Month: May 2009

Arsenal have reached an agreement, in principle, to sell Brazilian wing-back Pedro Botelho to Liga Adelante front runners Xerez C.D. according to reports in Spain.

The 19-year-old is currently coming to the end of a two year loan spell with UD Salamanca, and with his constant unprofessional behaviour, it seems the Gunners are keen to offload the versatile prospect.

Arsenal representatives apparently met with their Xerex counterparts while Arsenal played Villareal in the Champions League Semi-Final on April 7th. An agreement was reached of around €300,000 for the youngster who would join up with the ‘Xerecistas” if they saw out their promotion push. That all but looks a certainty now, meaning if the news is to be believed there is no reason why the deal won’t go through.

Botelho has had several fall outs with the Salamanca coaching staff this term, these followed after first he skipped training to go and watch Real Madrid with his friends, and then refused to pay a €200 fine after insulting the referee who accused him of diving. Both resulted in club suspensions.

Yet on the pitch he’s been brilliant. Having drawn a total of 11 yellow and 3 red cards from opponents this term and really impressed both at left back and on the left of midfield.

There have been other reports suggesting a loan spell with Osasuna is on the cards in the coming months, but whatever happens it seems almost certain Pedro won’t be with Arsenal full time this summer.

Article By – J.Sanderson

1. James Shea – (4) – Seemed to feel the nerves of the whole occasion – especially when the crowd found their voice in the second half. Helpless with the Liverpool goal but could have conceded more after racing from his goal chasing a lost cause late on.

2. Craig Eastmond – (5) – Had a mixed evening. Stood his ground well on occasions and made a handful of good tackles but failed to read the play or track runners on the Liverpool goal. Much improvement needed.

3. Thomas Cruise – (5) – Bombed forward well but like his fellow full back Eastmond, he has lots to learn. Commitment to the cause is 100% and that transmitted in his play.

4. Emmanuel Frimpong – (N/A) – Terribly unlucky. Almost certainly ruled out for the second leg after being on the wrong end of a crunching challenge in the opening quarter of an hour. Never really had time to impose his massive talent and energy which could have spurred the team onto more goals.

5. Kyle Bartley – (7) – Unlucky to have deflected Kacaniklic’s shot right back into his path to make it 2-1 but comfortably read whatever danger the visitors offered. Didn’t really have much to do but he looked quality when called upon.

6. Luke Ayling – (7) – Mr efficient was again solid at the back if a little predictable. His partnership with Bartley will no doubt be one of the notable reasons why the Gunners lift the Cup (if they see off Liverpool in the second leg).

7. Henri Lansbury – (9) – The midfielder was absolutely everywhere. Ran the channels well but really looked exceptional when he moved inside. Him and Wilshere pulled the strings in the middle and their excellent one-two to set up Sunu for the opener was brilliant. Also did the dogged defensive stuff and looked ready to play some part in the first team.

8. Francis Coquelin – (6) – Quiet by his standards but still tidy when called upon. He really seemed to thrive operating alongside Wilshere in a central midfield battle. The Frenchman’s tenacity looked to have fazed Liverpool.

9. Gilles Sunu – (7) – Took his goal beautifully and ran the flanks really well. Still work to do but clear signs that playing down the middle is his best position. The Youth Cup has helped showcase the best of Sunu and his opening goal came at a real crucial stage of the game.

10. Jack Wilshere – (8) – Many have lauded him ‘Bergkampesque’ and with a performance like that he certainly showed signs of the Iceman. Helped lead the side when Liverpool had possession and epitomized the way Steve Bould wants to play the game with his lovely, classy touches. Converted the penalty expertly.

11. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas – (7) – Quiet by his standards in the first half but exploded into life in the second. His powerful running and dribbling had Steve Irwin running for cover. Jay’s header for the final goal was superb, but the celebration dance was not. He’ll no doubt be warming up his arms ahead of surly lifting the trophy next week.

Substitutes –

14. Sanchez Watt – (8) – Changed the game when he came on and notched the goal which killed off Liverpool. Unlucky to have missed out on a start after having an excellent end to the campaign but made the most of it and could have had a strike within the first 20 seconds of his arrival.

15. Rhys Murphy – (6) – Very unlucky not to have got a goal as replays showed his late strike was two-yards onside. Has put himself in contention to start the return leg.

16. Conor Henderson – (N/A) – Came on in the 90th minute.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal first team were among a large crowd who witnessed Steve Bould’s Under 18’s take a 4-1 lead in the F.A Youth Cup Final 1st leg this evening at Emirates Stadium.

Goals from Gilles Sunu, Jack Wilshere (pen) Sanchez Watt and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas help give Bould’s boys a firm grip on the trophy ahead of next week’s second leg at Anfield.

Yet the result could have been so different had Liverpool capitalised on the possession and energy they showed in the opening stages. The game began with a high tempo which both sides handled well, but an overzealous challenge on Emmanuel Frimpong seemed to settle things.

On the 15 minute mark Frimpong’s thigh injury got the better of him, and the teary Ghanaian born midfielder departed with Sanchez Watt replacing him. It was a bitter blow for the youngster who had been one of the lynch-pins of the whole Cup run.

But Watt announced himself in style by lashing an effort into the side netting before the Gunners stepped up their play and bagged themselves the opener. A smooth move involving Lansbury and Wilshere saw Gilles Sunu put through 1-1 with the ‘keeper – the Frenchman made no mistake with a clam finish into the corner.

On 33 minutes the pressure tolled once more. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas’ drilled free kick was spilled by Bouzanis right into the path of Watt. The winger tried to turn but was clipped down by Chris Buchtmann. A penalty was given. Jack Wilshere stepped up and drilled home to double the advantage.

But just as the tie seemed to be slipping away from Liverpool, Alex Kacaniklic went down the other end and pulled one back. After seeing Bartley block his first effort, the visitors number 11 crashed a superb volley to make it 2-1.

The half time whistle came and went with further Arsenal chances, before Sanchez Watt and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas with a bullet header from Lansbury’s corner sealed an outstanding win.

There was just time for Rhys Murphy to find the back of the net – but it was offside. However, that said, it really was the perfect evening for the young Gunners.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Henri Lansbury spoke about reaching the “winning stage” of his career last week after returning to action during the Academy League Playoff final following his loan spell with Scunthorpe United, and the 18-year-old will get another opportunity to battle for honours when he lines up against Liverpool tomorrow night.

Steve Bould is set to recall Lansbury – who last played in the second round of the Cup at Sunderland where he scored two penalties – to help bolster his midfield ahead of the double headed duel which gets underway tomorrow night at the Emirates.

The rugged midfielder returns to the side two rounds later in the competition and his inclusion could see Bould revert to a 4-4-2 with Rhys Murphy and Gilles Sunu leading the line. That formation helped the Gunners claim the League title last week and the boss was clearly impressed with Henri’s performance.

“I thought he was fabulous in the second half. Before the break he was right wing, left wing, off the front – all over. He was a little bit undisciplined and we tried to rein that in a bit and in the second half and he started to look like the player we know he is.”

Having somebody who has played 16 times and scored four goals in League One earlier in the campaign will certainly be a massive boost in what promises to be a tight couple of games.

Remember to check back tomorrow for a full preview and later a report from all the action from the first leg. In the meantime, check out Arsenal TV Online to watch the kids training ahead of the fixture.

Article By – J.Sanderson

The injury curse has stuck once more for possibly one of the most unfortunate players to ever play for the Arsenal Reserves, and that’s saying something. Remember Ryan Garry?

Dutch winger Vincent van den Berg has had a frustrating time since joining the Gunners from SC Heerenveen in 2006. After failing to settle in London, and putting in several dreadful performances for the Reserves, former player Marc Overmars arranged for Vincent to be loaned to the Go Ahead Eagles in his home land.

He only featured a handful of times before injuries ended the loan spell early. He was set to return to Arsenal but the club made it clear his future lay away from London. Subsequently he spent last term on loan with FC Zwolle – but never made a single appearance for their first team or their B side. Injuries were again the cause of frustration.

Despite this, another club offered him a lifeline this summer – Sparta Rotterdam. He turned out for them during a behind closed doors friendly along with three other hopefuls last week. Vincent trained twice with the first team and was thrown straight into the starting line up against NEC’s youth team.

His opportunity to impress lasted just 15 minutes. The 20-year-old pulled up and was subbed off with a hamstring injury. It was a bitter blow to his hopes of earning a permanent contract and it now seems unlikely that Sparta will be taking their interest any further.

Van den Berg’s deal with Arsenal runs out in the summer and the club will not be offering him new terms.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Rui Fonte will return to parent club Sporting Lisbon in the coming days after Arsenal decided against paying the £1.7 million ($2.5 million) to break the agreement with Lisbon and extend his contract with the Gunners.

Contrary to several reports, including one previously on Young Guns, Fonte was never on loan in North London. In the summer of 2006 Arsenal scouts approached Sporting and Rui after he impressed playing for Portugal’s youth teams. But while the player himself wanted to move, his club were far from happy.

Eventually an agreement was reached which entailed that Liam Brady would get his man for three seasons on a development based contract. £39,000 ($60,000) exchanged hands with the promise that after three campaigns in London a review of the deal would take place.

Should Arsenal be keen to keep Rui for the long term future, a one off fee of £1.7 million ($2.5 million) would be paid and the Gunners could sign up the Portuguese striker to whatever contract they wished. However, should Arsène Wenger and Liam Brady decide against it, Sporting Lisbon would reclaim the player.

After two campaigns in the Under 18’s and Reserves, this season saw Fonte lead the line for Neil Banfield’s second string. In pre-season he scored three goals in three games and despite starting the Reserves League South season well, he only managed three strikes until being loaned to Crystal Palace. He played ten games for the Eagles and scored no goals.

One Carling Cup substitute appearance was the highlight of his stay with Arsenal, and it’s now expected he will be loaned out to another club in his home land to gain more experience.

Everybody at Young Guns would like to wish Rui all the best for the future, and thank him for his contribution during his time with the club.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal have joined a host of European Club’s in sending scouts to watch Club Atlético Huracán play-maker Javier Pastore, according to a report in Argentina.

The 6ft 1 (1.87m) starlet reportedly turned down the advances of Manchester United last month, with his agent, Marcelo Simonian, noting that the 19-year-old preferred to sign for a side who could develop and grow with him.

“I received an offer of €10 million for Pastore but the player isn’t interested so much in money as he wants to be transferred to a team where he can play and grow up.”

“We want the correct team and project.”

Despite the report, the Argentine media remained skeptical that United had made the bid, but they have previously confirmed that they are scouting Pastore.

Javier began his career with home town club Talleres de Córdoba in 2007, but after making just 5 appearances, Huracán snapped him up – taking him to the Argentine Primera division. So far he has 6 goals in 26 games and has won the attention of many including Lazio and Juventus.

A creative and stylish play-maker, Javier is capable of playing off the striker in a typical number 10 role, or on either flank. Boasting quick feet and a clam head, it only seems a matter of time before he heads to Europe. You can watch one of Pastore’s goals by clicking the link below.

Click Here To Watch

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsène Wenger confirmed last week that winger Armand Traoré will be returning to the club during the summer, and on his final appearance at Fratton Park last night, the former Monaco trainee scored his first Premier League goal in Portsmouth’s 3-1 win over Sunderland.

Being named in the squad for the first time in 2009, Paul Hart brought Armand into the action at half time. His pace and energy brought a new impetus to Pompey, and despite falling behind, John Utaka, a Phil Bardsley own goal and a late drive from Traoré secured the win.

You can watch all the highlights below.

Click Here To Watch

Article By – J.Sanderson

Armand Traore – Portsmouth 3-1 Sunderland

Armand Traoré marked his return from injury by netting the decisive third goal in Portsmouth’s 3-1 win over relegation threatened Sunderland.

After not featuring throughout 2009, Armand made his return to the team for a typical ‘6 pointer’ at the bottom. Either side knew a win would all but guarantee their Premier League status for another season – meaning everything was on the line.

Both teams made a lively start, but neither side took advantage of the handful of chances that fell their way. The half ended with a scrappy midfield battle setting up an indifferent second half of the game in prospect.

Yet the introduction of Traoré and Youness Kaboul from the bench seemed to revitalise Portsmouth. That said, it was Sunderland who notched the opener through leggy striker Kenwnye Jones. It looked like being a stern blow for Paul Hart’s men, but within 60 seconds they were level.

John Utaka levelled proceedings before Traoré lashed one just over the bar. And just 8 minutes later the come back was complete. Phil Bardsley put through his own net leaving the visitors stunned.

The win was sealed in the 88th minute when the lively Traoré lashed home the third from inside the area with a driven left foot effort. It means Pompey’s survival is inevitable.

Håvard Nordtveit – Lillestrøm 1-1 Odd Grenland

Håvard Nordtveit played the full 90 minutes as bottom of the table Lillestrøm surrendered a 1-0 lead to draw with 5th place Odd Grenland.

Nordtveit continued his prosperous run in the side, but switched to centre back as Henning Berg opted to reshuffle his pack. It meant the Under 21 international would be in for an experience building game.

After a physical opening period, Vidar Riseth crashed Lillestrøm in to a vital lead. Håvard then moved to right back for the remainder of the game, but could do nothing as Chukwuma Akabueze hammered home a stunning volley with 4 minutes left. It was a cruel blow for Nordtveit and his colleagues.

Article By – J.Sanderson