Author: Staff Writer

Arsenal Under 16 youngsters Jeffrey Monakana, Alie Sesay and Jemal Wiseman were among a handful of the best young prospects from some of the most famous Academy’s in the country who took part in a ‘party in the park’ style tournament last weekend.

Rapid winger Monakana, classy midfielder Wiseman and powerful centre back Sesay represented the Gunners in a street style tournament which tested the technical skills of each team. With each side having a small pitch in which to operate, using tricks and skills are essential to get forward to try and score.

The likes of Chelsea, Bolton Wanderers, Reading and Southend United all took part in the unofficial tournament, which took part in London.

There was not an actual winner, but Arsenal performed well. The silky Monakana and Wiseman scored in abundance and look real exciting prospects for the future. Sesay will be eligible for a scholarship next summer and he’ll find out whether he will win one just after Christmas.

This competition has only proved that there is another bunch of very exciting youngsters who we will surely see much more off in the next 12 months.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Striker Sanchez Watt has collected the Lamb Awards sponsored Young Guns Player Of The Month crown for September 2009, after the exciting forward made great strides in both the first team and Reserves.

Sanchez’s month began on the 1st with a trip to the Midlands to face Birmingham City in Reserves League South. Operating down the middle in a revamped 4-3-3, the pacy forward took just 33 minutes to open his account with a superb finish. His season was up and running and three further Arsenal goals later, the quick-silver prospect completed a comfortable 4-0 rout with his second of the game.

He was also named on the first-team bench for the Champions League win over Standard Liege, but he didn’t get off.

On the 14th Sanchez made his second start of the campaign, again in the Reserves. He was replaced at half time as the Gunners won 1-0 against Stoke City. It was apparent his removal was due to the impending Carling Cup game with West Brom.

A week later ‘Young San’ was handed a surprise start in Cup. 68 minutes into his first team debut at a packed Emirates, Watt put Arsenal into a deserved lead, turning home Carlos Vela’s spilled shot. Vela went on to add another in a 2-0 win.

It was the end to his month, but three goals, including one for the first-team, stand Sanchez is good stead for the future.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal have moved to secure cultured centre back Ignasi Miquel to a new contract. His two-year professional deal comes into play after he turned 17 last week and the former Barcelona trainee looks set for a bright future.

A giant among fellow Under 18 players, Miquel, to look at, is a monster. Added to his height and frame, the Catalan possess pace, defensive versatility and a football intelligence which was implanted during his spell with Barcelona and is something which the Arsenal coaching staff are harbouring.

Brief Reserve appearances last season caught the eye but also exposed deficiencies that he must work on, notably his positioning. Many Arsenal fans are crying out for a technically gifted, strong, tall centre half and Miquel, with some work, fits that bill. Ignasi has been with the first team for training on numerous occasions so far this term, and it seems Arsene Wenger is delighted with the progress of a boy he fought so hard to sign. You can read what Arsenal did to convince ‘Iggy’ to sign Here.

In other news, I talk first-team and get all philosophical with Andy Weber from Arsenal FC Blog on this weeks Podcast. Check that out Here.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Fran Merida has returned to Arsenal after Spain lost out to Italy in the second round of the U20 World Cup after an eventful game in Cairo, which finished 3-1 to the Azzurini.

Tournament favourites Spain had Alberto Botia sent off midway through the first half as Italy went on to take full advantage. Despite a spirited display from Spain, Andrea Mazzarani and Mattia Mustacchio broke Spanish hearts as their goals sent Italy in to the quarter finals where they will face either Hungary or Czechoslovakia.

The Italians are true masters at grinding out results when it matters, and today’s performance was no different. Italy started well, creating the first real effort on goal as Mazzarani set up Fabio Sciacca whose low shot skidded in to the side netting.

Spain were struggling to get a grip on the game, and after an ugly challenge on Mustacchio in the 30th minute, Botia was given his marching orders, giving Luis Milla’s team a real uphill challenge.

Spain managed to hold out till half time, and when the teams reappeared nearly went one nil up as Aaron Niguez struck a shot just over.

Shortly after the game really sparked in to gear. Mazzarani was able to find Mustacchio who slotted the ball home, putting the Italians in to the lead. Spain responded immediately and it was Niguez again who tried his luck from distance, forcing Fiorillo to tip the ball on the crossbar.

However in the 61st minute it looked as though it was all over for Spain as Mazzarani was able to take full advantage of a mistake by Oriel Romeu and stab a right foot shot beyond Sergio Asenjo.

Only 5 minutes later though and Spain gave themselves a glimmer of hope as Michelangelo Albertazzi tugged the shirt of Andre Herreira in the box, conceding a penalty from which Niguez cheekily clipped the ball past the committed Fiorillo. Game on.

Shortly after Merida was replaced as Spain searched for an equaliser. Merida has certainly impressed during the tournament, claiming 3 goals along the way.

In the 84th minute Niguez was brought down by Matteo Brusagin and the penalty was given. This time though Fiorillo guesed right, saving the Celta Vigo wingers penalty. Italy wrapped up the result in the 87th minute as Mustacchio raced clear and finished with a precise, low left-footed drive.

England were finally put out of their misery as they drew 1-1 with Uzbekistan on Friday evening. Both sides went into this match knowing that only a substantial win, aided by results elsewhere would give them a chance of progressing.

Brian Eastick’s side were previously outplayed by Ghana and Uruguay, and things didn’t improve when they met Uzbekistan. A dull game, which only came to life in the last 15 minutes when Ivan Nagaev put Uzbekistan ahead in the 77th minute, only for Alex Tchuimeni-Nimely to score the equaliser with two minutes remaining, condemning both teams to an early elimination. Gavin Hoyte however did pick up his first appearance of the tournament as he came on with just over 20 minutes to play, but there was little he could do to change the game.

All in all it was a disappointing tournament for Gavin, who will now be looking to claim a place in Arsenal’s reserves and possibly the Carling Cup squad on his return.

Article By – Nick Love

Arsenal maintained their 100% start to the season as they comfortably beat an uninspiring Chelsea side 2-0.

Mikael Silvestre’s first appearance for the reserves this season was the only real surprise in Arsenal’s line up, as he looked to pick up some vital playing time. Chelsea were able to boast Joe Cole amongst their ranks, who had just returned to the Chelsea first team after a long lay off. There were some other notable names, such as goalkeeper Ross Turnbull, a summer recruit from Middlesbrough plus Sam Hutchinson and Fabio Borini, who have both made Premier League appearances this season, whilst summer signing Nemanja Matic also started.

Arsenal dominated the opening period, passing the ball around confidently with Barazite and Gilbert in particular linking up well and it was Gilbert who was handed Arsenals first real chance. Sanchez Watt was able to beat Ross Turnbull to a loose ball, and pass it to Gilbert who wasted a good opportunity by sending the ball over the crossbar. Arsenal were seeing a lot of the ball and getting in some decent positions, but it was the final ball that was letting them down.

Arsenal’s dominance was finally rewarded in the 22nd minute. After Borini miss controlled a pass from Jeffrey Bruma, Arsenal were able to catch Chelsea on the break. Some good work from Giles Sunu on the left who had been relatively quiet until then, crossed the ball for Eastmond who was able to slot home at his second attempt, and claim his second goal of the season.

Chelsea’s first effort on goal came in the 26th minute, when Bruma’s free kick whistled inches past James Shea’s post. Only a minute later, Arsenal should of doubled their lead as Randall won the ball in a dangerous position and was able to feed Barazite who could only send the ball wide when one on one with Turnbull.

Watt then had a chance after a wonderful passing move from Arsenal which ended in Sunu slotting Traore in who crossed in to the box, but Watt was unable to guide his volley home.

Chelsea were finally beginning to get in to the match, and Eastmond nearly scored at the wrong end of the pitch as his miss kick whistled past the Arsenal’s goal.

The beginning of the second half saw a familiar pattern as Arsenal were in total control of the game, but were unable to create any real clear cut chances. A few shots from long distance tested Turnbull but it was in the 65th minute when the Chelsea keeper was beaten for a second time. Arsenal forced the Chelsea midfield in to a mistake and Barazite was able to set up Watt who knocked the ball past a despairing Turnbulll.

Watt nearly got a second after a neat one two with Randall on the edge of Chelsea’s box, but Turnbull reacted well and closed down Watt’s shot.

Neil Banfield made two changes with just under 20 minutes to go, bringing on Murphy for Watt, and Frimpong for the impressive Eastmond. Murphy nearly made an instant impact, but Turnbull was able to close the Arsenal front man down and save his shot.

Despite an injury to James Shea in goal, Chelsea were unable to test the Arsenal goalie. Instead, Sunu nearly added a third in the dying minutes as Neil Banfield’s team strolled to their 5th straight victory.

Article By – Nick Love

Three in form Arsenal strikers have earned international recognition after being selected to play for England in forthcoming fixtures. The trio of Zak Ansah, Benik Afobe and Roarie Deacon will all play at different age levels for the Three Lions but have nonetheless been noted for their fantastic form so far this campaign.

Zak Ansah has been selected for the Under 16’s squad which will look to retain the Victory Shield live on SkySports later this month. The young poacher will look to follow in Benik Afobe’s foot steps after his 4 goal haul in 3 games saw Kenny Swains starlets claim the trophy with ease.

The aforementioned Afobe has since gone on to the Under 17’s and he’ll be in action for them as they look to qualify for the European Championships. surprisingly both Chuks Aneke and Josh Rees have been left out of the travelling party after previously featuring at this level. Afobe is also on standby for the Under 19’s.

Roarie Deacon has been the surprise package of this season and it’s not gone unnoticed. Although initially named on the standby list for the Under 19’s, he’s now been promoted into the squad and is set to partner Frank Nouble or Nathan Delfouneso up front as they look to qualify for the Under 19 Euros. Roarie will play for Steve Bould’s Under 18’s later today before jetting off to make his first international appearance.

The three players are the only Gunners named in their age range, as the selectors overlook several Arsenal players who have previously played big parts in friendly squads. Young Guns will be updating you on their progress as the month progresses.

Article By – J.Sanderson

First team duo Samir Nasri and Łukasz Fabiański have been penciled in for Reserve team run outs later this month as they complete the final stages of their rehabilitation from knee and leg injuries respectively.

Manager Arsène Wenger has already confirmed the pair will return to full training during next weeks international break and he will make checks to decide how short they are before match action. Therefore the Reserves League South clash against Wolves on the 20th of October could see both Samir and Łukasz make their first appearances of the season.

Nasri has been missing since pre-season when the 22-year-old’s leg took the full brunt of a Abou Diaby shot during a training game. Fabiański’s knee problem wasn’t believed to be serious but it has taken longer than expected to heal, meaning Vito Mannone has jumped notably up the pecking order. The Polish stopper has previously turned out for the Reserves in a bid to keep up fitness levels but this time around he’ll be in action aiming to build them back up. However, with the form of the aforementioned Mannone, a real battle is set to break out for the right to be number one if speculation is right that Manuel Almunia has infact been dropped.

Wenger will assess the pair before the 20th in the hope that they will be ready enough to go straight into the first-team, or indeed need some game time with the second-string.

Article By – J.Sanderson

As the line up for Arsenal’s clash against West Brom was read out last Tuesday night, Kerrea Gilbert’s name was announced for the first time in over 3 and a half years.

After Thierry Henry scored in the League Cup semi final against Wigan back in 2006 the Frenchman ran immediately to the 18-year-old rookie right back who had supplied the cross. Despite Arsenal eventually being knocked out, Gilbert put in a notable performance and was the new, young name on the Arsenal fans lips.

Gilbert went on to participate in every competition, including the Champions League and clocked up 9 first team appearances before an injury against West Ham forced him out, losing his place.

Since then Gilbert has experienced some topsy turvy loan moves to Cardiff, Southend and Leicester. This raised huge question marks over Gilbert’s future at Arsenal and it seemed inevitable that he would be heading for the exit door. But since returning from Leicester City he has been a main stay in the Arsenal reserves impressive start to the season and his performances were rewarded with a Carling Cup start.

Gilbert put in a steady display and was rarely troubled, except for the one occasion when Thomas was able to turn his marker and put in a dangerous cross. This lack of concentration at times is something Gilbert must eradicate from his game if he is to progress at Arsenal.

Now at 22 it really is make or break for Gilbert. If he is able to rekindle the kind of form that propelled him in to the Arsenal first team back in 2006 and play regularly in this season’s Carling Cup campaign then there is a real possibility that Wenger may wish to offer Gilbert a new contract.

Article By – Nick Love

Arsenal have agreed to take exciting Skogsvåg IL youngsters Jakob Glesnes and Januario Kalunga on trial. The duo were scouted playing in the recent Dana Youth Cup in Norway and now a queue of English clubs has formed to take a look at the pair.

Januario Kalunga, on the left in the photo, is of Angolan descent and spent two training spells with Reading last season. He is currently deciding whether to claim full Norwegian citizenship but it’s believed that  it is only a formality. A strong flu bug has been the affecting the avid Barcelona fan who describes Arsenal as his second team.

Jakob admits that Arsenal are a big club but he is not in the best form ahead of his trip to London, with a knee ligament problem proving difficult to shrug off. Noted for his powerful, aggressive and tough nature, his club coach has already spoken of his admiration for his playing style.

The duo will start their trial with Roy Keane’s Ipswich Town before Jakob goes to Nottingham Forest and Januario to Norwich City. The pair finish the week together at Arsenal’s Colney training centre.

In other news, it’s been a busy week over at Young Guns. After our appearance on the Arseblog ArseCast last week we’ve taken part in two further productions.

Firstly, we discussed all things Carlos Vela in the inaugural ‘Vela Interactive’ episode over at Carlos Vela News. We mainly talked Carling Cup, Vela’s impact, a potential transfer and the future.

Secondly, Andy Weber from the brilliant Arsenal FC Blog invited us on to discuss all things Arsenal. Again the Carling Cup was covered but we also explored the fourth round of the competition, players who might feature, plus a whole host of first-team issues. Both ‘casts are excellent listening and you can listen both by clicking the links below.

Vela Interactive Podcast – Arsenal FC Blog Podcast

Article By – J.Sanderson