Author: Staff Writer

After comfortably disposing Fulham in their opening game Arsenal reserves carried on their clinical momentum against Birmingham scoring four goals and perhaps just as rewarding keeping another clean sheet despite the presence of experienced duo Kevin Phillips and Gary McSheffrey.

A strong Arsenal side were able to recall Merida, Traore and Randall to the starting eleven.

In the early exchanges Birmingham mustered up some half chances, but soon Arsenal firmly established themselves on the game and began passing the ball with real conviction. Arsenals first chance dropped to Randall after a delightful ball from Merida, however Randall could only send the ball over the hosts crossbar. Only two minutes later and Merida was in the thick of action again this time putting Eastmond through in an unfamiliar position but perhaps due to lack of goalmouth experience sent his left footed drive inches wide.

For Merida though it was third time lucky in the 33rd minute as he placed a delightful pass between the two Birmingham defenders in to the path of Sanchez Watt who coolly slotted the ball past the Birmingham keeper Colin Doyle.

Merely five minutes later and Arsenal doubled their lead. After a neat one two, Traore was able to burst down the left and then unselfishly pass to the oncoming Eastmond who had arrived on the edge of the Birmingham box. Eastmond confidently side footed the ball in to the Birmingham net despite the presence of two defenders on the goal line.

Arsenal essentially put the game to bed four minutes later when the excellent Coquelin played a splendid through ball to Sunu who was able to take full advantage of the stranded keeper and glide the ball past him at the far post.

Birminghams best chance of the half came in first half stoppage time when the veteran Kevin Phillips knocked the ball on for Ashley Sammons who could only fire over from 10 yards.

Arsenal began the second half as they had ended the first. Giles Sunu who was clearly enjoying himself, latched on to a wonderful cross field pass from the ever composed Bartley. Sunu was then able to reach the by line and dink an inviting cross for Watt who finished the move off by heading the ball in to the back of the net. Game over.

Watt could have had a hat-trick in the 65th minute when he fired at the Birmingham goal, but Doyle showed safe hands and held the ball to his chest.

Luke Freeman was brought on with twenty minutes to go and nearly made it five, however his shot went narrowly wide. Shortly afterwards Traore had to limp off and leave Arsenal with only ten men due to the maximum substitutions being used.

Birmingham could of nicked a consolation at the end when substitute Josh Hawker headed over from close range, but in truth it was Arsenal that could of added one or two more and a 4-1 defeat would of flattered the Brummies.

Article By – Nick Love

Arsenal U18’s played out an entertaining game with Leeds for their first home fixture of the season.

McDermott
Byles – Hajrovic – Boateng – Evina (c)
Ozyakup – Yennaris – Henderson – Meade
Deacon – Freeman

Subs: – Shea – Obed – Brislen-Hall – Frimpong

Steve Bould made three changes from the side that drew 1-1 against Sheffield United the previous Saturday. Benik Afobe and Chuks Aneke were absent due to international duty, whilst Rhema Obed dropped to the bench. Perhaps the most interesting member in the starting eleven was Sead Hajrovic who was signed from Grasshopper during the summer and along with Sean McDermott were two players making their Arsenal debut. Highly-rated Jernade Meade was also given a start.

The Leeds line up had three players over age; Andy Milne, Tom Lees and Tom Elliott all close to turning 19. Elliott has already had a few first team appearances under his belt at Leeds and his Heskey like build gave a clear indication as to how Leeds were going to play; physical and direct. Some early clattering challenges by both teams certainly enhanced this claim, and Elliott was certainly causing some trouble for the Arsenal defence with his physical presence. After a nice piece of control from the Leeds front man he was able to knock the ball in to the path of Mike Whitwell who picked his spot well, putting Leeds in to a surprise lead.

Arsenal seemed a little stunned from the opener and were finding it hard to really stamp their authority despite maintaining possession. Meade created himself a half chance, but it was the in form Roarie Deacon who had scored an exceptional goal earlier in the week for the reserves who got Arsenals equaliser. Conor Hendersons quick thinking enabled Deacon to collect the ball from Hendersons throw and wiggle is way through the Leeds box before slotting the ball past the Leeds goalkeeper. Then in the 40th minute it was Decaon again. After some great build up play, Ozyakup was able to find Deacon on the edge of the box who was able to turn and let fly with a ferocious left footed drive giving Jones no chance.

Steve Bould made a significant change at half time, bringing off the very composed and impressive Conor Henderson who had a major hand in both goals and brought on one of last season’s success stories; Emmanuel Frimpong. It was the industrious midfielder’s first taste of competitive action since he suffered an unfortunate injury in the FA Youth Cup Final victory over Liverpool back in May.

Leeds came out searching for an equaliser and tested McDermott on a couple of occasions. However, it was the little assassin Luke Freeman who added to Arsenal’s advantage. An out of character long ball from Arsenal caught the Leeds defence out and a miss guided header sent Freeman through whose pace was able to get to the ball ahead of another Leeds defender before calmly slotting the ball past Ryan Jones.

Cedric Evina’s mazy run then led to a snap shot from Freeman which was saved by Jones, but it left Evina incensed that he should of had a penalty.

Despite the positives Frimpong had to be withdrawn after just 17 minutes in to his comeback as he was still feeling the effects of his knee injury and was replaced by George Brislen-Hall.

Leeds began to put a little pressure on as Arsenal slightly took their foot of the gas. A wonderful save from McDermott kept out a glancing header from Andy Milne and in the 67th minute Arsenal finally cracked as Elliott hustled Hajrovic in to making a mistake. As the debutant tried to head the ball back to McDermott it was too short and Elliott was able to round the goallee comfortably and place the ball in the net.

The game now was pretty open with Leeds direct approach causing the Arsenal defence some problems, yet on the other side of the pitch Freemans nippy footwork helped create a couple of half chances.

Eventually Freemans off the ball movement soon created a crucial moment as Ozyakup was able to deliver an inch perfect through ball for the decisive number 9 who calmly took it round the keeper and put the result to bed as Arsenal went home with all three points.

Article By – Nick Love

Arsenal opened their Reserve League South campaign with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over their South West neighbours Fulham.

The young French duo Sunu and Coquelin were amongst the goalscorers along with Roarie Deacon who scored his first goal for the second string.

Arsenal were able to welcome back experienced first teamers during the 2008/09 season. Kerrea Gilbert, and Nacer Barazite had spent the majority of last season on loan at Leicester and Derby along with Gavin Hoyte and Jay Simpson who had both had short periods at Watford and West Brom respectively. Arsenal were also being lead by the newly promoted Captain for the forth coming 2009/10 season; Kyle Bartley.

The opening exchanges were relatively even and it was Fulham who created the first opportunity when Matthew Briggs headed a free header past the Arsenal post. However, Arsenal slowly marked their authority on the match and began to create some half chances with Sunu twice coming close and Simpson had an effort cleared off the line after some good work from Coquelin.

A breakthrough looked inevitable and in the 39th minute Giles Sunu dually obliged. Bartley picked out Sunu on the left wing with a fabulous cross field pass and aided with some poor defending Sunu was able to get in to the Fulham box and unleash a left foot stunner in to the roof of the net.

Two minutes later Sunu was at it again, swinging in a corner at the near post and picking out the unmarked Coquelin who nodded the ball in to the visitors net giving Arsenal a healthy lead just before the break.

Once again Fulham created the first opening of the second half, yet former arsenal trainee Michael Uwezu was unable to compose himself against his former club and sent his shot across the face of the goal.

Arsenal were happy to play keep ball and as a contest the game had drizzled out. Banfield’s final substitution was to bring on the young Roarie Deacon in the 79th minute and it was a decision which paid dividends. Two minutes after coming on Deacon picked up the ball on the right wing and played a neat one two with the other sub Murphy before curling the ball around a diving Neil Etheridge. It was Deacon’s first goal for the reserves and it shared a mighty resemblance with many of Messi’s fine finishes in la liga.

Barazite could of added a fourth late on but Neil Banfield will certainly be impressed with an opening day victory and the manner of the win.

Article By – Nick Love

Dear Readers,

Young Guns, like many Gooners, were very disappointed to hear the news on the 25 of July 2009 that ArseShirts was sadly forced to close due to a legal issue. The site has provided top quality garments to this site and its readers since its creation in August 2007, and it’s sudden decision to close was a very disappointing one – especially as we were planning on introducing an exciting range of t-shirts celebrating our young Gunners.

However, as of the the 3rd of August 2009, we are delighted to announce that an agreement has been reached which sees the ownership of the website change. As of the date mentioned above, the site will now be operated by the Young Guns team and in particular myself, J.Sanderson.

Our aim is that within two weeks we will be fully available for business and we’ll have a set of brand new stock on our virtual shelves. The plan is to continue the work done previously, but expand and develop on a solid basis. There will be new and exciting designs every week or so and with the change of suppliers, we’re hoping there will be some movement on the price. We also want to continue the superb reputation the site has among bloggers, and we’ll be offering exclusive promotions and discounts on Young Guns and all of your favourite Arsenal related blogs.

ArseShirtswill also be launching its very own blog, which will cover a whole matter of Arsenal topics and again promotions and discounts will be handed out on there. So, for all of you who wandered about the future of ArseShirts, it’s in very safe hands and you’ll soon be enjoying the garments as before.

Thank you,

J.Sanderson & the Young Guns team.

The Football Assosiation’s annual Under 17 International Tournament kicked off with England playing Italy in Burton’s Pirelli Stadium yesterday evening.

The competition, which was first played in 1999, pits England’s young charges against Italy, Turkey and Portugal. It is seen primarily as preparation for the UEFA European Championship Qualifiers, which start this October.

Arsenal’s Benik Afobe, Chuks Aneke and Josh Rees are all part of John Peacock’s strong squad. However there was no place for Luke Freeman, a regular at U17 level, or Nico Yennaris, who played (along with Rees) in the Nordic Tournament.

England kicked off with Chuks Aneke and Benik Afobe in the starting line-up and it was the former who had the first shot of the match. However, Chuks could only drag his shot wide when set up by McEachran. But it was the other Arsenal man who almost scored when Afobe found the Italy ‘keeper in fantastic form, firstly stopping his headed effort and then reacting smartly to his immediate rebound.

Straight after that effort, Italy took the lead against the run of play. Romano’s cross was turned in by Magnaghi, giving the Azzurri a one goal lead.

Despite this, Benik Afobe continued to be a threat. First shooting wide when stretching and then cutting back for Morrison who could only hit the post. Benik also managed a knock-down for Keane, but he prodded over.

Unfortunately, Chuks Aneke was withdrawn after 41 minutes for Bidwell.

England did manage to draw level with Italy stopper Leali turning hero to zero by punching a corner into his own net. Afobe almost managed to grab a winner but Leali once again foiled him, this time from a one-on-one.

So the game finished a draw, but the Three Lions performance grants significant optimism for the rest of the Tournament. Neither Chuks nor Afobe will be available for the Arsenal U18’s next fixture, but both will hope to feature for England against Turkey this Friday.

Article By – Gianni Sonvinco

Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers have struck a deal with Arsenal to sign Jay Simpson on a season long loan deal, with just a medical separating both parties from confirming the arrangement.

There is also murmurs coming from West London that QPR have a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ allowing them to sign Jay on a permanent basis should he impress sufficiently. The 20-year-old frontman impressed during a three-month loan spell with West Brom in the closing stages of last season, netting once in 13 Premier League games.

A selection of stale performances over pre-season saw Simpson rapidly fall out of favour with Arsène Wenger despite penning a new two-year-deal in January. Money bags QPR are expected to mix his duties as a striker with ones on the wing. Jay joins former Gunner Matthew Connolly at Loftus Road.

Speaking to the Kilburn Times, former Rangers favourite and now Arsenal coach Marcus Bignot expects Simpson to star with QPR, just like he did when the two played together for Millwall.

“I think the QPR fans will be excited by him.”

“Jay’s not a big lad but he certainly has a physical presence and he’s got a good shot in his locker as well. He’ll be a good addition to what’s already a strong squad at QPR.”

When quizzed on where he’ll play with the ‘R’s’, Bignot compared the dilemma to that which Wenger currently has with Theo Walcott.

“I’d put him in the Theo Walcott bracket in that Arsenal might not have decided yet whether he’s a wide player or a front man, but I think he’d prefer to be up top.”

Jay’s only appearance this campaign came for the Reserves against Fulham. The transfer should be confirmed in the coming days.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsène Wenger has sent newly appointed scout Christian Karembeu to Montenegro to make final checks on FK Bubamara striker Veljko Batrović.

The 15-year-old, who has been likened to Lionel Messi, recently spent time on trial with Arsenal and Atlético Madrid while AC Milan, Marseille and Olympiakos are believed to have had bids turned down for his services. Wenger and chief scout Steve Rowley travelled to Montenegro in March to personally scout Batrović and then bring him to London for a look around.

Before jetting out, Bubamara Chairman Budom Miranović confirmed his player was ‘almost certain’ to be changing employers in the coming weeks but a transfer has stalled. Now Karembeu will have his say on Veljko after spending a week watching and learning about the youngster. Before flying out, AHA online quizzed the French scout on his intentions.

“In the last half year I’ve heard a lot about Veljko Batrović. Now I come to see him live and to evaluate him”

The Gunners have jumped the queue for his services, as both Wenger, Batrović and Karembeu have the same agent – Milan Calasan. Calasan is currently under criminal investigation by the French judicial authorities because of suspect transfers, but he still operates and gave his view on Veljko’s future.

“I think it is still early to talk about a transfer. He has a lot of work to do, and when he goes it will depend on the present and future of the club, and his parents for example.”

“Which club is the closest? Maybe more a club from France or Spain, although a club in England have the most interest. At the moment we are assessing the best place to go.”

“Wenger is my friend, and of course I am his agent. One thing is certain: whatever the player that goes with Wenger – they will become a great one.”

More news is expected when Karembeu returns from Montenegro.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal have invited highly rated Helsinge youngster Daniel Skov for trials next month after the 11-year-old impressed at a summer training camp.

The prospect was in England over the summer visiting various training centres run by Premier League clubs to help keep children occupied over the holiday period. Arsenal sent scouts to several of these to keep an eye on any players who could be potential starlets for the future, and Skov impressed greatly.

Daniel currently plays for a team in the North of Denmark called Helsinge, where he is a regular for their Under 12’s. However, due to his rapid rate of development, Skov trains with Danish Superliga outfit FC Nordsjælland three times a week. Noted for his superb vision and technical ability, it remains to be seen whether Liam Brady and his coaching staff would consider bringing Daniel into the club at such a young age. Yet a deal could be struck which would see him link up when he turns 16.

More to follow.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal u-18s opened their season with a tough away game at Sheffield United and walked away with a very hard fought draw.

Shea
Byles – Obed – Boateng – Evina (c)
Ozyakup – Yennaris – Aneke
Deacon – Afobe – Freeman

Subs – McDermott – Hajrovic – Brislen-Hall – Edge

After Arsenal ran away with the league last year it was expected that Sheffield United would struggle to compete, but instead it was Arsenal who found it difficult to get to grips with Sheffield United’s hard graft and determination in closing down the ball.

Nico Yennaris filled in at centre back for Ignasi Miquel, plus new faces Jamie Edge and Sead Hajrovic who were signed from Cheltenham and Grasshopers over the summer made the bench.

Arsenal kept the ball well during the game, but Sheffield United made it very hard for Arsenal to make any real breakthrough. However, despite going behind to a Jordan Chappel goal in the 60th minute Arsenal responded well and man of the match Roarie Deacon who is looking to impress this season equalised in the 72nd minute, earning Arsenal perhaps a somewhat fortuitous point. Aneke and Ozyakup were notable performers in midfield whilst Nico Yennaris performance in an unfamiliar centre back role was very encouraging.

Article By – Nick Love