Wellington All But Completes Arsenal Move

Staff Writer

Wellington Silva has all but completed his much anticipated move to Arsenal. The Brazilian is in England for training, but a decision has been taken for him to stay in London until he is eligible to play for the club in January.

Silva touched down in the capital earlier this month for the third and final part of a three stage adaptation period. The program has been designed to help the 17-year-old acclimatize to life in England ahead of the completion of his transfer from Fluminense in January.

However, after Wellington fell out of favour with the Rio based outfit, Arsenal have moved to protect the player. He will now train as normal with the Reserve team, but instead of returning to his home land at the end of November, the Brazil Under 17 international will remain in England.

Arsenal can complete the transfer, buying the remainder for his ownership and registering him with the Premier League, from the 6th of January. A ‘special talent’ work visa has already been granted. A return to Rio is expected at some stage in the coming month, as the youngster says his final goodbyes and collects the remainder of his possessions.

Silva is expected to play out the remainder of the season with Neil Banfield’s Reserve team. He will also be eligible to feature in the FA Youth Cup, should Steve Bould decide to use the forward.

Arsenal 4-1 Everton; JET Makes The Difference

Staff Writer

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?

Loanees – Coquelin & Botelho Continue To Shine

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.

Kyle Bartley played the full 90 minutes at centre back as Sheffield United lost 2-1 to Ipswich Town. Bartley and United struggled to deal with Town’s long throws, two of which resulted in goals. In a frustrating afternoon, Kyle was booked late on.

Benik Afobe made his first professional start and played the full 90 minutes for Huddersfield Town against Cambridge United. Afobe endured a torrid first half as the hosts looked likely to cause a notable upset, however, after manager Lee Clark changed things in the second half, Afobe impressed. The young striker could have scored the winner late on, but the game finished 0-0 and went to a replay.

Thomas Cruise started and played the full 90 minutes at left back as Carlisle United cruised into the second round of the FA Cup. Cruise, on his debut, turned in s decent shift at left back, but was rarely troubled.

Cedric Evina wrapped up another 90 minutes for Oldham Athletic at left back but he couldn’t prevent his side from a surprise 3-2 defeat to Accrington Stanley.

Gavin Hoyte played the full 90 minutes for Lincoln City as they claimed a 1-0 win over Nuneaton. Hoyte played the full game at right back.

Sanchez Watt missed Leeds United’s 3-2 win over Coventry City due to injury.

Mark Randall missed Rotherham’s 0-0 draw with York City due to a broken cheek bone.

Vito Mannone was an unused substitute for Hull City as they lost 1-0 to Scunthorpe United in the Humberside derby.

Luke Freeman was an unused substitute for Yeovil as they beat Rushden and Diamonds 1-0.

Francis Coquelin played the full 90 minutes for Lorient as they beat Saint Etienne 2-1. Coquelin was fantastic in a holding midfield role but did get involved in the attacking side, assisting for one of Kevin Gameiro’s two goals.

Armand Traore missed Juventus’ 2-1 win over Cesena due to injury

Nacer Barazite played the final 8 minutes of Vitesse Arnhem’s 1-1 draw against AZ Alkmaar. Barazite replaced Julian Jenner late on and his influence tolled as Vitesse grabbed a 90th minute equaliser.

Pedro Botelho played the full 90 minutes at left back for FC Cartagena as they beat Granada 2-1. Botelho turned in another fantastic shift, playing his part for Cartagena’s first goal.

Samuel Galindo replaced Marcos Márquez with 8 minutes left of Salamanca’s 1-0 win over Albacete.

Arsenal 3-0 Portsmouth; Gunners Crush Pompey

Staff Writer

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.

Hiddink Jets Into London For Ozyakup Talks

Staff Writer

Turkish national team manager Guus Hiddink flew into London this week to hold talks with Arsenal’s Oğuzhan Özyakup. Hiddink is hoping to convince the midfielder to switch his international allegiance from Holland to Turkey.

Özyakup, who played in the Reserves’ 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Tuesday, has previously rejected suggestions he could represent Turkey, but he has left the door open after negotiations with Hiddink. The Turkish FA published a list of potential stars of the future during the week. The list included Chelsea’s Gokhan Tore and Portsmouth’s Nadir Ciftc, but Oğuzhan’s name was also there despite the fact he is the current captain of Holland’s Under 19’s.

Suggestions in the Turkish media claim Hiddink has drawn up a plan of action for Özyakup, who’s contract expires at the end of the season. The plan would see the midfielder move to Hiddink’s former outfit PSV in the summer where he could keep close tabs on the prospects development. However, the 18-year-old admitted he knew nothing about a move to PSV, but did acknowledge Hiddink’s visit.

“I felt honored by his visit, but you should not draw conclusions from it”

“I’ve been playing with the Dutch teams for years and I am very happy. Any choice between the Netherlands and Turkey has not yet been addressed. Right now I focus me on Arsenal. My contract expires at the end of the season I would first like to sort out my future.”

Talks on a new deal are yet to advance beyond the initial stages.

Arsenal 0-2 Aston Villa; Gunners Struggle Without JET

Staff Writer

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.

Afobe Joins Huddersfield Town On Loan

Staff Writer

Benik Afobe has agreed to join League One side Huddersfield Town on loan until January, Young Guns has learnt.

The 17-year-old, who scored 11 goals in 13 appearances last season as the Under 18’s retained the Premier Academy League, will link up with Huddersfield later this week. Arsène Wenger and Pat Rice have both held discussions with Afobe and decided he was ready for league football.

The powerful front-man is currently enjoying his first season as a regular in the Reserve team, where he has been operating in an unfamiliar right wing role. However, its a position he’s had success in, playing their for England Under 17’s as they won the European Championships last summer.

Afobe, who has two years left to run on his current contract, could feature in Town’s weekend clash against Sheffield Wednesday.

Szczesny Refuses To Discuss Arsenal Extension

Staff Writer

Wojciech Szczęsny is refusing to hold further negotiations with Arsenal over extending his contract. The 20-year-old admits he has received an offer from the club, but he waiting for assurances over his future.

Arsène Wenger confirmed on Friday Young Guns’ story from the Polish press that talks had begun over a new deal and that an offer had been made. However, with the finer details still to thrash out, Szczęsny has broken off talks with the club and suggested he will only sign if he is given a prominent role in the team between now and the end of the season.

In a candid interview with Polish website Przegląd Sportowy, Wojciech was asked how the talks were progressing with Arsenal.

“There was some offers, but I am not interested right now. It’s not that I don’t want to extend the contract, I just don’t want to hold talks at this point. I have enough money to live and I can’t complain about that, but I will only be happy if I play.”

“Everything depends on how many games I play. I admit that I want to play at Arsenal as long as they want me. If I can earn my place in goal I won’t even consider any other offers.”

The break down in talks will come as a surprise to Wenger, who appeared confident that he would tie Szczęsny down to a long term deal last week.

Wojciech has spoken about his desire to play in the Champions League if Arsenal secure early progression into the knock out stages. Whether the Pole gets the nod in games like that will be make or break in the fight to keep arguably the best young goalkeeper in the country.

Loanees – Randall Debuts As Bartley Returns

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.

Kyle Bartley returned to the Sheffield United starting lineup against Coventry. However, despite coming close to scoring late on, Kyle, who was wearing a protective mask, couldn’t keep a clean sheet as Coventry won 1-0.

Cedric Evina played 76 minutes for Oldham Athleltic as they beat Plymouth Argyle 4-2. Featuring at left back, Evina showed some promising signs that he is beginning to settle into life in League One.

Mark Randall started but only managed 21 minutes of his Rotherham United debut after receiving a nasty kick to the head in the opening minute. Randall was taken off a precaution but is expected to be fine to play next weekend.

Gavin Hoyte started and played the whole game at right back on his Lincoln City debut. Hoyte, who joined Lincoln on Friday, didn’t manage to keep a clean sheet, as City drew 2-2 with Wycombe Wanderers.

Sanchez Watt was not part of the Leeds United side that thrashed Scunthorpe United. Watt is still nursing an injury.

Vito Mannone was an unused substitute for Hull City who drew 1-1 with Barnsley in a Yorkshire derby.

Luke Freeman was an unused substitute for Yeovil Town who drew 3-3 with Swindon.

Francis Coquelin came off the bench to play the final 21 minutes against Arles-Avignon.

Armand Traore was not part of the Juventus side that beat AC Milan 2-1.

Nacer Barazite played the final 23 minutes for Vitesse as they drew 0-0 with his former side NEC Nijmegen in the Arnhem derby. Barazite came on as a striker in the closing stages.

Pedro Botelho completed the whole game at left back for FC Cartagena, but he had one of his poorer games as Villarreal B cruised to a 2-0 win.

Samuel Galindo was an unused substitute for Salamanca as they lost 1-0 to Real Valladolid.