Pedro Botelho added to his blossoming reputation over the weekend, by bagging a goal and assist as FC Cartagena beat Huesca 2-0.
The versatile youngster is enjoying this fourth season on loan in the Spanish Segunda, but is set to finally link up with Arsenal in the summer. His form with Cartagena has been promising all season; adding up to three goals and masses of assists in 28 appearances.
You can watch Pedro’s latest goal and assist by clicking here.
Arsène Wenger will hand Ignasi Miquel the chance to break into Arsenal’s first-team following confirmation of Johan Djourou’s shoulder injury, which will rule him out for the remainder of the season.
Miquel has started just twice for Arsenal, playing both games against Leyton Orient in the fifth round of the FA Cup. The Spaniard turned in impressive shifts in both games, and with Djourou joining Thomas Vermaelen on the injury list, he is set for a greater role in the title run in.
Wenger does have the option to recall loanee Kyle Bartley from Rangers, subject to the Scottish outfit agreeing to terminate the deal and Arsenal paying compensation. However, this is seen as an unlikely option.
That leaves French duo Laurent Koscielny and Sébastien Squillaci for the short-term, with Ignasi set to train full time with the first-team ahead of potentially securing a place for next season.
The 19-year-old has previously admitted he expected to leave on loan.
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Arsenal are facing a potential goalkeeping headache following Tuesday nights Champions League clash with Barcelona, which saw Wojciech Szczęsny substituted with a hand injury. He joins fellow Pole Łukasz Fabiański on the treatment table.
The full extent of Szczęsny’s injury is as yet unknown, but reports emerged during half time at the Nou Camp that the youngster had ruptured the ligaments in his hand, which would end his season. Manuel Almunia replaced Wojciech, and he is currently Arsenal’s only fully fit first team stopper.
Arsène Wenger does have loanees Vito Mannone and James Shea to recall, but both are also carrying small knocks. Mannone missed Hull City’s 1-0 defeat to Burnley yesterday with a recurrence of a thigh injury. The Italian will have tests on the problem, but the Tigers fear the worst, and have re-signed Brad Guzan from Aston Villa as cover.
That leaves Reserve team ‘keeper Shea, who’s loan spell with Southampton is due to expire in two weeks, and Argentine Emi Martínez, who is only just starting to hold down a regular slot for Neil Banfield’s second string.
More information will be available following scans to both Szczęsny and Mannone’s injuries.
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 was an unused substitute as West Brom beat Birmingham City 3-1.
Kyle Bartley played the full 90 minutes as Rangers beat St Mirren 1-0. Bartley started on the left of three centre backs in a back five, but it was going forward where he had his biggest impact. In the 24th minute, Kyle headed home Madjid Bougherra’s cross for what proved to be the winner.
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas started and played 80 minutes for Cardiff City as they lost 2-0 to Ipswich Town. Emmanuel-Thomas turned in a typically mixed shift, but did have two powerful shots brilliantly saved by Martin Fulop. The second effort squirmed under Fulop’s arm but looped inches over the bar.
Henri Lansbury started and played 81 minutes for Norwich City as they drew 1-1 with Preston North End. Lansbury had few chances to extend his recent goal scoring run in what proved to be a scrappy game.
Sanchez Watt came off the bench with just injury time remaining as Leeds United beat Doncaster Rovers 5-2 at Elland Road. Watt replaced Max Gradel on the wing as Simon Grayson looked to pass time.
Vito Mannone played the full 90 minutes as Hull City beat Nottingham Forest 1-0. Mannone returned to the Hull team following injury, and he continued his unbeaten run in the Tigers team, claiming another clean sheet. Vito had one of his more quieter games, but did made several punches and saves as Forest looked for a late equaliser.
Craig Eastmond started and played 61 minutes for Millwall as they lost 1-0 to Watford. Eastmond was involved in the build up to Millwall’s best chance of the game, which saw Steve Morisson smash over the bar. Craig was withdrawn just after the hour mark as the Lions searched for an equaliser.
Benik Afobe came off the bench at half time as Huddersfield Town drew 1-1 with Yeovil Town. Afobe replaced Lee Novak at the break, with Town down to 10 men. He had a handful of chances to win the game in the final stages, but Stephen Henderson in the Yeovil goal saved well.
James Shea was not included in the Southampton team that beat Colchester United 2-0.
Mark Randall was an unused subsitute for Rotherham as they drew 0-0 with Barnet.
Gavin Hoyte will not play again this season after suffering medial ligament damage.
Ryo Miyaichi played the full 90 minutes on the left wing as Feyenoord beat Heerenveen 1-0. Miyaichi had one of his quietest games yet in what proved to be a physical match. The winger did his bit tracking back to defend, but saw little of the ball in attacking situations.
Francis Coquelin came off the bench to play the final 28 minutes as Lorient drew 0-0 with Nancy. Coquelin completed the match in his usual holding role berth after recent spells at right back. Gilles Sunu not included in the squad.
Armand Traoré started and played 85 minutes for Juventus as they lost 1-0 to AC Milan. Traoré was making his first start after a long standing injury, but had a poor game, with Milan consistently attacking down the right flank.
Wellington Silva was not included in the Levante team that took on Espanyol this afternoon.
Pedro Botelho played the full 90 minutes as FC Cartagena lost 2-0 to Gimnàstic. Botelho, who has enjoyed a recent winning streak at left back, returned to a position on the left of a front three. He did have one good chance to score, but sliced an effort wide of the target.
Samuel Galindo missed UD Salamanca’s 0-0 draw with Granada through injury.
Feyenoord have opened talks with Arsenal over extending Ryo Miyaichi’s loan deal. The Japanese winger only joined the Dutch outfit in January, but plans are afoot for talks over a second spell in the Eredivise.
Miyaichi has proved to be a revelation in Holland since completing a short term move on transfer deadline day. His performances have earned rave reviews and, naturally, mass attention from his home land. The news broke this week that the Japan national team selectors are now considering the youngster for two June friendlies, and the Copa America tournament, which takes place a month later.
The 18-year-old needs international caps in order to speed up his work permit application, but even if Ryo does play in all the games being talked about, he would still fall short of the critera needed to be granted a permit in the summer. However, Arsenal are still expected to try again.
Technical Director Leo Beenhakker has held low level talks over Miyaichi, but the full negotiations will be handled by Beenhakker’s replacement, Martin van Geel. He will leave Roda JC in the summer, and his first task is to convince Arsene Wenger to leave the speedy winger in Rotterdam.
Van Geel admitted he had been watching Miyaichi’s development in recent matches in an interview with De Telegraaf.
“It is wonderful that such a talented boy can play for Feyenoord. I have seen his first few matches and I’ve only seen great things from him.”
Arsenal still plan for Ryo to return to London in the summer for pre-season training.
Carlos Vela continued his ‘super sub’ antics by coming off the bench to score again for West Brom this evening, this time against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium. Vela also struck to earn a point last weekend, at home to Wolves.
Baggies boss Roy Hodgson had said Vela was ready to start games after fitness problems, but surprisingly left him on the bench for the trip to Stoke. However, with the already under pressure Hodgson set for defeat, Carlos entered the game in the 82nd minute.
He instantly changed the momentum against Wolves last week, and he did the same tonight. The 21-year-old took just 5 minutes to make his mark, starting a move on the left, before working the ball wide to Somen Tchoyi. His deflected cross found Vela who was poaching in the box. He finished, to send the visiting fans wild.
However, the goal did have a hint of offside, which left Stoke manager Tony Pulis fuming. Vela had two further chances to win the game, but Asmir Begović saved brilliantly on both occasions.
Gary Giessing has spent the last 11 years training and developing Arsenal’s potential stars of the future. Now, he must find them. The South African coach has swapped his coaching role for a scout position at the Academy.
Giessing has worked with the very first fruits of the Academy after its re-form by Arsene Wenger. That crop included the likes of Henri Lansbury, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and Sanchez Watt. However, the notable name in the group is Jack Wilshere. The 45-year-old explained to Times Live the moment he first saw Wilshere.
“I first saw Wilshere play eight years ago, when I was assisting with the Under 12 side. He was one of the best we had at the time, but not necessarily one that you’d say was 100% certain to be a player. He was probably in the top three, and he has come to the fore at a young age, but there are others who are a bit older, like Henri Lansbury and Sanchez Watt, with similar potential.
“What you’ve got in Wilshere is a boy who absolutely hates losing. It’s a Roy Keane thing. If one of his teammates got kicked, you could always bet your bottom dollar that Jack would return the favour, sometimes legally and sometimes not. He’s very competitive, but also very level-headed.”
“Jack is probably going to be better than everybody is expecting.”
Gary was born and raised in Johannesburg, but moved to England after the sudden death of his brother. The firm focus on football took his mind of the trauma. After working at non-league side Hendon, he was recognised as a promising coach and signed by Arsenal.
He went on to speak about some of the training drills he uses to develop players and what qualities they must show in return.
“At Arsenal, we put enormous emphasis on ball retention in tight spots, the technical ability to receive and pass the ball.”
“But you can talk about drills until you’re blue in the face. The coach has to teach the players how to think before receiving the ball, what considerations to make, and how to implement his decisions. For me, a ’4 v 2′ drill is better, because then the player has to think about two defenders.”
“The unteachable thing we look for is football intelligence. Certain players have the ability to see the bigger picture, and there can be a big difference in that ability between one six-year-old and another.”
“When we’re looking at a player, we want to tick four boxes: football intelligence, technical ability, attitude and physical attributes – speed, strength and height. Height isn’t an issue for midfielders, though it is for strikers and defenders. If he’s not tall, or if he has attitude problems, then he has to tick the other three boxes.”
The South African returns home often, but he revealed that Arsenal don’t scout that market, due to the work permit situation. Giessing says this is why Mamelodi Sundowns defender Siyanda Xulu failed a trial, because the cost of recruitment and loaning before he even plays for the club is around £5 million.
A deal for Xulu may have fallen through, but according to Arsenal’s latest scout, there is a number of exciting options already in the system.
“There’s an 18-year-old Dutch-Turkish central midfielder, Oğuzhan Özyakup, who reminds me of Fàbregas. And we have a 13-year-old at the moment, who I can’t name, who I think is a genius.”
Having learned over the years what qualities are needed to make the break through at Arsenal, few are better positioned to find future talent like Gary Giessing.
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 was not in action this weekend, as West Brom played on Monday.
Kyle Bartley played the full 90 minutes as Rangers beat St Johnstone 4-0. Bartley played alongside Majid Bougherra at centre back in a 4-4-2 formation. The youngster did concede a handful of free-kicks but made some key blocks as Rangers claimed an important win in their hunt for the title.
Aaron Ramsey played the full 90 minutes for Cardiff City as they beat Hull City 2-0. Ramsey, making his final appearance for the Bluebirds before returning to Arsenal, had one of his quietest games, in an end-to-end affair. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas came off the bench with 10 minutes left and scored the second, with a superb volleyed finish.
Henri Lansbury played the full 90 minutes as Norwich City beat Barnsley 2-0. Lansbury delivered a number of excellent crosses, but did look tired towards the end of the game.
Sanchez Watt came off the bench to play the final 29 minutes of Leeds United’s 3-0 defeat to Swansea City. Watt struggled for service as Swansea won comfortably.
Vito Mannone was an unused substitute as Hull City lost 2-0 to Cardiff City.
Craig Eastmond was an unused substitute as Millwall drew 0-0 with Nottingham Forest.
Benik Afobe started and played 84 minutes for Huddersfield Town as they drew 2-2 with Leyton Orient. Afobe was dangerous right from the off. His right wing cross was turned in by strike partner Jordan Rhodes after just 3 minutes for the perfect start. Afobe turned in one of his best shifts yet, winning the Man of the Match award.
James Shea was an unused substitute for Southampton as they beat Swindon Town 4-1.
Mark Randall was an unused substitute for Rotherham as they lost 4-2 to Burton Albion.
Gavin Hoyte missed Lincoln City’s 4-2 defeat to Barnet through injury.
Ryo Miyaichi started and played 86 minutes for Feyenoord as they beat FC Groningen 5-1. Miyaichi kept his place on the left of the front three and again turned in an impressive display, despite nursing a rib injury. He set up Georginio Wijnaldum’s second goal, cutting the ball back from the touchline. Ryo then helped Wijnaldum get his hat-trick, by winning a penalty which was converted.
Francis Coquelin started and played 51 minutes for Lorient against Valenciennes before being sent off. The Frenchman returned to the Lorient team following injury, and was unlucky to receive the second yellow card for a sloppy foul. Gilles Sunu came off the bench with only stoppage time left.
Armand Traoré was an unused substitute as Juventus lost 2-0 to Bologna.
Wellington Silva was an unused substitute as Levante beat Osasuna 2-1.
Pedro Botelho played the full 90 minutes for Cartagena as they lost 2-0 to Córdoba. Despite previously keeping clean sheets when at left back, Botelho was moved to a role in the front three. He received little service as Córdoba cruised to victory.
Samuel Galindo missed UD Salamanca’s 4-0 defeat to Alcorcon through injury.
Ignasi Miquel has revealed how he rejected a return to former club Barcelona in 2008; to sign for Arsenal. The Catalan club offered the centre back a return to La Masia after previously releasing him.
Miquel was speaking to AS.com in the week he made his debut for the Arsenal first-team, but the 18-year-old began by discussing his difficult journey to North London, and the offers he received.
“You learn to fight. When you get kicked out of Barcelona, you go down a bit because you think ‘a team like that says you can’t make it’. Then you think ‘you will not be able to continue in football’. I continued because I like it, and in the end I was lucky.”
“At 16 I was at UD Cornellà. Then came another offer from Barcelona, they wanted me again. I didn’t know what to do. My parents said I should stay at Barcelona, as this meant staying at home. But then Arsenal’s offer came and I said I wanted to go. They fully supported me.”
Ignasi then went to discuss his debut, admitting he felt he was ready to play, but that ultimately Arsène Wenger knows when the right time is to give an opportunity to a young player.
“I really wanted to play in the first-team, but those decisions are down to the manager. He knows more than you do about yourself. But I’m very happy anyway. A debut is debut, its amazing.”
The cultured defender is expected to have an experience building loan move next season.