallas Texans. Panama’s Chorrillo FC and Bolivia’s Club Bolivar make up a challenging start to the competition.

To shed some light on what the Dallas Cup is all about, Young Guns caught up with Chief Executive and the man behind the famed SuperGroup, Gordon Jago. He began by giving an introduction to the tournament.

“The Dallas Cup was started by the local Texas Longhorns Soccer Club in 1980 with a total of 36 teams. A far cry from today, which restricts its entry by invitation to 180 teams.”

“We have seven age groups. The SuperGroup Under 19’s, Under 19 and then every age group from Under 17 to Under 13. The SuperGroup attracts the top clubs from around the world, with previous winners including Sao Paulo, Liverpool FC, SC Corinthians, Nottingham Forest FC, Real Madrid, West Ham United FC and Dynamo Moscow.”

“Some of the past players to feature are David Beckham, Robinho, Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, Edu, Peter Crouch, Jermaine Defoe, Landon Donovan, Javier Hernandez, Clint Dempsey and Guiseppe Rossi”.

Arsenal were invited to the competition last year, as a special agreement the organisers have with the Premier League. Gordon went to explain a little more about that, and how he found Arsenal to deal with.

“We have an arrangement with the Premier League whereby the winners each year of the Premier Academy League receive an invite to play in the tournament. Arsenal FC being the winners in 2010, accepted the invitation for this year. They couldn’t come after winning it in 2009, due to other commitments.”

“We contacted Liam Brady the Academy Director and the cooperation from all at Arsenal FC has been first class.”

The Dallas Cup is regarded by many as one the top tournaments in youth football. However, running such an expansive operation on and off the pitch is hard work. Gordon revealed some of the logistics he and his team deal with.

“The logistics are just unbelievable. The Dallas Cup employs four people but has just over 2000 volunteers organized by 32 Committee Chairpersons.”

“We have 180 teams, over 200 referees and 360 games. That works out as 8000 hotel room nights needing to be booked. There is 30 visiting overseas teams involved in our home stay program, whereby the teams players stay with the families of the local Dallas teams that are playing in the tournament. There is around $500,000 in air tickets sold by American Airlines, just for the Dallas Cup.”

“International teams, like Arsenal, will visit Children’s Hospitals, visit local schools for meet and greet, and take advantage of social activities like Pro Baseball and Basket ball games. There is a tour of the New Cowboys Stadium and JFK Memorial center, all organized by the Dallas Cup.”

“As stated, it is incredible that it all comes together, especially as I am supposed to be retired!”

Gordon completed the interview with his view on Arsenal’s new owner, Stan Kroenke.

“It’s a great move by Arsenal. Mr Kroenke will bring all the promotion, marketing and sales expertise from his ownership of American sports teams to Arsenal FC. It’s a very positive move.”

You can follow all the latest on the Dallas Cup right here on Young Guns.