Author: Staff Writer

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlan hits superb England hat-trick

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlan hits superb England hat-trick

Staff Writer

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain just gets better and better. The 18-year-old, who was left out of the squad for Sunday’s North London derby with Tottenham, scored all three goals as England Under-21’s beat Iceland Under-21’s 3-0 in Reykjavik this evening.

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s two goals in two first half minutes helped settle Stuart Pearce’s shaky looking young Lions in the opening stages, before capping off a superb display with an excellent third, beating four players in the build up.

It means the former Southampton prospect, an initial £7 million buy from Southampton in the summer, has five goals in his last three games for club and country. Arsenal may well have to pay out the remaining £5 million in bonuses sooner than they thought.

Feed the Ox, and he will score.

Want to find out all of the latest Gunners scores as they happen? Come to www.footballscores.com to recieve live updates on scores from not just the Gunners, but games being played all over the globe. Come now!

Wojciech Szczęsny targets the Arsenal captaincy after meteoric rise

Wojciech Szczęsny targets the Arsenal captaincy after meteoric rise

Staff Writer

His rise to the Arsenal first-team has been meteoric enough, but goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny is not stopping there. The 21-year-old, who admits he’s already starting to become a leader at the club, is targeting the captaincy.

Szczęsny’s starring performances have been a rare highlight in an otherwise frustrating start to the season, but it wasn’t all plaudits when he first arrived in England. Adapting to a new country, new language, new club and new ways of doing things was daunting enough, but he told the Polish media this week he doesn’t regret a thing.

“It’s the best decision I could make. This is where I really grew up. I am here since I was practically a kid. If I didn’t come here as a teenager, I wouldn’t be able to play at such a high level.”

He goes on to say Arsenal is now his ‘second home,’ before adding some credence to the mischievous rumour this week that Barcelona might be interested, by adding:

“I can’t declare that I will spend my entire career here, but if I leave I will have a very important reason or I will go to Barcelona.”

However true speculation of a move away might be, Szczęsny’s focus is clearly on Arsenal. His role as a key communicator at the back has blossomed, to the point now where the former Brentford loanee feels like a leader.

“I feel that when I say something, everyone listens to me. More so on the field than in the dressing room, but that’s more important I think. In the national team as well as at the club, teammates respect me. I’m not saying I’m the only leader, but I feel I am one of them.”

The level-headed and very likeable youngster is as ambitious as he talented, and while Robin van Persie might be captain at present, Szczęsny has his eyes on leading the team who gave him his big break.

“I want to be the captain of the team. I feel that I am able to take on that responsibility. I always wanted to be captain and if I ever get that honour, I will gladly put on the armband.”

The Poland international is currently nursing a back injury, and while Arsenal fans sweat over the fitness of Thomas Vermaelen, Jack Wilshere and the newly stricken Bacary Sagna, they know the fitness of the inspired Szczęsny is most crucial, with a long season of battles ahead.

Translations via Bartosz Ciurski

Arsenal 2-2 Swansea: Aneke Stars In Draw

Arsenal 2-2 Swansea: Aneke Stars In Draw

Staff Writer

Arsenal’s unbeaten start to the Premier Reserve League season continued this evening, but goals from Luke Freeman and Chuks Aneke were not enough to secure all three points in a 2-2 draw with Swansea City

Neil Banfield warned against Swansea’s flowing football before kick off, but the divison’s newest entrants had shipped eight goals in two games on the road, and were naturally cautious in the opening stages.

Yet it was the visitors carved out the only real chance of the opening exchanges, only for Gwion Edwards to flick Stephen Dobbie’s cross over the bar. However, proceedings exploded into life on the 15 minute mark, when Ryo Miyaichi beat two players out wide, before his cross was turned home by Luke Freeman. 1-0.

It was an goal from nowhere, and with Miyaichi, Chuks Aneke and Sanchez Watt all coming close to a second, the Gunners were not resting on their lead. But as unlikely as Arsenal’s goal was, Swansea matched it with one of their own. Kurtis March got it, lashing in another Dobbie cross for 1-1, as the game approached half time.

Far from being frustrated, Banfield’s young charges appeared energised by the Swansea goal, and were promptly back in front when Oguzhan Özyakup’s corner was met by a flick header from Aneke. 2-1, and much deserved.

The game struggled to get going after the restart, with Dobbie’s drilled free-kick being blocked by Martin Angha and a powerful Zak Ansah drive being turned over by Gerhard Tremmel the only real chances.

Swansea threatened a late push, but after Edwards was withdrawn through injury, any late threat seemed to be lost. However, Dobbie produced a superb last ditch equaliser in the 90th minute, slamming a in a free kick for 2-2.

And that’s how it finished. No three points, but with excellent performances from Aneke and Özyakup among others, Banfield’s boys can be happy with their evening’s work.

Loanees: Bendtner & Campbell On Target

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.

Nicklas Bendtner played the full 90 minutes as Sunderland drew 2-2 with West Brom. Bendtner proved integral in rescuing a point after Sunderland went 2-0 down within the first five minutes. The Danish striker lashed home from just inside the box for 2-1, before his left wing cross was headed home by Ahmed Elmohamady to make it 2-2.

Kyle Bartley missed Rangers’ 1-0 win over Hibernian as he continues to receive treatment on a long standing groin problem

Henri Lansbury played the full 90 minutes as West Ham drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace. Fellow Arsenal loanee Manuel Almunia also started, and was forced to pick the ball out of his net within eight minutes. Lansbury turned in a combative display in midfield, and could have scored on several occasions, including two close range headers.

James Shea was not included in the Dagenham & Redbridge squad that beat Crewe 2-1.

Joel Campbell played the full 90 minutes as Lorient beat Valenciennes 2-0. Campbell, on his first start for the club, bagged the opener in the 22nd minute, turning home from close range. Joel was also involved in the build up to Lorient’s second goal, scored by Yann Jouffre.

Carlos Vela was not included in the Real Sociedad squad that lost 2-1 with Athletic Bilbao.

Wellington Silva was not included in the Levante squad that faced Real Betis.

Pedro Botelho played the full 90 minutes as Rayo Vallecano drew 1-1 with Racing Santander. The Brazilian turned in a good shift out wide, but was lucky to remain on the pitch after a dangerous tackle with 10 minutes remaining.

Samuel Galindo came off the bench to play the final 16 minutes of Gimnàstic’s 3-2 defeat to Villarreal B. Galindo, who picked up an injury last week, was thrown on in an attempt to grab an equaliser, but struggled to get involved.

Angha Catches Wenger's Eye

Staff Writer

As Arsène Wenger injected five experienced acquisitions into his squad in the closing stages of the transfer window, he was keen to stress the days of Arsenal’s youth oriented philosophy were not over.

This week, the Frenchman looked to ramp up the task of blending in those last minute buys, as training intensified ahead of crunch clashes with Olympiakos and Tottenham. Yet despite the importance of these fixtures, a selection of promising Reserve team players were invited to the top table for a work out.

Many of those involved have trained with the first-team before, but the most significant of all was Martin Angha, who has enjoyed not only occasional call ups, but has now spent the last two weeks working with Wenger. It could well prove to be the break through moment for a prospect yet to be handed a big chance shine.

Angha joined Arsenal in the summer of 2009, following a protracted transfer saga. He was spotted playing for home town club FC Zürich in a tournament in Switzerland, and ultimately caught the eye of Gunners scouts by curling home a delightful free-kick as Zürich Under-16’s beat Arsenal Under-16’s 1-0.

He would trial with the club three weeks after that strike, but the deal eventually broke down, before being rekindled a year later. Angha grew up a Gooner, with his only wish every Christmas being not the latest computer game or gadget, but the latest Arsenal kit. His room was packed with mugs, scarfs and photos, all featuring the Cannon badge.

The family waited patiently for the deal with Arsenal to be concluded, even pulling the phone out of the wall to stop other offers coming in. Eventually, he got his dream transfer, and has been quietly working through the ranks ever since.

Angha is a tall, technically brilliant and composed central defender, who has been forced to play right back. He ticks all the boxes of a Wenger-esque player, and his determined and passionate style have seen many of the coaching staff warm to him. All Martin needed was a chance, and in training last week, he settled in well with the first-team.

Wenger hasn’t had a great deal of luck with previous Swiss buys, but Angha has caught his eye and stayed with the setup this week at the expense of the more experienced Danny Boateng and Sead Hajrovic.

Angha is far from the finished product, but having one foot in the door already bodes well for his future prospects.

Oxlade-Chamberlain Stakes His Claim

Staff Writer

He’s the big prospect with the big name who arrived for a big fee this summer, and tonight, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain sent his clearest message yet that he’s ready for a role on the big stage.

With Gervinho injured and Theo Walcott resting a minor knee problem, Oxlade-Chamberlain was handed a starting role as Arsenal looked for their first three points in Champions League Group F against a potentially frustrating Olympiakos side. It was his debut in the competition, but within minutes, he looked at home.

His confidence began to ooze after some efficient early touches, and just as the Emirates faithful were beginning to expect excitement from the 18-year-old, he delivered. An intelligent run across the front of the Olympiakos back four created uncertainty, but Oxlade-Chamberlain kept his composure to lash the ball across Franco Costanzo into the net.

Costanzo told the media before kick off that Arsenal lacked the threat of previous years, but his sides nervous defence struggled to deal with Oxlade-Chamberlain’s unpredictability, direct pace and threat from crosses.

It’s those qualities he showcased against Shrewsbury Town in the Carling Cup last week, but as promising a performance as that was, it’s easy to get carried away against a League Two outfit. Tonight, Olympiakos were a notable upgrade, and offered tests to Oxlade-Chamberlain’s defensive side, in reading of situations, tracking back and shielding the ball.

It’s fair to say the results were mixed. He protected possession well in the early stages, but pass selection under pressure was inconsistent. He did track back on a handful of occasions after losing the ball, which was a big positive and something Arsène Wenger has been working on with Alex, but reading of dangerous situations will require more of the Frenchman’s time.

However, it’s going forward where Oxlade-Chamberlain is really at his best, and his performance will no doubt have given Wenger something to think about ahead of Sunday’s North London derby. The often frustrating Walcott should be available, but the temptation will be there to stick with a younger model, who has all the talent, spirit and heart to make an impact.

All in all, tonight was an important step for Oxlade-Chamberlain – a player who almost a year to the day was substituted at half time during Southampton’s clash with Yeovil Town, after struggling to get the better of the Town defence.

Fast forward 12 months, and he’s put the ball firmly in Wenger’s court ahead of one of Arsenal’s biggest games of the season.

Arsenal 1-0 Blackburn: Watt Strike Wins It

Staff Writer

Arsenal continued their excellent start to the Premier Reserve League season with a smash and grab 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers this evening. Sanchez Watt struck the winner, converting Oğuzhan Özyakup’s pass.

Neil Banfield had to make do without several first-team youngsters, but was allowed to keep Ryo Miyaichi, with the Japanese youngster still short of full fitness. Carling Cup debutant’s Oğuzhan Özyakup and Chuks Aneke started, while Ignasi Miquel was injured in the warm up, and replaced by the returning Sead Hajrovic.

ARSENAL: Martínez; Angha, Boateng, Hajrovic, Meade; Yennaris, Özyakup; Miyaichi, Aneke, Freeman; Watt.

Banfield re-lived last season seven goal thriller before kick off, and told Arsenal.com he hoped Blackburn would bring another experienced side to the capital, with his exciting young charges prepared to ‘have a real go’.

Rovers boss Gary Bowyer kept his side of the bargain, starting first-teamers Grant Hanley, Herold Goulon, Bruno Ribeiro, Jordan Slew and Simon Vukčević, and as the game began, Banfield’s boys did their bit. Arsenal snapped out of the traps and penned the visitors into their own half, creating shoot chances for Özyakup and then Freeman in quick succession.

Freeman then helped carve Blackburn open, feeding Miyaichi who in turn found Watt, but the lone striker could only roll his shot against the post. Up the other end, Meade was on hand to head Hanley’s header off the line, in a rare attack by the visitors.

The half time break came and went, with few chances to speak of. A tired looking Miyaichi was replaced on the hour mark, and as the game showed signs of slowing down, Arsenal struck. The efficient Özyakup fed hungry Watt, who lashed the Gunners in front. 1-0.

Vukčević and Hanley were both proving useful in the box in the final stages, but Martin Angha, fresh from training with the first-team this week, was on hand on several occasions to block and clear. The Gunners weather some late pressure, with after Martínez tipped over Slew’s free-kick in stoppage, the win was secured.

All in all, a gritty victory, in front of the watching and supporting Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Loanees: Lansbury Pivotal As Galindo Debuts

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.

Nicklas Bendtner was not in action this weekend, with Sunderland taking on Norwich City on Monday.

Kyle Bartley missed Rangers’ 4-0 win over Dunfermline as he continues to receive treatment on a long standing groin problem

Henri Lansbury played the full 90 minutes as West Ham beat Peterborough 1-0. Lansbury’s good form continued, as he earned an 11th minute penalty, which Mark Noble scored to secure all three points.

James Shea was not included in the Dagenham & Redbridge squad that lost 2-1 to Northampton

Joel Campbell came off the bench to play the final 15 minutes of Lorient’s 1-1 draw with Lille. Campbell struggled to get involved, and was lucky not to be given a card following a poor tackle on Franck Beria in the closing stages.

Carlos Vela started and played 58 minutes of Real Sociedad’s 2-1 defeat to Real Mallorca. Vela won a handful of free-kicks and had two chances to score, but was withdrawn just before the hour mark.

Wellington Silva was not included in the Levante squad that faced Espanyol. Silva and his agent met with Levante officials this week to talk about his future, but all parties failed to find a successful agreement.

Pedro Botelho missed Rayo Vallecano’s 6-2 defeat to Real Madrid through suspension.

Samuel Galindo started and played 45 minutes on his Gimnàstic debut as they lost 3-1 to Huesca. Galindo showed some neat touches in central midfield, but was withdrawn with an injury at half time.

Afobe Ruled Out For Four Months

Staff Writer

Arsenal’s much maligned injury problems are set to continue, with Benik Afobe the latest player to have his spell on the sidelines extended.

Afobe limped out of Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Manchester United in the Premier Reserve League last month, lasting just 22 minutes after picking up a groin problem. The 18-year-old was ruled out for around 10 days on initial diagnosis, but was told this afternoon he’ll miss a minimum of four months.

The news comes as a bitter blow to Afobe, who was promoted to the first-team during the summer, and was penciled in to play in last night’s Carling Cup third round win over Shrewsbury Town. He joins Jack Wilshere, Abou Diaby and Tomáš Rosický in being given wrong come back dates this term, adding to the pressure already on Arsenal’s under-fire medical staff.

Benik may now be forced to finish the season on loan, as he bids to force his way back into Arsène Wenger’s plans.