Month: May 2009

Whether you’re disappointed with the Arsenal score, overjoyed at the United score, or planning a get together to watch Barcelona V Chelsea tomorrow night, what better way to experience the full Champions League emotions than with some Pizza?

For two Champion’s League nights only, Domino’s Pizza are offering ‘Buy One Get One Free’ on any Medium or Large Pizza. Offer available online only – for collection or delivery – Terms & Conditions apply. Click the link below for more details, and happy eating!

Domino’s Pizza Football Special

Article By – J.Sanderson

Kieran Gibbs will just have taken his seat in the Arsenal dressing room as I write this article, with the Gunners currently trailing Manchester United in the Champions League Semi-Final second leg 2-0 on the night, and 3-0 on aggregate.

The evening began with the real feel that something special could happen. Indeed, Gibbs himself was the epitome of the way Wenger’s men began – he hustled and harried Ronaldo into giving him the ball, before starting an early attack. It was typical of the attitude that had endeared Kieran to the fans over the past few games.

Yet on 8 minutes, a rare attack caught the hosts cold, and attempting to cut out Ronaldo’s fizzed cross, Gibbs lost his balance and slipped. The ball ran kindly to Ji-Sung Park who was arriving behind the young left back, and despite attempts to adjust his body, the South Korean clipped home the opener.

Kieran instantly threw his head into his hands and had tears in his eyes. He knew, like most Arsenal fans, that was probably the final nail in the coffin. Robin van Persie comforted the prospect, but he still looked out of sorts in the first period.

He’ll be feeling truly awful at the moment, and its likely some fans will be on his back, but at such a tender age and with so little experience, Kieran should be very proud indeed of his achievements to be playing on such an occasion. Head up Gibbsy.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Forward Zak Ansah has collected the Lamb Awards sponsored Young Guns Player Of  The Month crown for April 2009, after comfortably making the step up to Under 18’s football and for bagging a classy brace on his first start.

The 14-year-old was playing for the Under 15’s at the start of the season, but will finish this break through campaign as a reliable option for Steve Bould’s Under 18’s as they retained the Group A League title.

Zak – the son of much travelled former Southend midfielder Andy Ansah – celebrates his 15th birthday on Monday, and he’ll no doubt look back on the last 12 months with pride after earning himself the guarantee of a scholarship deal in another years time. Boasting pace, power, agility and a knack for being in the ‘right place at the right time’ the young poacher is immensely talented.

The month began a little slow for Zak, but it quickly picked up pace. After playing a part in the Under 16 side which faltered in the Nike Cup, the striker made the bench for the Academy fixture with Crystal Palace. The Gunners romped home with Ansah playing the final 15 minutes – and impressing.

Seven days later Bould handed him his first start in an extremely youthful XI. Two goals in five minutes from the quick-silver forward on the hour mark secured the win either side of Chuks Aneke and Benik Afobe efforts. It was an emphatic way to mark your first start.

Zak then flew off to Italy for the Atalanta Cup, but after elimination at the hands of Inter Milan, the month came to an end on a sour note. But the signs are certainly there that he has a rather bright future, and you’re certain to be hearing a lot more about this youngster in the coming months.

Article By – J.Sanderson

After a stop-start month for Young Guns, we are pleased to announce a return to action starting from yesterday afternoon.

A month can be a long time in football, so we’ve gathered together all the stories you might have missed out on since our last update. Some things never seem to change – The Reserves are still without a win in 2009 after back-to-back defeats to Tottenham. However, Sanchez Watt did score in the second fixture to break their goalless streak. Serial c**t David Bentley bagged a double, that after a 3-0 mauling at Underhill 5 days previous.

Six goals from Benik Afobe, five from Luke Freeman, two from Roarie Deacon and Zak Ansah, plus a Chuks Aneke strike saw off Portsmouth, Crystal Palace and Birmingham, whilst a point was earned from a draw with Tottenham as the Under 18’s romped their way through the closing stages of the season.

In the middle of all that, Steve Bould’s boys cruised into the F.A Youth Cup final with a convincing win over Manchester City in the second leg of the Semi-Final. Sanchez Watt proved he’s back to full fitness as the winger lashed home the opener 34 seconds after kick-off, and then put the tie beyond doubt 90 seconds after Kyle Bartley nodded the third of the evening. Jack Wilshere had earlier converted a penalty.

Steve Gatting will no doubt be a proud man after seeing almost all his squad turn out for the Under 18’s this season, but his new-look outfit was sent packing from the Nike Cup in the opening rounds. Attention has now turned to recruiting for next season.

Cheltenham’s Jamie Edge has travelled with the boys to the Atalanta Cup, and we’ll have some updates from that Tournament shortly. The midfielder has spent time with Manchester United, and comes after producing some magic for the Under 16’s in a trial at London Colney. Brazilian forward Wellington is also believed to have have the trip with a strong looking side being watched over by Gatting and Brady.

And that’s about it. We’d like to apologise for the absence of updates, and move to reassure readers that normal service has been resumed. Thanks for your continued support.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal fans always enjoy seeing youngsters who have come through the system ply their trade for the first team, and they’re always on the look out for the star who could finally ‘make it’. Kieran Gibbs is one player who has profited from the Youth setup, and in Gael Clichy’s absence, he’s had a decent run in the team. So in today’s culture of chopping and changing players, can we add Gibbs’ name to those who have developed into a first team player?

Six consecutive starts for Arsene Wenger’s side have brought some notable performances and moments. Clearing efforts off the line against Wigan, Chelsea and Liverpool flung Kieran into the spotlight. He also added an assist in the Cup Semi-Final against the Blues, and capped it off an amazing couple of weeks by marking Cristiano Ronaldo in the Champions League Semi-Final.

He should continue that left back role as the Gunners make the trip to Portsmouth tomorrow. It could be Gibbs’ last Premiership game as Clichy nears full fitness, but the impression made in the latter stages of the campaign will leave Wenger assured about the quality of his options in that position.

But back to the main question, has Kieran now ‘made it’? would you consider him now to be a first-team player? and do you trust him in the side? your comments are welcome.

Article By – J.Sanderson