Author: Staff Writer

In and amongst the drama last night, many Arsenal fans might have failed to notice an unused, little heard of young gun on the substitute bench. With Mannone drawing a lot of attention on his Champions League debut, and with much inexperience on the bench, Sanchez Watt proved to be the most surprising inclusion in the 18-man squad.

The eighteen year old forward doesn’t have the reputation of Wilshere or Lansbury, hasn’t commanded a transfer fee comparable to Ramsey or even Sunu, he hasn’t even announced himself internationally in the fashion of Afobe or Freeman. But Sanchez Watt has many fans. Over the last year or so, he’s missed large parts of consecutive seasons through injury, but still has managed to impress fans, coaches and, most importantly, Arsene Wenger.

Indeed, Mr Wenger seems to have a very personal interest in Sanchez’s development. From bringing him into his Emirates Cup team, to requesting for his removal at half time in order to have him available for last night’s fixture, the manager seems to be engineering a Wilshere-esque ascendency for this youngster.

So, why Sanchez Watt?

Well, apart from a crippling lack of other options, Sanchez is especially quick, which is an attribute Arsenal’s other fit strikers lack. He is also direct and not afraid to take on his marker. His versatility must also be attractive to a man who’s had particular success with strikers who have started on the wing. He also seems to be particularly calm under pressure, either when finishing or being challenged.

In general, it is obvious that Wenger sees some genuine quality in Sanchez and he seems a certainty for the Carling Cup next week.

Article By Gianni Sonvinco

Prospective Birmingham City owner Carson Yeung has lined up Arsenal scout Christian Karembeu as his first signing as a reshuffle is set to commence behind the scenes if the Hong Kong businessman wraps up an £81 million pound takeover.

Karembeu only joined the Gunners two months ago from Portsmouth and has recently been scouting in Montenegro. However, Yeung’s advisers have singled out the retired France international along with his former Real Madrid team mate Steve McManaman. It’s believed the two could take roles as chief scouts.

Christian’s links to Asia also make him a prominent candidate for the post as Yeung will use Birmingham as a means of promoting football in that section of the world. Academies are already in the pipeline along with plans for the Chinese National team to train at St Andrews. Karembeu would also be involved in training coaches with the Blues before they return to the far East. Yeung see’s his takeover as being beneficial for both Birmingham and football in his homeland.

Arsenal could easily afford to lose the former defensive midfielder but Arsène Wenger would no doubt like to keep hold of such a developing scout. Karembeu’s world-wide connections would be beneficial and the final decision would come down whether at 38 such a switch would be too much too soon or the perfect chance to show what he can do.

Of course all would depend on Carson Yeung completing the deal to buy the club, but that seems only a formality.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal kick off their Champions League campaign this evening with a trip to Belgium to take on Standard Liège in the opening fixture of Group H. Arsène Wenger is without Manuel Aluminia and Łukasz Fabianski so one of Reserve goalkeepers Vito Mannone or Wojciech Szczęsny will make their European debut.

The two rookie stoppers only have a single top flight appearance each – but one of them will feature in the most prestigious club competition in the world. Mannone’s came during last seasons final Premier League fixture against Stoke City, while Szczęsny’s was as a 15-year-old for former employers Legia Warsaw. Wenger has already hinted that he will field Vito this evening but the exciting Wojciech surely deserves the opportunity more.

Over pre-season the imposing Pole showed he had developed from a promising boy into a dominant man. Superb saves during brief appearances on the Austrian tour earned Szczęsny his inclusion into Wenger’s squad for the new term where he will do battle with Mannone to be third choice. The Italian’s nightmare loan spell with Barnsley in 2006 has left concerns over whether Vito can handle the pressure of stepping up from Reserves level.

Szczęsny may not be as good at organising his defence and lacks a little in kicking ability, but in terms of agility, reflexes and size, the 19-year-old is the stand out option. His recent call up by Poland for the World Cup qualifiers is proof of how highly regarded he is and there is no doubt the coming years will see the monster ‘keeper grow into a real candidate for the number one jersey.

Wenger will probably over look Wojciech this evening – we’ll find out later if it was the correct decision.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Last night’s reserve game against Stoke saw Phillippe Senderos make his first appearance in an Arsenal shirt this season, and gain some much needed playing time. Despite the long term injury to Johan Djourou, Senderos has yet to even feature on the bench for the first team, hinting at Wenger’s loss of faith in the Swiss International. Nevertheless, Wenger was present at the reserves clash in which Senderos was given a chance to impress and stake a claim for a starting berth in the up and coming Carling Cup clash against West Brom.

A year ago Phillippe Senderos was following in the footsteps of Mathieu Flamini and making his way to the San Siro on a year’s loan from Arsenal to gain some valuable experience from cult heroes Maldini and Nesta. Despite some encouraging displays at Milan, on his return to Arsenal there were constant rumours in the press that he was on his way out, and at one point it seemed likely that Everton had reached an agreement with Arsenal. However, the move disintegrated and Phillippe decided to stay with the club he has been at since the age of 18. The signing of Thomas Vermaelen hasn’t helped Phillippe’s cause as the Belgian’s presence in the back four has been exceptional making the breakthrough in to the first team very difficult.

However, last night’s performance was an assured display, especially considering his lack of football over the past month. Although physical and direct, it can be argued that Stoke offered very little up top, and the partnership of Senderos and the ever growing Bartley were able to sniff out any possible chances at ease. ‘Big Phil’ looked comfortable in the air against a tall Stoke side. He was composed with his distribution and at times even made the odd, surging run forward which opened up space for the Arsenal midfield and forwards. The one qualm was when he was nearly caught out trying to do a Cruyff turn in Arsenal’s half before having the ball stolen from him. Luckily enough a foul was given, but it is this lack of concentration at times that has seen the beefy Swiss international head down the pecking order at Arsenal.

On the whole though it was a good performance from Phillippe and Arsene Wenger must be pleased to see a clean sheet from the forgotten man at Arsenal who will be hoping to take full advantage of any suspensions or injuries in the first team. And after this performance it is very likely that ‘Big Phil’ will be making his return to the Arsenal set up against West Brom a week today.

Article By – Nick Love

Arsenal maintained their 100% start to the season at the expense of a poor Stoke side.

It was the last game to impress before the Carling Cup tie against West Brom a week on Tuesday and Arsenal made a few changes from the side that put four goals past Birmingham almost two weeks ago. Phillipe Senderos was given his first taste of competitive action in an Arsenal shirt since his return from AC Milan. Rhys Murphy was also making his first start of the season. Szczesny, Miquel and Barazite were all recalled after missing the visit to Birmingham. Whilst Roarie Deacon’s impressive start to the season was rewarded with his first ever start for the reserves.

Unlike Arsenal, Stoke’s team boasted many notable, first team faces and along with new £4.5 million signing Diego Arismendi in the heart of midfield they had a wealth of experience on show.

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With two convincing wins from their opening two games, Neil Banfield’s Reserves welcome Stoke City to Underhill this evening looking to make it nine points out of a possible nine.

A 3-2 win and a 2-2 draw summed up how tough a proposition Stoke were last season but with Arsenal bing in such lethal form, it should be very different this time out. Seven goals from two fixtures and two clean sheets mean the Gunners could not be better prepared for a renewed title push.

However, the Potters also have a 100% record but they have only played once – earning a 1-0 win over Wolves on match day one. First-team manager Tony Pulis spoke of his sides depth this morning and suggested that a handful of his squad could be sent on loan, meaning tonights clash offers the chance for scouts to cast an eye over some of his charges. A strong Stoke side is expected.

In terms of team news, Banfield looks set to continue with the 4-3-3 which is currently being used at all levels within the club. Emmanuel Frimpong’s return to fitness presents the boss with a dilemma in the middle as Criag Eastmond’s solid performance and goal against Birmingham in the Ghanaian’s absence saw him earn many plaudits. Luke Ayling looks set to miss out again through injury. Between the sticks Wojciech Szczęsny returns after being called up to the Polish national squad and with Vito Mannone on first team duty, he should start.

Szczesny
Gilbert – Bartley – Hoyte – Traore
Coquelin – Eastmond – Randall
Watt – Sunu – Merida

Subs: Shea – Miquel – Evina – Deacon – Freeman

Kick off is at 7pm at Barnet’s Underhill stadium. The fixture is being streamed live on Arsenal TV Online but should you not be able to watch it, Nick Love will be providing a Match Report shortly after the full-time whistle.

Article By – J.Sanderson

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.

Arsenal currently have five Reserves & Youth players gaining experience elsewhere. Striker Jay Simpson is taking part in his third loan spell in as many years with West London outfit Queens Park Rangers. He is joined in the Championship by Henri Lansbury and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas who are with Watford and Blackpool respectively.

The Gunners currently have two youngsters cutting their teeth abroad. Pedro Botelho is spending his third successive loan spell in the Spanish Segunda, but this time with Celta de Vigo, while Håvard Nordtveit is spending the campaign in Germany with Nuremberg.

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The Champions League gets back into full swing this week and although Arsenal won’t kick off their campaign until Wednesday, why not celebrate the greatest club competition in the world on Tuesday by ordering pizza?

Dominos – one of the biggest and best pizza restaurants around – are offering two pizzas for the price of one in their new ‘two for Tuesdays’ promotion. Collection or delivery, medium or large. For more information head over to Domino’s official Facebook page where you can find details of this fantastic offer, order, ask questions and much more.

Dominos Pizza Facebook.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal’s Under 18’s lost their 100% winning record this morning by being crushed 4-2 against a hard working and exciting Leicester City side.

Luke Freeman’s 4th of the season combined with a Cedric Evina effort only proved to be consolations. All the plaudits go to Leicester who look a real side to be reckoned with.

More to follow.

While Arsenal’s Under 18’s suffered defeat to City, Steve Gatting’s Under 16’s cruised to a comfortably victory in the earlier kick off.

An even start to the game belied the eventual outcome. Leicester managed to find the net twice in the first period but five unanswered strikes from Zak Ansah saw the Gunners take control. Samir Bihmoutine and Josh Rees added insult to injury to complete a 7-2 victory.

Article By – J.Sanderson