Month: September 2008

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is reportedly set to test Arsenal’s resolve during the January transfer window with a permanent offer for on loan winger Armand Traoré.

The Frenchman has started every single game since joining Pompey during the summer, and was particularly impressive during the historic 2-0 victory over Vitória Guimarães in the UEFA Cup on Thursday. Not only has his performances endeared him to Redknapp, but also his willingness to learn from the experienced coaching staff on the South Coast.

Rumours have been circulating that Traoré would be interested in a potential switch, although his preference is to come back to Arsenal. Armand has only recently put pen-to-paper on a new contract with the Gunners, but officials from Portsmouth believe they can snatch his signature.

Kieran Gibbs and Pedro Botelho will both go head to head to be second choice behind Gael Clichy next year, a position previously held by Traoré. He is now considered as more of a winger than defender, but the competition for places on the flank is just as strong.

The Frenchman is just 18-years-old, but it would take a large fee to convince Arsene Wenger to sell the fleet footed winger – something Pompey are doubtful to stretch to. But with plenty of options already available, an offer of £5 million could swing the balance.

Article By – J.Sanderson

As you may or may not be aware, Young Guns has a collaboration with Arsenal Supporters Club France, known simply as ASCF. They are the biggest and most iconic branch for French Gooners, offering all sorts of information to help bring the Club closer to the fans.

Our link up is similar to that of Arsenal’s and the Colorado Rapids, we share ideas and such in the competitive world of blogging. As a part of the link up, we thought it was only fair that you should get to know both parties a little better, so we have agreed to undertake interviews.

The first of which took place yesterday, where Vince from ASCF spoke to me on a whole manner of subjects. You can read the full the interview below, and the translated French version over at ASCF.

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Three wins and a draw leaves Steve Bould’s Under 18’s top of Academy League Group A, yet there is still a general feeling of disappointment ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Reading.

The results have been on the whole very good – 11 goals from 4 games – but the performances have been the biggest let down, with Bould admitting inconsistency in their play has cost them. Arsenal still remain the team to beat in the League, and it’s Reading who will attempt to take points from the Gunners next.

The Royals have had an even worse start – they sit 8th in Group B with just 2 points from 4 fixtures. This form has been particularly worrying as they were a strong side last year, indeed, it took a late James Dunne penalty to snatch the points last time these two met.

Injuries have taken hold in the last two weeks leaving a previously strong team struggling for cover. Emmanuel Frimpong and Sanchez Watt are the big name absentees, Cedric Evina and Conor Henderson have taken over. But Henderson was injured on his Reserves debut in midweek and looks set for a long spell on the sidelines, Jonas Rasmussen should take his place.

Captain Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been in amazing form this season, Bould has urged him to be a little less flash, yet he will carry a large threat from midfield. Gilles Sunu is the man to watch,  his form has been nothing short of brilliant so far this year.

Predicted Starting XI

Shea
Eastmond – Blackwood – Ayling – Cruise
Sunu – Rasmussen – Thomas (c) – Evina
Murphy – Freeman

Substitutes – Nicholas – Deacon – Obed

A win is definitely on the cards for the Young Guns, we will go with a 2-1 prediction, Gilles Sunu and Jay Thomas to get the crucial strikes. James Shea has been poor between the sticks, it’s doubtful he will keep a clean sheet against a hard working Reading.

Match Prediction – Arsenal 2-1 Reading

The game is an 11am kick of at Reading’s training ground, a Match Report will be available shortly after full time. Highlights could be around on Arsenal TV in midweek.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal defender Armand Traoré made history this evening as the 18-year-old became the first left winger to represent Portsmouth in a European competition after Pompey made their bow in the UEFA Cup against Victoria Guimaraes at Fratton Park.

The Frenchman has been an ever present since his loan spell from the Gunners, and although Harry Redkanpp switched the formation this evening, the fleet-footed starlet kept his place.

James
Johnson – Campbell – Distin – Belhadj
Utaka – Davis – Diarra – Traoré
Defoe – Crouch

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The FA Premier League are set to meet in the coming months to discuss a new rule – which should it be accepted – would mean that Clubs must include at least two Academy graduates on the substitutes bench for each game.

Many believed the new substitutes rule, which now allows seven players to be named instead of five, would benefit youngsters anyway, indeed Arsenal have already used a handful of Reserves so far, but the governing body want more to be done.

FIFA and UEFA are committed to helping the progression of home grown young talent in a world which is now dominated by money, and they will no doubt be delighted after the a spokesman confirmed yesterday the plans to look at this new rule.

“This is something that has been discussed in the past and may be looked at again, but there is no fixed timetable as yet,”

Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs have both been on the bench for the Gunners already this season, and with record numbers of scholars turning professionals at Arsenal in the last years, the initiative will tend to focus on some of the other Club’s in the top four.

Liverpool Reserves coach Gary Ablett has admitted his frustration at many of his youngsters being dumped back in the second string after excellent pre-seasons, the ruling would also effect 13 other teams who currently fall short of the specifications.

It would mean that Arsène Wenger could select his usual 5-man-bench that he has throughout his rein, but would not have the luxury of another two options of his choice which he has had so far this term, instead having to select graduates.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal have terminated the contract of young striker Jason Banton after the rebellious former England Under 16 international had yet another furious row with the Gunners Academy coaching staff.

Banton was in his second spell at the Club after a January switch to Tottenham went wrong and he was allowed to return, that move was thought to have been sanctioned due to Jason’s off the field troubles. However, despite helping Steve Gatting’s Under 16’s to Atalanta Cup and Zinedine Zidane Tournament victories over the summer, his relationship with the staff at Hale End has deteriorated.

They feel the player is an argumentative and disruptive influence, and have acted on behalf of the remaining players at the club by tearing up his forms.

He also reportedly had rows with left-back George Brisnal, although this is not the sole reason for him departing. West Ham and Liverpool are the front runners to snap up the prospect who is now a free agent, but with a terrible attitude it’s doubtful those two could do much to keep his development on track.

Jason’s career highlights include scoring against Northern Ireland in the Sky Sports Victory Shield, bagging goals in the group stages of the Atalanta Cup, and featuring throughout the Zidane Cup win in Cannes last month.

Everybody at Young Guns would like to wish Jason all the best for the future.

With thanks to Reyes9 for this news via comment

Article By – J.Sanderson

After his excellent cameo appearance against Sheffield United inspired Derby County to a 2-1 victory at Pride Park on Saturday, on loan winger Nacer Barazite was handed his first start by manager Paul Jewell for the trip to Wales to take on newly promoted Swansea City this evening.

The hosts began the better of the two sides and worked early openings through Ferrie Bode and Mark Gower, with Swansea looking to establish themselves an early lead against a rejuvenated Derby. Nacer showed neat touches on the wing, he worked himself a shooting angle on 11 minutes but blazed over.

The Dutchman was back to his usual elegant and technical self, but it was the Welsh outfit who looked the deadliest of the two sides. Both teams exchanged corners in a 20 minute spell until Barazite exploded into life again, another dangerous effort from the 18-year-old nearly handed The Rams a lead.

Bodde and Thomas Butler had excellent chances shortly before the break, but Derby managed to hold to take 0-0 into the interval.

Milles Addision had the best chance of the second period after he saw his volley crashed over by de Vries, Gower then hit back with an effort at the other end. But eventually Stephen Pearson would stab home in a crowded box to give County a 63rd minute lead.

However, the pressure tolled with the time ticking down, Nacer’s efficient play helped keep the ball, but he couldn’t prevent Ashley Williams’ header from hitting the net.

At 1-1 Swansea pushed their visitors back in an attempt to force a late goal, but they were just holding on. Barazite was fouled on several occasions but seemed to deal with the physical nature with ease.

Pintado crashed a late header at Carroll, but it was nearly Derby who bagged a winner in stoppage time. Davies combined with Barazite with the Scottish winger nearly slotting home.

It finished 1-1 at The Liberty Stadium, a hard fought point for Jewell’s men and fantastic 90 minutes for Barazite. He didn’t have a lot of action but will be happy with the game under his belt ahead of Saturday’s home game against Cardiff City.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Neil Banfield’s Reserves were looking for a vital win this evening after losing a seven game unbeaten run in the League against Chelsea 15 days ago.

The Gunners boosted confidence with a 3-0 win over Fulham in a behind closed doors friendly on Wednesday, but an experienced Portsmouth lay in wait at Havant & Waterlooville’s Westleigh Park.

Banfield had wanted to keep faith in his young charges, but a week long flu illness had robbed him of Francis Coquelin, whilst Jack Wilshere had been selected by Arsène Wenger for first team duty. Vito Mannone replaced Wojciech Szczesny between the sticks.

Mannone
Ogogo – Bartley – G.Hoyte (c) – Gibbs
Dunne – Randall – Mérida – Lansbury
Simpson – Fonte

Subs – Szczesny – Steer – Rodgers – Henderson – Murphy

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After losing a seven game unbeaten record in Reserves League South two weeks ago to Chelsea, it’s back to basics for Neil Banfield’s side this evening as they travel to the Coast to take on a tricky Portsmouth team.

The team is arguably in better shape than it has ever been with experience and quality in abundance, yet still, the Gunners came up short against an average Chelsea side. The movement and flow saw Arsenal dominate at Underhill on match day one, but despite Mark Randall’s early goal, the visitors seemed much more comfortable as time ticked down.

Tonight Portsmouth will pose a similar sort of a threat to that of Chelsea, they are, in contrast to Arsenal, only a decent side, but will boast big name Premiership stars. David Nugent and former Gunner Kanu will lead the line, Glenn Little and Arnold Mvuemba will provide support from the midfield.

Turning the attention to the visitors, Henri Lansbury returns in place of Jack Wilshere who is with the first team in Kyiv. Kieran Gibbs was on the bench at the weekend, he has been replaced by Carlos Vela in the Champions League Squad – meaning he is back on Reserves duty.

Confirmed Starting XI

Mannone
Ogogo – Bartley – G.Hoyte (c) – Gibbs
Lansbury – Randall – Dunne – Mérida
Simpson – Fonte

Subs – Szczesny, Rodgers, Steer, Henderson, Murphy

Prediction – Arsenal 1-2 Portsmouth

The game is a 7pm kick of at Havant & Waterlooville’s Westleigh Park. Arsenal TV and Arsenal TV Online will be showing the fixture live, coverage starts at 6.30pm. A full Match Report will be available immediately after the full time whistle, live score updates from the game can be found in the comment section below.

Article By – J.Sanderson