Author: Staff Writer

On-loan Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny has confirmed he will return from his spell with Brentford on the 20th of December where he will study several ‘interesting offers’ before deciding on a second stint away from the club. The Poland international admits there is also a potential move to Italy on the cards.

Wojciech completed his 5th game for the Bees on Saturday where he made a handful of fantastic saves to keep out Leeds United. Notably from Jermaine Beckford where he tipped his lob onto the bar in the closing stages. The 19-year-old was given the Man of the Match award which included a bottle of champagne and a voucher for a meal for two people. The shy Pole didn’t enjoy the attention the prize brought which even saw Leeds fans asking for pictures.

“Come on now, I do not like these things, everyone is looking at you, do not know what to say!”

Brentford fans have been waxing lyrical about keeping the ‘keeper for an extended period but Szczęsny has revealed he, and Arsenal ,have alternate plans.

“They [Brentford] would like to me to stay, but I have more interesting proposals. I will return to Arsenal, and probably in mid-January, once again go out on loan. Maybe in England, perhaps to Italy. A potential move has not been agreed yet. But of course – I want to be Arsenal’s number one.”

The 195cm full Poland international still trains three times a week with Arsenal, only making the 40 minute journey across London for matches and key meetings. Charlton have previously attempted to sign the prospect but Arsene Wenger is looking for a Premier League or alternative top flight club to really test the credentials of one of the most promising glovesmen in Europe.

His penalty saving prowess and superb reflexes have all been on show at Griffin Park and with the first-team goalkeeping situation far from settled, could this youngster be Arsenal’s saviour?

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal’s Under 16’s saw their topsy-turvy campaign take another twist yesterday as their winning run came to an end with a 2-1 defeat against Norwich City in a chilly Norfolk.

Steve Gatting had to make do without the services of strikers Zak Ansah and Nigel Neita while holding midfielder Callum Webb was also missing. However, there was still several notable names including internationals Luke Chambers, Joe Jones and Steven Smith. James Campbell continued at left back.

Without leading goal getter Ansah – who was on target for the Under 18’s – Gatting’s young charges struggled to convert their chances. Norwich bagged two quick fire goals before exciting midfielder Samir Bihmoutine crashed home a concellation. Jeffrey Monakana left the field nursing a badly bruised arm, which fortunately wasn’t broken.

The Under 16’s now go into the winter break with a few hoping to kick on into the F.A Youth Cup side.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal’s Under 18’s extended their unbeaten run to four games this morning after beating their Norwich City counterparts 3-1 at the Canaries’ Norfolk based Colney ground. A brace from Benik Afobe coupled with a Zak Ansah strike did the damage.

Steve Bould rotated his squad and formation ahead of Wednesday’s F.A Youth Cup 3rd round clash with Crewe. Jamie Edge and Jernade Meade were handed rare starts in a midfield diamond while Under 16 leading scorer Zak Ansah was given a chance to establish himself in the Academy League. Sean McDermott returned from injury to replace James Dunn in goal and Benik Afobe and Oğuzhan Özyakup also featured right from the off after being substitutes in the Reserves.

McDermott
Byles – Obed – Ayling – Brislen-Hall
Yennaris
Edge – Meade
Özyakup
Ansah – Afobe

Subs:- Dunn, Boateng, Webb, Neita.

Norwich City have previously proved tricky opposition for Bould’s boys but the under strength Gunners cruised to victory against their hosts strongest XI. Arsenal threatened to run away with it in the first half as Oğuzhan Özyakup twice unlocked the back four for Zak Ansah – he could and should have done better.

Yet Zak’s strike partner, Benik Afobe, would do the damage. After first stealing the ball from the City backline and racing through to finish, the powerful frontman slotted home from the edge of the box after being put through one-on-one by Jernade Meade. Two emphatic finishes gave Arsenal a 2-0 half time lead.

The second half was a tighter affair but Afobe once more proved to be a handful. After pacing the back four he picked out strike partner Ansah who made no mistake from close range. His 1st of the season at this level.

There was chance for a Norwich concellation when Rhema Obed’s clumsy challenge in the box saw the referee point to the spot. The hosts scored but Afobe’s 9th and 10th goals from his 12 games this term combined with assist for Ansah meant Arsenal took the points back to London.

Article By – J.Sanderson

On Tuesday night, against Fulham Reserves on a cold, blustery and miserable winters night, Neil Banfield unleashed one of Arsenal’s most exciting hidden gems. A player the club have tried to keep hidden from the spotlight, quietly confident they have another outstanding prospect on their hands. After just 65 minutes, the secret was out. Chukwuemeka Aneke is a player to watch out for.

Hailing from Forest Gate, East London, but of Nigerian decent, ‘Chuks’ Aneke has been making small yet significant waves at youth level in a similar way to that of a certain Jack Wilshere. A tall, powerful, rangy central midfielder, to look at, Aneke is a big, physical battering ram. Yet beneath his appearance, lys an elegant, composed and technically gifted box-to-box attacker.

Aneke’s first season as a scholar is going well. Three Under 18 goals and numerous assists proves he can cut the mustard in the quick, competitive world of Academy league football. Last season’s Under 16 captain played out the dying embers of last years campaign with Steve Bould’s outfit, and he shone.

Already well over the 6 foot mark and still growing, many have argued that his physical nature gives him the age against similar aged players. So therefore when faced with seasoned internationals Kagisho Dikgacoi and Andranik Teymourian on Tuesday evening, he would fail to dominate, right? wrong. Chuks used his nifty feet to jink beyond Iranian Teymourian, then his power to bully Dikgacoi. After 65 minutes the pace got to him, but after almost unlocking Fulham three times with some superb vision, his talent was there for all to see.

The 16-year-old is set to be one of the driving forces in Arsenal’s bid to retain both the F.A Youth Cup and Academy League titles in the coming months. Expect the midfielder, named by Arsène Wenger as ‘technically perfect’, to be one of the driving influences.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Kyle Bartley admits there is a chance he may be leaving Arsenal in January with a loan move being mooted after completing 90 minutes  of Champions League football on his professional debut against Olympiacos last night.

The Reserve team captain, part of last season’s Under 18 double winning side, spoke to Arsenal TV Online shortly after the full-time whistle in Greece. The 18-year-old may consider himself a little unlucky that his rash, aggressive tackle from the back opened up space for Leonardo to slot home the winner – the only blot on his otherwise impressive copybook. Bartley, however, was just thankful for the opportunity.

“When I was 16 I moved from Bolton. It was a great move because I’ve improved as a player so much and the boss has given me a chance, and I thank him for that.”

Handfuls of managers up and down the country will no doubt have made checks on the likes of Thomas Cruise, Jack Wilshere and of course Kyle last night, and when quizzed on his goals for the future, the giant centre half admits he has many options open.

“I’m not sure [what’s next]. Maybe the manager wants me to go out on loan in January, or if he wants me to stay, I’m happy to do that. Whatever the manager wants.”

Arsenal have previously rejected loan offers from football league clubs but after showing he can cut it in the big time, maybe Arsène Wenger will reconsider. That said, with Johan Djourou’s season over and Phillipe Senderos angling for a move away, we could just be seeing more of this highly rated young gun.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsène Wenger’s recording breaking Arsenal XI failed to overcome Olympiacos in Greece this evening, but while many will label the experimental selection a misjudgment by the Frenchman, the already considerable experience being gained by a group of the club’s most promising prospects is priceless.

A rush of blood to the head from Reserve team captain Kyle Bartley two minutes after the half time whistle was the difference as Leonardo exposed the gap in the back four to claim the winner. Some magic from the Gunners’ talented teenage midget gems, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Fran Mérida proved not to be enough.

Thomas Cruise was shaky and a little predictable at left back but he kept things simple on a night when Zico got his tactics spot on to stifle the young Gunners. Carlos Vela and Theo Walcott failed to hit back at their growing critics after wasting a handful of good opportunities to level the scores, but everything went through the Cesc Fàbregas-esque Ramsey in the middle of the park. No wonder the Arsenal captain is worried about his place in the team.

Gilles Sunu looked bright when brought on for the closing stages but in truth, the longer the game went on, the more the comeback seemed to slip away. It wasn’t through lack of trying and with Mikaël Silvestre talking the charges through the contest, the balance seemed right.

The full-time whistle came and as the fans headed for the exits, Wenger’s class of 2009 look a class with much potential and promise. When or if they go on to lead a new wave of Arsenal talents, its night like tonight when the French professor took the gamble in playing them that will have been key in their development.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsène Wenger will hand Jack Wilshere a start tonight against Olympiacos in the biggest game of his already exceptional career. Yet as the 17-year-old takes another large stride on the path to becoming an Arsenal regular, his French mentor will offer up the maestro’s services in the January transfer window in a bid to put the final touches to one of the most promising young starlets in the world.

Wenger has monitored Jack’s development closely but as he physically bulks up and becomes hungrier for minutes, only experience is left to be added to his game. Playing time will be limited to the Cup competitions and occasional Premier League run outs so it’s only natural that the club are considering a host of loan offers.

Celtic, Middlesbrough and West Brom are all believed to be making checks on the England Under 21 international and a solid performance in Greece tonight could be the rubber stamp on outfits firming up their interest. Wenger admits the subject is ‘sensitive’ as he wants to find the right move before sending Wilshere out.

“Jack is impatient to play and he wants to play. He has the quality of a top-level player but he is still very young to throw in every week in the Premier League.”

“We have had a few enquiries about him. But it is always a sensitive subject to give the players out on loan because you must trust the manager that they will play them.”

Arsenal are always looking for sides who play good quality football so the Championship looks to be a more likely option rather than the more ruthless top flight, but whether Wenger allows the youngster to fly the nest for the final 3 months of the season, it’s as yet unknown. However, should Jack star tonight, clubs will no doubt form a queue.

Article By – J.Sanderson

In today’s modern, health driven world, we’re always looking for ways to cut out things that are bad for us in return for a longer, more prosperous life. One of the biggest things you can give up is smoking, but this can be a frustrating and difficult addiction to shake.

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Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal Reserves extended their run of defeats to three games this evening after a youthful Gunners side lost 1-0 to a hugely experienced Fulham outfit at Motspur Park. Eddie Johnson’s second half penalty was the difference between the two.

With the majority of the first choice Reserve squad with the first-team in Greece, Neil Banfield selected an inexperienced lineup including a selection of debutants. Sead Hajrovic, Daniel Boateng and Chuks Aneke all made their first starts at this level while the bench was made up of Under 18 regulars. Fulham’s outfit was the complete opposite of their visitors with full internationals in the form of Bjørn-Helge Riise, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Seol Ki-Hyeon, Eddie Johnson and Andranik Teymourian all starting.

Shea
Hajrovic – Boateng – Miquel – Evina
Aneke – Frimpong – Henderson
Deacon – Watt (c) – Freeman

Subs:- Dunn, Yennaris, Meade, Özyakup, Afobe.

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