Matches

Arsenal began 2011 with a crushing defeat at the hands of Aston Villa in the Premier Reserve League this evening. Five goals in each half added to an early red card for George Brislen-Hall saw the champions put themselves in the driving seat for a fourth successive title.

Neil Banfield was without a selection of his usual first choice options, including captain Ignasi Miquel, so rotated. Rookie centre back Elton Monteiro made his first start at this level alongside Danny Boateng, while Nico Yennaris was forced to fill in at full back.

Villa on the other hand boasted solid experience at this level, with American international Eric Lichaj starting alongside first team players Chris Herd, Isaiah Osbourne and Nathan Delfouneso. Manager Kevin MacDonald also fielded a number of players who are on the fringes of Gérard Houllier’s team.

ARSENAL: Shea; Eastmond, Boateng, Monteiro, Brislen-Hall; Ozyakup, Yennaris, Henderson; Aneke, Sunu, Emmanuel-Thomas.

Subs: Martinez (GK), Angha, Rees, Deacon, Freeman.

Arsenal went straight for their hosts right from the offset. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas surged onto the ball and, after cutting inside, he flashed a warning shot just wide of Parish’s goal. It would prove to be the only real chance of the first half for the boys in yellow.

Aston Villa then found their feet and grabbed a stunning opener from nowhere. James Shea’s hacked clearance went straight to Gary Gardner, and from all of 40 yards, he smashed the ball into the empty net. 1-0.

It shelled shocked the Gunners, but they reacted in the worst possible way. George Brislen-Hall went in hard on Jonathan Hogg in the middle of the park. A coming together from both sets of players ensued, and Brislen-Hall was dismissed with little complaints. It was massive challenge for Banfield boys from here on.

Villa pressed on and were soon out of sight. Weimann side footed home from close range for 2-0, then Gardner’s free kick was headed in by Chris Herd for 3-0, and before Arsenal could even react, Hogg cracked home a fourth in epic fashion. 4-0 and Arsenal were heading for a mauling.

Just before half time, things went from bad to worse. Özyakup handled Gardner’s corner for a penalty, and Gardner stepped up and stroke the ball home. 5-0 at half time.

Banfield switched the team at the break, bringing on Josh Rees and Freeman, and it appeared to work. Arsenal improved and showed good defensive quality but eventually Villa got their sixth. Herd turned in Harry Forrester’s ball and then Weimann took the ball off the awful Monteiro and picked out Delfouneso for 7-0.

The same man made it 8-0 shortly after, turning in Berry’s cross. Roarie Deacon pulled one back with a header from an Emmanuel-Thomas free-kick, but it made little difference.

Chris Herd wrapped up his hat-trick by bagging the ninth, then Delfouneso joined Herd on a hat-trick with a quality finish for number 10.

There was just time for a nasty looking brawl on the far side of the pitch before the game came to a close, but nobody was booked. A crushing night for Arsenal, which leaves Neil Banfield with work to do with his latest crop.

Arsenal cruised into the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup this evening after thrashing Darlington 6-1. A hat-trick from Chuks Aneke, a brace from Benik Afobe and a Danny Boateng strike gave the Gunners a comprehensive win.

Arsène Wenger was among 200 interested spectators on a chilly night at Underhill. Steve Bould admitted last week that his side have been struggling for goals in recent weeks, but he was able to call upon both Benik Afobe and Chuks Aneke to lead the charge. Afobe was given special dispensation by loan club Huddersfield to play, while Aneke dropped down from the Reserves.

Martínez
Hajrovic – Boateng – Miquel – Brislen-Hall
Özyakup – Yennaris – Ebecilio
Aneke – Afobe – Neita

Subs: McDermott (GK), Monteiro, Bihmoutine, Rees, Monakana.

Arsène Wenger and his coaching staff had only just found their seats by the time Darlington kicked things off. The visitors had made the long journey from the North East and were determined to make the most of their time in the capital. After a bright start, Scott Harrison should have done better after drifting away from Hajrovic in the opening minutes, but he blazed a volley over.

Darlington continued to dominate the ball but the second Arsenal won it back, they punished their lowly opponents. Benik Afobe blitzed his way down the wing with a mixture of pace, power and skill. The 17-year-old could have shaped to shoot but instead layed the ball across for Chuks Aneke to slam home from close range. 1-0 with 10 minutes gone.

Özyakup, Miquel and Afobe had further chances to double the lead shortly after, but totally against the run of play, Darlington got themselves an equaliser. Danny Lambert raced away and picked out Rob Ramshaw in the middle. He converted for 1-1.

It was a shock to the system, but Arsenal reacted perfectly. Just 90 seconds after drawing level, the visitors found themselves behind again. Aneke lobbed the ball over the back four for Afobe, he latched onto possession and as Nick Thompson came racing out, Benik matched Chuks’ fine lob with one of his own. A quality finish. 2-1.

Bould continued to push his side forward, sensing Darlington were easy to pick off. He was right. A further 90 seconds later, the 200 fans had something more to celebrate. Afobe won a corner via a save from Thompson, and Özyakup took full advantage. The Dutchman’s curling ball was flicked home by Aneke. A fine header for 3-1.

The Gunners eased off the gas pedal towards the end of the half but they made sure their advantage was comfortable before going in for their well earned Lucozade’s. Aneke and Afobe dazzled the Northern outfit with their quick feet, and after swapping possession a number of times, Afobe put them out of their misery with a cool finish for 4-1.

The half time whistle came and went and within two minutes of the restart, it was five. Danny Boateng found Aneke in the box; the leggy midfielder made no mistake to complete his hat-trick. 5-1.

Arsenal passed away most of the second half by just keeping the ball. However, with 20 minutes left the hosts got their sixth. Afobe fed Danny Boateng in the box. He scored to claim a rare goal and celebrated it with a dance to rival fellow full back Emmanuel Eboué.

Afobe came off shortly after, complaining of a tightness in his calves. The brilliant Ebecilio, who was unlucky not to have a goal himself, also came off. Josh Rees and Samir Bihmoutine came on in their places. Rees had time to head wide from close range before Bould shuffled his pack again. The speedy Monakana on for Neita.

Monakana and Rees had further chances, as did Aneke after beating three players and shooting wide, but the result was key. Arsenal safely avoided a potential banana skin and cruised into round four sending out a clear statement.

Arsenal made sure they completed 2010 in style this evening, edging West Brom at the Hawthorns to maintain their title challenge in the Premier Reserve League. Ignasi Miquel’s first half header proved to be decisive.

Neil Banfield rotated again, bringing in George Brislen-Hall and Conor Henderson. Danny Boateng and Chuks Aneke dropped out but were included on the bench, along with Dutchman Kyle Ebecilio, his first time being part of a second-string squad.

The Baggies handed starts to first-team stars Ismael Miller, Simon Cox, Abdoulaye Méïté and Nicky Shorey.

Shea
Nordtveit – Hajrovic – Miquel – Brislen-Hall
Eastmond – Yennaris
Özyakup – Henderson – Sunu
Emmanuel-Thomas

Subs: Martínez (GK), Boateng, Ebecilio, Aneke, Deacon.

Arsenal had just 10 minutes to warm up after arriving late following trouble on the motorway. Kick off was delayed by 45 minutes and both sides made a slow start when the game finally kicked off. West Brom had the first real chance, though, flashing a shot wide through Sandro Berahino.

Simon Cox and Ismael Miller are first team strikers for the Baggies and they showed their class on the quarter hour mark, almost netting the opener. Cox burst down the wing and cut inside, forcing Shea to come racing out. The former Swindon man crossed for Miller who clipped the ball goal bound, only for Miquel to slide and clear off the line.

If that was the perfect example of being a captain, Miquel continued to lead by example five minutes later. West Brom only half cleared Özyakup’s corner and as the ball came to Sunu, he crossed and found Miquel in the box. The Spaniard smashed home a header to give the Gunners the lead.

Özyakup and Berahino both exchanged shots but at half time it was 1-0 to Arsenal.

The second half began brightly for the visitors. Henderson’s delightful ball over the top found Emmanuel-Thomas, he looked to have done enough to double the advantage only for Allsop to make a fantastic save. It was the last great chance for Arsenal for a while as the Baggies stepped up the pressure.

Cox caught Eastmond across his foot after a late challenge, but Craig continued. West Brom took advantage and Miller made Shea save smartly moments later. Chuks Aneke came on for Nico Yennaris and minutes later Banfield rotated again, bringing Roarie Deacon on for Conor Henderson.

Miller and Cox had further chances to grab the equaliser, but the Gunners defended well. Danny Boateng replaced Sunu late on and it proved to be a solid change, allowing Arsenal to shut up shop and claim all three points.

Arsenal wrapped up their final home game of 2010 with a 2-1 win over Wolves in the Premier Reserve League. In a fixture which saw Aaron Ramsey make his long awaited come back from a broken leg, goals from Roarie Deacon and Gilles Sunu secured the three points.

Neil Banfield may have lost Henri Lansbury after he joined Norwich City yesterday, but the second string boss had a notable replacement. Aaron Ramsey was judged fit enough to start in central midfield, and he was joined by fellow first-teamer Manuel Almunia, also making his return from injury.

Almunia
Nordtveit – Hajrovic – Miquel – Boateng
Eastmond – Ramsey
Deacon – Aneke – Sunu
Emmanuel-Thomas

Subs: Shea (GK), Angha, Özyakup, Yennaris, Henderson.

Arsenal snapped out of the traps at London Colney but nobody seemed to tell Aaron Ramsey it was just a Reserve game. With just seconds on the clock, his first action was to close down John Gorman and steal the ball from the Wolves midfielder and begin an Arsenal attack. Promising signs.

The positive start was misleading, though. Wolves worked the first real opening, cutting a gap between Hajrovic and Miquel big enough for Sam Winnall to run clear. Manuel Almunia came rushing from his goalut needed a well timed sliding clearance to snuff out the danger.

Ramsey was beginning to settle and was involved in two quick fire chances. First, the Welshman lashed an effort at McCarey in the Wolves goal, then he gave possession away to Mujangi Bia who forced Almunia into another smart save.

Arsenal stepped up their play just before half time and should have had the lead. Ramsey was involved in two great chances; starting moves which led to Aneke heading over from six yards then Sunu flicking wide with the goal at his mercy.

The half time whistle brought an end to a solid opening period and to Aaron’s return. He was replaced by Oğuzhan Özyakup at the break having shown some super touches but tired towards the end. Almunia was also pulled off with James Shea replacing him.

With the first-team players gone, the attention firmly switched to getting the three points. It took less than 10 minutes to make substantial inroads to that goal. Eastmond’s probing run into the box resulted in a powerful shot; McCarey parried and Deacon slammed in the re-bound. 1-0.

Conor Henderson came on for Aneke minutes later and was instantly involved. The Irishman’s whipped cross picked out Sunu in the box; the Frenchman applied a classy finish and it was 2-0.

The game then became all about securing the victory, but after pressing forward for the third, Wolves broke. Winnall was found  unmarked in the box. A powerful header later and it was 2-1.

Wolves pressed hard for the equaliser late on. Shea was forced to make two great saves, the second of which a delightful block with his legs from Cassidy. Substitute Zeli Ismail then had the ball in the net, but only after fouling Miquel.

The visitors continued to press, but Banfield’s boys showed good character to secure the three points. 2-1, and a great day all round.

Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Premier Reserve League this afternoon, thrashing Everton 4-1 at London Colney. Despite falling behind to Mustafi’s header, a brace from Jay Emmanuel-Thomas combined with headers from Chuks Aneke and Havard Nordtveit wrapped up a comprehensive win.

Neil Banfield welcomed back Craig Eastmond, Henri Lansbury and top scorer Jay Emmanuel-Thomas from Champions League duty, but Thomas Cruise was missing after sealing a loan move to Carlisle United. Daniel Boateng replaced him at left back. Jeffrey Monakana and Philip Roberts were named on the bench for the first time.

Shea
Nordtveit – Hajrovic – Miquel – Boateng
Eastmond – Lansbury – Ozyakup
Aneke – Emmanuel-Thomas – Sunu

Subs: McDermott (GK), Yennaris, Deacon, Monakana, Roberts.

Arsenal began brightly at a blustery and wet London Colney but it was Everton who had the first notable chance of the early exchanges. They took full advantage. From what looked like a relatively harmless free-kick 30 yards out, Jose Baxter curled the ball in and Shkodran Mustafi exposed some defensive frailties to bullet home a header. 1-0 with barely 5 minutes on the clock.

The Gunners appeared shell shocked after their positive start and struggled to carve out any real openings. However, Chuks Aneke shot with 20 minutes gone seemed to stir the confidence and the hosts began to take the game to their visitors. It paid dividends. After first smacking the post, Emmanuel-Thomas levelled the scores, flicking home Henri Lansbury’s right wing cross to finish a lovely team move. 1-1.

Arsenal stepped on the gas in the closing stages of the half and worked great opportunities through Aneke, Sunu and Lansbury, but a combination of last ditch defending and saves from Ian Turner kept them out. Everton were rocking, though.

The second half got under way but it was hard to notice there was a break. Arsenal on top, Everton under pressure. It took 90 seconds for it to toll, Aneke crashing home Ozyakup’s corner for 2-1.

Arsenal had the taste for it. The celebrations over the second goal were hardly finished by the time Emmanuel-Thomas had collected Ozyakup’s ball on the right and danced inside. Some breath taking skill and a powerful finish later, it was 3-1.

Everton lacked ideas but did respond by smacking Shea’s post through Baxter, but that was after The Gunners sealed the three points, again from a corner. Another quality Ozyakup delivery, another powerful head, this time from Nordtveit. 4-1.

There was just time for Philip Roberts to make his Reserve team debut, replacing Emmanuel-Thomas, and for Everton to believe they’d pulled one back, only for James Shea to claw off the line. However, it was another impressive win but one that continues to offer up the same question; how long before Emmanuel-Thomas earns a first-team start?

Arsenal Under 18’s returned to winning ways by crushing Portsmouth 3-0 at London Colney this morning. First half strikes from Alban Bunjaku and Philip Roberts set The Gunners on their way, before Callum Webb added a third 15 minutes from time.

Steve Bould was able to welcome back striker Philip Roberts from injury during the week and he went straight into the starting lineup. Dutchman Kyle Ebecilio kept his place while a defensive re-shuffle saw the impressive Josh Rees drop out in favour of Jordan Wynter at right back.

McDermott
Wynter – Angha – Monteiro – Bihmoutine
Bunjaku – Webb – Ebecilio
Monakana – Roberts – Neita

Subs: Charles-Cook (GK), Smith, Edge, Rees.

Arsenal took just 90 seconds to open the scoring against Portsmouth, the league’s bottom club. Winger Alban Bunjaku coolly finished to put the hosts in front. Bould’s boys pilled on the pressure and found a second 13 minutes later; Roberts marking his return with a goal.

Portsmouth tried to battle back, but Callum Webb sealed the win with a rare goal from midfield. Three goals, three points and a confidence boosting win for Bould’s improving youngsters.

Arsenal suffered their first set back of the new Premier Reserve League season this afternoon, losing their unbeaten record in a 2-0 defeat by Aston Villa. Former Gunner Samir Carruthers did the damage with a goal and assist.

Neil Banfield was forced into a major reshuffle before kick off. Having lost Gavin Hoyte, Mark Randall and Benik Afobe to loan spells, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas also pulled out of the squad. However, Thomas Cruise was fit and started in a back four which included Havard Nordtveit and Sead Hajrovic.

Aston Villa boasted a strong side, including full internationals Moustapha Salifou, Eric Lichaj and Brad Guzan. First team players Marc Albrighton, Barry Bannan and Nathan Delfouneso also started.

Shea
Nordtveit – Hajrovic – Miquel – Cruise
Ozyakup – Yennaris
Sunu – Aneke – Henderson
Murphy

Subs: Martinez (GK), Boateng, Angha, Rees, Deacon.

Arsenal kicked things off at a blustery London Colney, but were immediately pushed onto the back foot. Marc Albrighton won a collection of early corners, one of which was almost converted by American international Lichaj who only just flicked the ball wide.

Villa then began to dominate possession but they struggled to break down the holding midfield duo of Ozyakup and Yennaris. Instead, the visitors joy came from corners. Lowry should have opened the scoring when he drifted off Hajrovic and volleyed wide. It was a big chance.

On the half hour mark, Aston Villa finally got their game together. Carruthers’ well placed ball found Delfouneso in the box. He kept composed to glance beyond Shea for 1-0.

Aneke and Ozyakup both had shots from range in the closing stages of the half, but it was Villa who would take full control at the break. Albrighton showed super technique to find Carruthers, he did the rest with a neat header. 2-0 at half time.

Sunu snapped out of the traps in the second half and should have pulled one back early following a neat move. The Frenchman collected the ball and raced into the box, but Guzan was on hand to frustrate with another excellent save. Aneke also found Guzan in great form minutes later, again after a slick passing move.

Deacon, Angha and Boateng all came off the bench late on but Villa remained professional and managed to see out the game. The loss of the unbeaten run, but easier challenges await Banfield’s title chasing youngsters.

Arsenal thrashed West Ham United 4-1 to continue their impressive start to the Premier Reserve League season. A first half strike from Chuks Aneke set The Gunners on their way, before Jay Emmanuel-Thomas claimed a stylish hat-trick. Former academy product Ahmed Abdulla pulled one back late on.

Both sides had first-team experience up front, with Arsenal boasting Mexican international Carlos Vela while The Hammers started with journeyman striker Benny McCarthy.

Shea
Nordtveit – Hoyte – Miquel (c) – Meade
Lansbury – Eastmond – Aneke
Sunu – Vela – Emmanuel-Thomas

Subs: Martinez, Henderson, Randall, Afobe, Murphy.

Arsenal began well at a damp London Colney, immediately forcing their visitors onto the back foot. Gilles Sunu was in the thick of the early action, spraying two shots at Stech in an exciting early period.

West Ham had chances to hit back but all the better chances came from Arsenal who were beginning to dominate. However, it took until the 44th minute before the opener came. Vela and Emmanuel-Thomas played some superb touch football, the latter fired in a strong cross which Stech could only palm into the air. Aneke was on hand to nod home. 1-0.

The second half was just 9 minutes old before the hosts doubled their lead in amazing fashion. Emmanuel-Thomas cut in from the right-hand side, beat two defenders and calmly placed the ball past Stech to double Arsenal’s lead. 2-0.

Vela had a selection of chances to get on the score sheet, but he struggled to find his range. The hosts soon had their third, Murphy was tripped in the box and Emmanuel-Thomas converted the penalty for 3-0.

Jay had ran the show and 3 minutes late he got his hat-trick. From all of 30 yards out, he turned and rifled an unstoppable left-foot shot just inside the post. Stech dived full length but couldn’t get there. 4-0.

There was just enough time for Abdulla to squeeze in a strike against his former club to make it 4-1, but Arsenal had cruised to another comprehensive win.

Arsenal continued their inconsistent start to the Premier Academy League season with a 3-1 home defeat against Charlton Athletic this morning.

Callum Webb got the only goal for The Gunners.