Month: September 2008

Kieran Gibbs has singled out the Carling Cup as a competition that all the young players are looking forward to at Arsenal, suggesting the Cup can be the big break for many of the Reserves.

Speaking with the Club’s official TV channel, Gibbs spoke openly about the importance of an integration into first team football, something the League Cup provides.

“I have big ambitions in the Carling Cup, but everybody has really. Everybody is waiting for it, and waiting for their big break. We’re all looking forward to the start of the competition.”

Kieran penned a new contract two weeks ago, and was clearly delighted to have committed himself to the club, saying he can now focus on his development.

“I’m extremely happy to have signed the new deal, I can now focus on my football. The manager said ‘I would like to keep you here for longer, and see how your development goes’. So It’s up to me now to show what I can do.”

The 18-year-old saw his stock rise considerably last season in the aforementioned Carling Cup, he also explained how that tournament helped ‘sow the seeds’ for his new role as a left back.

“Armand was injured for the Sheffield United game last season, Gael needed a rest, and the manager gave me a chance. I though i did ‘alright’. He (Wenger) said it’s a great position for me to start learning, and that he would look to move me into midfield later on.”

He continued with how his development at left back is going.

“It has been hard to improve my game, I have been trying to learn basically since the start of this season, but, I’m prepared to learn, but slowly. We don’t get much time to speak with the first team, but when i do, I always speak with Gael Clichy about the position. We also get DVD’s on opponents, so it’s great experience.”

Gibbs confirmed he was watching Theo Walcott’s incredible hat-trick for England during midweek, calling the fellow winger a real inspiration. He also rubbished claims that Arsène Wenger prefers to play foreign talents.

“I think all wingers are looking to match Theo, he is an inspiration to us all. I don’t believe the manager would ever not pick a player because he is English, so, I would say it’s all down to us English players. If somebody from somewhere else is going to do a better job, then he deserves to be picked, it’s just about what a player can do.”

Article By – J.Sanderson

Three wins from three games firmly establishes Arsenal’s Under 18’s as the side to beat in the Academy League, it’s Coventry City tomorrow morning who will aim to end the Gunners unbeaten run and get some much needed points on the board.

City are also beaten with a win and a draw from their two fixtures, but desperately need a victory to keep up with the early pace setters who have already played three games. Steve Bould has admitted his sides performances have been poor in the last two weeks, but it’s credit to the quality in this team that they have scored 7 goals without controlling the play.

Coventry are unlikely to trouble Arsenal at London Colney, but there is a sense that with the poor performances in recent weeks, it seems only a matter of time before the Under 18’s get punished.

The form of Gilles Sunu, Sanchez Watt and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas have helped carry the youngsters, added to strong performances from Henderson, Murphy and Frimpong – mean individual talents are ruling the roost over the lack of a strong team game.

Predicted Starting XI

Shea
Eastmond – Ayling – Cruise – Evina
Frimpong – Thomas (c)
Sunu – Henderson – Watt
Murphy

Prediction – Arsenal 4-0 Coventry City

The game is an 11am kick off at London Colney, it’s free to go and watch the game – but should you not be able to get to the fixture, you can read a Match Report tomorrow afternoon here on Young Guns.

In other news, LOL at This.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock has confirmed he has been present at recent Arsenal Reserve fixtures – but not to watch midfielder Henri Lansbury as internally reported, but young striker Rui Fonte instead.

Warnock already has one Fonte on his books – Rui’s older brother Jose – and after being tipped off about his brothers talents, Rui has now been officially courted by the Championship outfit with the former Sheffield United boss admitting the interest to the Croydon Advertiser.

“I saw that we were linked with (Henri) Lansbury – but I was actually their watching Jose Fonte’s brother, Rui.”

The 18-year-old is in the final campaign of a three year loan spell with the Gunners, and has shown excellent form which has brought four goals so far this season, with three in his last three fixtures. Arsenal can buy the striker for $1.5 million dollars next summer, but it remains unlikely at present that the move would be made permanent.

Last month Fonte agreed a contract extension with parent club Sporting until 2010, those papers will be signed in July should Liam Brady decide against extending the Portuguese Under 19 International’s stay in London.

Palace are reported to have been impressed with his link play and technical abilities, but his slight frame has put off Warnock – who feels the rigours of Championship football would prove too much for the elegant front man.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal defender Håvard Nordtveit admits he is willing to bide his time whilst on loan with Spanish side UDSalamanca, with the Norwegian youngster keen to learn from the other centre backs around him, before challenging them for a place in the team.

Nordtveit joined Salamanca in early August but has so far failed to gain a regular place in the side, although he has travelled with the team for both League games so far this season. He was named among the subs’ against Deportivo Alavés on match day one, but had to wait until last weeks fixture at Sevilla Atlético to make his debut – where he featured in the final 2 minutes.

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Arsenal Reserve team goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny has been added to a two name short list by Swansea manager Roberto Martínez, as the Championship outfit search for a back up stopper.

The other keeper’ has already been revealed as Fulham new boy David Stockdale, and reports coming out of both London and Wales claim Szczęsny has been identified as a second choice, should Stockdale fail to agree terms.

Martínez only has one stopper on his books, but fearing an injury or illness to first choice Dorus de Vries, the Welsh outfit are keen to bring in a new face between the sticks on loan. The Spanish manager admits they are closing in on a target, with a deal expected to be reached sometime in the next 7 days.

“If Dorus, for instance, was to feel sick overnight on Friday, we would have someone in line to join us on Saturday morning, but we’re not desperate to get a goalkeeper in at the moment because Dorus is such a reliable figure.”

“We want to bring in a keeper because of the dynamics of the squad but we have to make sure he has the right personality. We hope we can do something soon, maybe just before this weekend or straight after it.”

Wojciech – a Polish Under 21 International –  was subject of Championship interest over the summer, however, this was rebuffed ahead of the new Reserves campaign. He put in a terrific performance against Chelsea despite some poor defending costing him his clean sheet, and added to his growing reputation as one of the brightest stars in Europe.

Italian Vito Mannone was suspended for last weeks fixture, but will be eligible for the next game, meaning ‘Tech 9’ could find himself back on the bench. Swansea have good experience of nurturing talents from bigger club’s, something Szczęsny could really do with to develop his already great talents.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsène Wenger has frequently said ‘international football is more of a hindrance than a help’, but the performances put in by two of his most prized youngsters last night will have no doubt put a smile on the Frenchman’s face.

Midfielder Henri Lansbury played the full 90 minutes for England Under 19’s yesterday afternoon, and although the 17-year-old has been average over pre-season, Henri’s tenacious attitude help transform the fortunes of a disheartened England.

Many agree that on his day Lansbury is up there with the most promising youngsters in the country, but injuries and doubts over his professionalism has seen the previous hype around him fall away. It seems this could have been a perfect blessing in disguise – as he could go away and concentrate on his rehabilitation.

Two strikes against Worthing hinted he could be back to his best last week, but last night’s performance showed all the qualities that had initially started the debate over his future. Wenger has a knack of playing prospects out of position to test their character, however, putting Lansbury on the right hand side seemed to damage his already fragile confidence following 6 months out through injury.

Once reunited with a central midfielder birth, the Enfield born starlet passed and probed the Dutch defense all evening, but not just content with a passing role, he opted to drive forward and lead by example. Those classic English qualities captured the imagination of everybody watching on.

Whilst Henri was winning a Man Of Match award in Shrewsbury, Aaron Ramsey played an instrumental role in Wales Under 21’s 3-0 victory Romania. The win saw the Welsh through to the UEFA Under 21 Championship play-offs. Ramsey also took up a central role, and saw two of his corners headed home to all but win the fixture, Rhoys Wiggins added a late third.

The pair are both progressing well, and look set to take up important positions in the Carling Cup team this season.

In other news, be sure to check out our good friends over at Arsenal SPOT for an in depth coverage of all things Arsenal.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Two goals from Arsenal striker Rhys Murphy helped England Under 19’s beat Holland Under 19’s 2-1 at Shrewsbury Town’s Prostar Stadium this evening, in a fixture shown live on Setanta Sports.

Arsenal had no less than four representatives in the England squad – and one in the Dutch team. Holland came into the fixture after smashing Scotland on Saturday, and star performer from that game Nacer Barazite kept his place in the starting line up.

Rhys Murphy, Gavin Hoyte and Henri Lansbury all started, with the latter being awarded the captains armband. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was named among the substitutes by manager Brian Eastick.

England began in a terrific manner and looked to press home the advantage with an early goal, but despite creating the majority of chances, they failed to capitalise, boosting the visitors confidence.

Barazite fizzed an effort over after dancing through the defence, and the pressure would eventually toll, as England would go into half time break 1-0 down. Feyenoord midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum smashed home a stunning effort on 41 minutes to shock the home crowd.

Gunners midfielder Lansbury helped lift the atmosphere in the second half as the Lions pushed on, and the energy throughout the team would pay off. Rhys Murphy’s deadly finishing would see him bag two strikes in as many minutes to complete the turn around, and then it was England’s turn to keep possession and help stifle the tired visitors.

Stopper Steele helped keep out a late Dutch onslaught, with Jay Thomas and Michael Woods clearing the danger from a succession of corners. Intelligent football from Murphy in the corner helped run down the clock, despite Barazite trying to tackle his Club mate. Lansbury would then set up Murphy for the hat-trick in stoppage time, but he saw his blazed effort tipped over.

Nacer Barazite looked classy in attack for Holland, but it was the Arsenal boys on the home side that showed their true quality. Murphy, Thomas and especially Lansbury were excellent, and will look to replicate that form on for the Reserves this term.

Lansbury walked away with the Man Of The Match Award in a very good evening from the young midfielder, a terrific result for both club and country.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal’s Under 16’s celebrated winning the Zinédine Zidane Cup last week Sunday, but it was back to business on Saturday as Steve Gatting’s boys took on Bristol City at Hale End.

New signings Oğuzhan Özyakup and Ignasi Miquel made starts in a competitive side which included Under 15 starlets Alex Witham and Neil Johnson. The fixture also gave new skipper Benik Afobe the chance to lead the young troops for the first time this season, he partnered Jason Banton in attack.

Midfielders Johnson and Witham helped themselves to their first goals of the campaign, before an own goal all but sealed the victory. Bristol managed to get one back, but Benik Afobe continued where he left off in Cannes with a 4th to help seal a comfortable win.

No points are recorded as there is no League system, but Gatting’s boys remain unbeaten this season. Young Guns is the only place to catch full Under 16’s reports throughout the season.

Article By – J.Sanderson

New Arsenal midfielder Amaury Bischoff has blamed former employers Werder Bremen for his long term injury problems, with the youngster saying manager Thomas Schaaf forced him to play despite the fact he frequently complained of pains.

Amaruy was speaking during an interview with the Club’s official Television channel Arsenal TV, and was asked about how his injury issues arose.

“The injury crept up on me really, i started feeling some pain after training. My manager said to me ‘I think it’s OK for you to keep playing’, so i kept playing. But it was not getting any better, and i was in alot of pain. This went on for 1-2 months, in the end i said ‘I have to have a break, I’m playing in too much pain’.”

Bischoff also cleared up the confusion over his nationality, as although he was born in France, he now represents Portugal at Under 21 level.

“I was called up to the French Under 18’s, but when i moved to Werder the French manager called me and said ‘If you go abroad i will not select you for the team’ He only wanted players playing in France. So i made my decision, and went to Bremen. Then i met a player called Hugo Almeida, he heared i had a dual nationality, and he spoke to the Portuguese FA and told them.”

“They came to watch me 3-4 times in games as well as training, and they called me and asked if i wanted to play for Portugal, and i went to play for them!.”

He went on to look ahead to his return which will be for the Reserves in the next month or so, but also cited the Carling Cup as an important competition to hone his talents, enthusing ‘I am happy to play anywhere for Arsenal’.

Many are left a little ‘in the dark’ over Bischoff’s style, he confirms that he likes to operate in an attacking manner, and then confirmed some of his football idols.

“I like to base my game on players such as Xavi ( Hernández) and (Andrés) Iniesta. They play for others, not themselves, and i love that. They like to pass and move the ball, and i really enjoy that.”

Article By – J.Sanderson