Month: May 2009

After 29 F.A Academy League fixtures – including 24 wins, 3 draws and 2 defeats – Steve Bould’s all conquering Under 18’s face North London rivals Tottenham Hotspurtomorrow afternoon to decide who claims the prize of League Champions.

40 teams kicked off the season in 4 groups of 10, with each group winner taking on another in two Semi-Finals. Arsenal beat Manchester City 2-1 in the first game, while Tottenham reached this stage by edging out Sunderland. It truly is a fantastic final in prospect, and if the two previous meetings this season are anything to go by, it promises to be an exhibition of youth football.

Arsenal’s 3-1 win in the F.A Youth Cup will still be hurting Tottenham after they led and seemed in cruise control until a second half fight back pegged back Alex Ingelthorpe’s outfit. Yet they earned some respect by gaining a draw from the League fixture towards the end of the campaign. So it’s 1-1 with the biggest game to come.

Steve Bould called for his team to show their character ahead of kick off, and in midfield duo Emmanuel Frimpong and Francis Coquelin the Gunners certainly have a driving force to offer that. In other team news, Rhys Murphy and Conor Henderson have proved their fitness and will be in contention to play, they’ll be joined by Benik Afobe and Luke Freeman who have returned from International duty.

It should be the usual XI which saw Bould’s boys shoot out of the traps and into a massive lead in group A before the Under 16’s came in later on, meaning Jay Emmanuel-Thomas will skipper the side in an attacking line up. Gilles Sunu could drop back now Murphy is back on form, while Luke Freeman could come in if one or the other is benched.

Predicted Starting XI

Shea
Eastmond – Bartley – Ayling – Cruise
Frimpong – Coquelin
Sunu – Thomas – Watt
Murphy

Prediction – Arsenal 2-0 Tottenham

Kick off is at 4pm UK time at Tottenham’s White Hart Lane. There is no live steaming of this fixture, but Tickets are avaliaible on the gate and are priced at £5.00 for adults and £1.00 for Concessions. A full Match Report will be published shortly after the full time whistle with reaction and analysis to follow.

Article By – J.Sanderson

If one youngster had a point to prove at the start of the season it was Luke Freeman – the January 2007 signing from Gillingham had only shown flashes of his potential – and still had his doubters. Yet with the campaign drawing to a close, the diminutive marksman has certainly made it a year to remember.

With 11 Academy League goals and a bag full of assists, Luke has played an integral part in Steve Bould’s play off final side. Add to that a sprinkling of England caps and you’ve got the recipe for a promising prospect. Indeed, Freeman has had a marvelous finish to the season – after signing professional forms he was named in the England Under 17 squad for the Under 17 European Championships.

The Three Lions usually have a good crop of talent at such tournaments, and with the games coming so thick and fast, the pressure was on to settle in quickly.

“When you are at your club you see the other players week in, week out, you know what they’re about, but when you come away with England you only really see them three or four times a year. You have to mix with them quickly and get down to playing football.”

Luke wasn’t the only young Gunner at the competition – Jack Wilshere and Benik Afobe were part of the same team, while Oguzhan Özyakup was in action for Final making Holland. Having some of your club colleagues around you was defiantly a boost, according to Freeman himself.

“It is always good to see the Arsenal boys. If you are feeling a bit down you can also go and talk to them.”

“But it’s weird. You see Ozzy week in, week out at the club so it’s weird to play against him rather than with him.”

It’s quite easy to forget the rise that the striker nicknamed ‘Owen’ has had, and the appreciative 17-year-old admits he used to watch on with envy as Reserve team regulars Gavin Hoyte and Rhys Murphy played in the same competition in seasons past.

“I watched them on telly before I went to Arsenal thinking how good it would be to be there.”

“They often speak about it, to say what a good experience it was.”

With an attitude like that, Luke can only progress.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal’s Spanish link club UD Salamanca are keeping tabs on Argentine trialist Damián Martínez as the 16-year-old flies in ahead of his seven day trial which is due to commence on Monday.

The Argentina Under 17 number one is regarded by his country’s coaching staff as one of the most promising young stoppers in recent years, and subsequently the national team’s goalkeeping coach Miguel Angel Santoro will join Damián in North London to watch over the prospect.

Steve Rowley’s trusted Brazil based scout Sandro Orlandelli is believed to have spotted the agile ‘keeper in action, and the Gunners have moved quickly to take a closer look. Indeed, they are so impressed with what they’ve seen so far, a $2 million (£1.3 million) incentive based contract has already been thrashed out should both parties decide to secure a permanent deal.

However, the proposed transfer is not as straight forward as it seems. Sources in Spain are already suggesting that Salamanca are set to loan Martínez for two seasons and develop him in their rising Academy. It would be a perfect option for both sides, as Liam Brady will have the likes of Sean McDermott, Charlie Mann and Luke Chambers all pushing to be the Under 18’s number one next term. It would mean that Damián could return as a first team player.

It would also get around any potential work permit problems caused by a non-E.U player trying to gain entery to the UK, although a special talent visa could be applied for. The next seven days will decide the future.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal are believed to be one of a ‘majority’ of Premier League clubs who have sanctioned new proposed homegrown player squad quotas – meaning clubs must have eight homegrown players in their squads of 25.

The new proposals are seen as a replacement to the UEFA idea of ‘6+5’, and would come into effect ahead of the 2010-2011 campaign. English clubs – in particular the ‘big four’ are thought to be delighted with the ideas as it is almost identical to the current Champions League requirements.

It also hurdles E.U employment & discrimination laws, as homegrown players do not have to be English or even British, they must only be trained by the club. However, PL chief executive Richard Scudamore admits he is worried by the lack of English talent coming through despite a prosperous season for youngsters in the Premiership.

“There is a leap at 18, when clubs decide if it is worth retaining a player or to buy one ready-made. Clubs see scope for doing something to ensure we are bringing homegrown talent through.”

Arsenal have also been supportive of League ideas and Arsene Wenger himself has frequently spoken of his commitment to helping English talent coming through. Jack Wilshere, Mark Randall and Kieran Gibbs have all benefited for previous rules to increase the substitutes bench size and many more youngsters will do in the future.    

A meeting in the coming months will decide the outcome of the plans, but with most clubs happy to implement the proposals, it seems a matter of when not if. Your views are welcome below.

Article by J.Sanderson

Arsenal Reserves brought their campaign to a close this evening with the final installment of a double header against West Brom. Having played out a stalemate just five days ago, Neil Banfield made four changes to the XI that lost the lead after a stunning Merida opener. West Brom also switched their side around, with eight youngster coming in for the visitors.

Crucially, goal getter’s Rhys Murphy and Gilles Sunu were two of the four changes along with Francis Coquelin and Emmanuel Frimpong in a youthful yet attacking formation. It promised to be a thrilling end to the season.

Mannone
Ogogo – Bartley (c) – Miquel – Steer
Randall
Watt – Coquelin – Frimpong – Sunu
Murphy

Subs: – Shea – Eastmond – Ayling – Evina – Thomas

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Despite having two trials with the club in recent weeks, Arsenal remain undecided on whether to firm up their interest in Cheltenham Town’s utility man Jamie Edge.

The 15-year-old spent time with Manchester United over the Easter break, but recently turned out for the Under 16’s against Portsmouth. He impressed both clubs. Liam Brady then invited Jamie to join the travelling party for the trip to Italy to defend the Atalanta Cup.

Edge featured mostly as a centre back throughout the tournament, with mixed results. He was part of a back four that was tortured and eventually succumbed to Inter Milan as Steve Gatting’s boys lost their grip on the prestigious gong. It was a rather unfortunate end to what’s been a hugely successful campaign for the Under 16’s and for Edge in particular.

Figures of around £100,000 are being talked about as a potential fee – whether it comes as a straight transfer deal or via a tribunal. With that money coming from Liam Brady’s budget, the former Celtic boss is weighing up his options before making any decisions. There is currently a whole wealth of centre backs coming through the system yet Jamie’s ability to play in midfield could swing the balance.

It promises to be an interesting summer of transfers in particular with the youth team, as both Banfield and Bould look to overhaul their squads ahead of the 2010-2011 season.

Article By – J.Sanderson

1. Vito Mannone – (8) – Kept the young Gunners in the game as West Brom flexed their experience shortly before the Arsenal goal. Made a stunning one handed save from Kim in the first half, and was really unlucky to concede after making a terrific reaction stop to deny Bednar.

2. Abu Ogogo – (5)– May have returned after spending time on loan, but showed none of the signs that he’d actually learnt anything. Made a couple of forays into the box yet never really looked like causing any danger.

3. Rene Steer – (5) – A comfortable return to Reserves action after loan. Like his fellow full-back Ogogo, he never really got into the contest but looked more dangerous than Abu in an attacking sense. Was caught out of position a handful of times.

4. Mark Randall (c) – (6) – Looked more impressive than he had in recent games, but failed to implement that form throughout the game. Picked out several promising passes but became invisible as the game went on.

5. Kyle Bartley – (8) –Was his usual brilliant self, made two last ditched tackles to deny certain goals and showed that his passing has dramatically improved with several promising long balls.

6. Ignasi Miquel – (6) – Decent start to his reserves career but showed he still has a lot to learn – especially physically. Made 2-3 poor challenges but grew in confidence as the fixture progressed.

7. Amaury Bischoff – (5) – An average display from the Portuguese play-maker who once again failed to inspire his younger colleagues. Came to life in short bursts in the second half but never looked dangerous.

8. Fran Mérida – 8 – His first goal in nearly two years – and was well worth the wait. Could have had a hat-trick but will be more than happy with his stunning chip. Took control of the passing for Arsenal but was dominated physically in a midfield battle.

9. Rui Fonte – 5– Ran the channels well and worked hard to win the ball by putting himself around, but realistically never looked like scoring on a night with few chances. Looked like he had learnt from his loan spell.
 
10. Sanchez Watt – 6 – Could have scored in the opening minute and wasn’t afraid to shoot from distance yet was marked up as time went on. Eventually subbed with the big under 18’s games coming up.

11. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas – 7 – His infectious energy transmitted throughout the team but he lost his way when Banfield moved him to the right hand side. Caused chaos with his quick feet in the box, looks like hes finding his feet in the Reserves.

Subs: –

12. Luke Ayling – 6 – Solid and reliable – as always.
14. Cedric Evina – (N/A) – Not enough time to make an impression
15. Gilles Sunu – (5) – Had nothing to do.

Article By – J.Sanderson With Thanks To N. Taylor.

Arsenal’s Reserves played out the first installment of a double header against West Brom this evening as Neil Banfield’s boys hope to end the season on a high.

Their lowly League form has partly been caused by several players going out on loan, yet three young Gunners returned from their spells away to go straight into the starting XI. Abu Ogogo, Rene Steer and Rui Fonte were joined by the Reserves regulars and summer signing Ignasi Miquel for the trip to the Hawthorns.

Mannone
Ogogo – Bartley – Miquel – Steer
Randall – Mérida
Bischoff – Watt – Thomas
Fonte

Subs: – Szczesny, Evina, Ayling, Sunu.

Read more →

Neil Banfield’s Reserve team draw their season to a close with a double-header against West Brom, with the first installment coming at The Hawthorns this evening. Another year of promise has not quite come to fruition, but a mid-tabled finish could still be achieved with three points – starting tonight.

After being second in the early stages of the campaign, failing to win during 2009 has seen the Gunners League position tumble like an avalanche. Goalscoring and a lack of experience at this level has been a couple of the notable problems, yet they’ll be boosted with the return of several loanees to the squad.

Abu Ogogo, Rene Steer and Rui Fonte all return and go straight into the starting XI. Fresh from featuring in the Premiership for the first team last weekend, Mark Randall and Fran Merida start in a flamboyant midfield. The real surprise however, is at the back, where Spanish centre-back IgnasiMiquel-Pons makes his first Reserve start at the tender age of 16.

Confirmed Starting XI

Mannone
Ogogo – Bartley – Miquel – Steer
Randall – Bischoff – Merida – Thomas
Fonte – Watt

Subs: – Szczesny, Evina, Ayling, Sunu.

Match Prediction – Arsenal 2-1 West Brom

The end of season clashes are usually entertaining affairs, and being boosted with a handful of older players returning, I would expect Arsenal to finally register their first win of 2009, but only just.

Kick off is at 7pm UK time. Arsenal TV and Arsenal TV Online are broadcasting the fixture live, but should you not be able to watch, Young Guns will have a Match Report available on the full time whistle, with analysis to follow tomorrow.

Article By – J.Sanderson