Month: September 2008

Arsène Wenger kept his promise by naming the youngest team in the Club’s history as Arsenal took on Sheffield United in the 3rd round of the Carling Cup this evening.

The squad included two first year scholars along with new 17-year-old signings Aaron Ramsey and Francis Coquelin. Experience was added in the form of captain Lukasz Fabianski and defender Johan Djourou, but the average age was still under 20.

Fabianski (c)
Hoyte – Djourou – Song – Gibbs
Wilshere – Ramsey – Randall – Mérida
Bendtner – Vela

Subs – Mannone, Ogogo, Thomas, Frimpong, Coquelin, Lansbury, Simpson

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Arsène Wenger has done his bit, now it’s time for Arsenal’s youngsters to show what they are all about as the Carling Cup returns this evening with Sheffield United looking to edge out the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium.

An almost packed house awaits the youngest squad in the Club’s history after ticket prices were lowered, so it promises to be a baptism of fire for Wengers boys. Some of the players in the squad are yet to even start for the Reserve team, but with this group having impressed over pre-season, the boss is willing to give them an opportunity to make a name for themselves.

Some may accuse Wenger of disrespecting the competition with such a youthful side, yet the fact 8 of the 18 in the squad have come through the Academy, shows the faith and the quality of the system.

In terms of team news, the squad has been confirmed, but as yet who will play is unknown. Lukasz Fabianski is expected to continue between the sticks after last season’s tournament, he will have an extremely young back four in front of him.

Johan Djourou will captain the party but where he will play is subject of debate. An all British midfield is also set to take centre stage, in front of young forwards Bendtner and Vela.

Predicted Starting XI

Fabianski
Djourou (c) – Hoyte – Song – Gibbs
Lansbury – Randall – Ramsey – Wilshere
Bendtner – Vela

Subs – Mannone, Ogogo, Coquelin, Thomas, Merida, Frimpong, Simpson

Prediction – Arsenal 2-1 Sheffield United

Arsenal TV is the only place to watch the full 90 minutes live this evening, but UK viewers can watch Highlights on ITV1 and Sky Sports News shortly before 00:00. Should you not be able to reach either, an in depth Match Report will be available seconds after the Full Time whistle.

Article By – J.Sanderson

UEFA president Michel Platini launched an astonishing attack on fellow countryman Arsène Wenger yesterday afternoon, with the 53-year-old slamming the Gunners prized youth system.

The interview, which is due to be published in Le Dauphiné on Thursday, comes out in a week which sees the epitome of Wenger’s philosophy, youth development, take centre stage in the Carling Cup. But whilst most Gooners are excited about seeing some of the stars of tomorrow, Platini described the nurturing and, on occasions, the sale of young players as treating the game like a business.

“Me, I only want to talk about football, he (Wenger) only cares about business. We must shut up with Wenger and everything. He is an extremely selfish person.”

Not content with just questioning Arsène’s love for the game, he continued by mocking the Arsenal managers views on goal line technology. Wenger has often called for it to be introduced to aid referees, but Michel was less than impressed with the idea.

“I would not mind if the technology is introduced, just as long as Arsène Wenger is not around to see it. (Smiles)”

With the reporter keen to switch attention away from the onslaught on Wenger, Platini was quizzed on the recent round of Champions League fixtures, which saw new boys Cluj-Napoca beat Roma.

However, he once more used this as a chance to insult his fellow countryman, who has achieved fantastic success as a manager, something Platini had failed at.

“The fact that Cluj beat Roma is very interesting don’t you think?, this is the beauty of football, where the small beats the big, something Wenger does not like.”

The news will no doubt be ‘water of a ducks back’ for the Frenchman, who will be hoping the latest crop of youngsters can prove Platini wrong and achieve big things in the coming season, starting with the Carling Cup.

Due to popular demand, Young Guns will be covering Arsenal’s exploits in the League or Carling Cup this season. Read on to see what you can expect in the coming months.

In the coming weeks you can expect in depth coverage of the usually brilliant competition, including team news, Match Previews, Match Reports, and after game analysis. In this first article we will give a general insight to the Cup and it’s significance to Arsenal, as well as studying which youngsters could feature.

The Carling Cup is simply Arsène Wenger’s opportunity to give promising youngsters the chance to play in a first team environment, finding out if they can cut it with the big boys. It’s relaxed yet competitive nature means Wenger can play some of the young players who have previously impressed in the Cup, but are not currently in the first team.

It’s important to highlight before we start that the tournament is NOT an extension of the Reserves team, it’s primarily about second string first team players, and then Reserves to fill the gaps.

However, last year saw large numbers of Under 19 players competing, with several making it big time. Last year saw the Gunners reach the semi-finals, and despite that terrible defeat to Tottenham, it was the youngsters in the previous rounds who helped ease some of the pain.

Kieran Gibbs, Henri Lansbury, Fran Merida, Mark Randall, Vito Mannone, Gavin Hoyte, Nacer Barazite and Havard Nordtveit were all in the various squads last year, 5 of them made appearances, and the latter, Nordtveit, was penciled in to start against Newcastle until injury ruled him out at the last moment.

Wenger already knows what many of his charges can do, indeed, many of them featured over pre-season, with the Reserves playing at Barnet, and the Under 18’s at Huddersfield. Expect many of last years crop to now be pushing for starting places, including Randall and Merida. Vito Mannone is also expected to play between the sticks – as the third choice ‘Cup keeper’ idea continues.

But also the likes of Francis Coquelin, Kyle Bartley, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Jay Simpson and Rui Fonte will all be hoping for first team chances.

Sheffield United offer the first test tomorrow evening at the Emirates Stadium, they have proved some what of difficult opponents in the past, but after being on the end of a thrashing last year, a win is firmly expected.

Early team news is as follows, Francis Coquelin has been ill all week is doubtful to feature, but Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and Aaron Ramsey will take heart from already being involved in the first team, they all should start. Carlos Vela and the in form Nicklas Bendtner should lead the line, with decisions still to be made on the flanks.

The boss could go with Simpson and Wilshere, or Simspon and Merida, or Wilshere and Merida, whoever plays should expected competition from Amaury Bischoff when he returns next month.

Predicted XI

Mannone
Djourou – G.Hoyte – Song – Gibbs
Simpson – Ramsey – Randall – Wilshere
Bendtner – Vela

Feel free to give your views on the Carling Cup and the team in the comment section, a more in depth Preview will be available tomorrow afternoon.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Summer signing Oğuzhan Özyakup is already proving himself as a fantastic addition since his switch from AZ Alkmaar in July, yet most fans are still unfamiliar with the Dutch born Turkish midfielder.

Özyakup’s first games for the Club saw him help the Under 16’s win the Zinédine Zidane Tournament in France, and after sealing his first medal with the Gunners, he scored against Coventry on his return to England. But to give a further insight on the youngster, Young Guns caught up with one of his former team mates.

Appie is a left back currently playing for AZ Alkmaar C team, he grew up with Oğuzhan and the pair played together shortly before the midfielder sealed his switch to London.

Appie spoke to us yesterday telling us about the following:

• How He First Met Oğuzhan
• What Ozzie Likes To Do In His Spare Time
• His Qualities As A Footballer
• His Favourite Club
• His View On Whether Oğuzhan Will Settle In At Arsenal

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Håvard Nordtveit & Pedro Botelho – UD Salamanca 1-0 Girona

UD Salamanca were looking for their second win in as many games this afternoon as they took on newly promoted Girona in Catalonia.

As we told you yesterday, Håvard Nordtveit made his first start for Salamanca playing in an unfamiliar midfield position, he was one of three changes. On loan striker Miku and injured midfielder Toti missed out, yet despite the injuries, Pedro Botelho did not travel.

Alberto
Gañán (c) – Pelegrín – Català – Sito
Nordtveit – Bustos
Isaac – Sevilla – Dañobeitia
Azkorra

The Union began in an exciting manner, but Girona were willing to get stuck in and break up the stylish movement of the visitors. Nordtveit was also settling in well in the midfield, the Norwegian has already broken the language barrier and looked more than comfortable in the centre.

Håvard broke up a rare Girona attack with an excellent sliding tackle, but gave the ball away on two occasions. Azkorra had an opportunity to flick Salamanca in front, but chances were few and far between.

The longer it took for UDS to score the opener, the more the hosts grew. Nordtveit was booked in the first half for a late challenge, it summed up the mentality of the game.

Half time came and went without goals, and it seemed this one was destined for a draw. Salamanca pride themselves on playing good football, something they would have to give up should they wish to win.

However, sticking to your principles is something which has worked for Arsene Wenger, and manager David Armaral would also experience the fortunes of believing in your style. Some silky passing released Sevilla, his cross was met by Isaac who was on hand to secure the points.

The 18-year-old was replaced with Jeorge Alonso late on, he can take heart from playing an important role as Salamanca move up to 2nd.

Armand Traoré – Portsmouth 0-6 Manchester City

Portsmouth played their third game in a week this afternoon as they made the trip to Eastlands to take on money bags Manchester City.

Harry Redknapp admitted he was keen to change the team around following the 2-0 win in the UEFA Cup on Thursday, but kept faith in his charges meaning Armand Traoré started again on the left wing.

Redknapp was correct to have been cautious over his sides fitness level, and although City also had European action, they were quicker out of the blocks. Inside 20 minutes it was already 2-0, Jo and Richard Dunne with the strikes to stun the visitors.

Traoré struggled to be in the game as the hosts pushed home their advantage, but it remained 2-0 at the break.

The Robinho factor was inspiring Man City, and it was the Brazilian who notched the third. Wright-Phillips and Ched Evans turned the game into a rout, but the fixture still had time to run. Deflated Portsmouth were finished off by Gelson Fernandes late on – Traoré completed the 90 minutes on a miserable afternoon.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal are preparing a bid for S.S Lazio striker Ettore Mendicino after the 18-year-old attacker impressed the Gunners Italian based scout Tony Banfield with his performances for the Rome Club’s B team.

Sources close to the players representatives leaked news of the interest to a Lazio fan site last week, with the website suggesting it’s only a matter of time before Mendicino seals a switch to London. Several positive reports have already been gathered by a handful of scouts working with Banfield, and now a firm contract offer is expected to be put to the player before the end of the year.

The proposed deal would be extremely lucrative to both Ettore and his family, but it would also offer the chance for the youngster to link up with fellow countryman Vito Mannone at Arsenal.

Mendicino is recognised as one of a promising generation of talents at Lazio, and would have to be prepared to give up any further representation for the national team at youth level to seal a switch to the Gunners. Known for having a excellent turn of pace combined with an unselfish nature, he bagged 9 goals in 32 fixtures for the Reserves last year, leading to calls up for the Italian Under 16 team.

He featured in 6 games, scoring once in a draw against Ukraine – with officials already believed to have been on his trial. Mendicino featured a lot for the first team over pre-season, and notched a double in an 8-0 romp over Nuova Tor Tre Teste. Further appearances came against Liverpool and PAOK.

Several young talents have left the World Cup winning country to head to England in the last few years, with Arturo Lupoli and the aforementioned Mannone coming to London, and Giuseppe Rossi among 2-3 players who have gone to Manchester United.

Article By – J.Sanderson – With Thanks To Rashid.

Arsenal’s Under 18’s surrendered their place at the top of Academy League Group A this morning after losing their first game of the season to a hard working Reading outfit.

The defeat leaves Steve Bould’s boys without a win in two games, and facing a difficult period before Christmas with games against West Ham, Chelsea, Fulham and Norwich in quick succession. Performances have been far from the Gunners usual standard in recent weeks, but star quality has seen them through by the skin of their teeth.

However, despite being able to call on Wojciech Szczesny between the sticks, an extremely young side was named by Bould to take on a productive Reading side, which has seen many youngsters graduate into the first team.

Rhema Obed, Oliver Nicholas, Sam Byles and Roarie Deacon all made their first starts of the campaign, Emmanuel Frimpong and Sanchez Watt shook of injuries to take their places in the starting XI.

Szczesny
Obed – Nicholas – Cruise – Evina
Byles – Frimpong – Rasmussen – Thomas (c)
Deacon – Watt

After a quiet start, the young Gunners found themselves behind for the first team this year – a real test of character for the young Gunners. But the impressive Roarie Deacon put the finishing touches to a flowing team move to level proceedings, the goal handed the momentum back to Arsenal.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas managed to bag his third of the season, but the inexperience in a tenacious Academy League showed through. Reading forced two goals in the second half to seal the game in there favour, giving the Royal’s there first 3 points of the term.

Whilst the Under 18’s went down 3-2, the Under 16’s had even less fortune, losing 4-2 in the Berkshire sunshine. Benik Afobe notched a brace for the Gunners, but it was in vein on a tricky morning for both Academy teams.

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.

In this update you can read about the following players in the following games.

Reports:

Nacer Barazite – Derby 1-1 Cardiff City (90 Minutes)
Kerrea Gilbert – Leicester 3-1 Leyton Orient (90 Minutes)

Previews:

Havard Nordtveit & Pedro Botelho – UD Salamanca V Alaves
Armand Traore – Portsmouth V Manchester City

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