Month: September 2009

As the line up for Arsenal’s clash against West Brom was read out last Tuesday night, Kerrea Gilbert’s name was announced for the first time in over 3 and a half years.

After Thierry Henry scored in the League Cup semi final against Wigan back in 2006 the Frenchman ran immediately to the 18-year-old rookie right back who had supplied the cross. Despite Arsenal eventually being knocked out, Gilbert put in a notable performance and was the new, young name on the Arsenal fans lips.

Gilbert went on to participate in every competition, including the Champions League and clocked up 9 first team appearances before an injury against West Ham forced him out, losing his place.

Since then Gilbert has experienced some topsy turvy loan moves to Cardiff, Southend and Leicester. This raised huge question marks over Gilbert’s future at Arsenal and it seemed inevitable that he would be heading for the exit door. But since returning from Leicester City he has been a main stay in the Arsenal reserves impressive start to the season and his performances were rewarded with a Carling Cup start.

Gilbert put in a steady display and was rarely troubled, except for the one occasion when Thomas was able to turn his marker and put in a dangerous cross. This lack of concentration at times is something Gilbert must eradicate from his game if he is to progress at Arsenal.

Now at 22 it really is make or break for Gilbert. If he is able to rekindle the kind of form that propelled him in to the Arsenal first team back in 2006 and play regularly in this season’s Carling Cup campaign then there is a real possibility that Wenger may wish to offer Gilbert a new contract.

Article By – Nick Love

Arsenal have agreed to take exciting Skogsvåg IL youngsters Jakob Glesnes and Januario Kalunga on trial. The duo were scouted playing in the recent Dana Youth Cup in Norway and now a queue of English clubs has formed to take a look at the pair.

Januario Kalunga, on the left in the photo, is of Angolan descent and spent two training spells with Reading last season. He is currently deciding whether to claim full Norwegian citizenship but it’s believed that  it is only a formality. A strong flu bug has been the affecting the avid Barcelona fan who describes Arsenal as his second team.

Jakob admits that Arsenal are a big club but he is not in the best form ahead of his trip to London, with a knee ligament problem proving difficult to shrug off. Noted for his powerful, aggressive and tough nature, his club coach has already spoken of his admiration for his playing style.

The duo will start their trial with Roy Keane’s Ipswich Town before Jakob goes to Nottingham Forest and Januario to Norwich City. The pair finish the week together at Arsenal’s Colney training centre.

In other news, it’s been a busy week over at Young Guns. After our appearance on the Arseblog ArseCast last week we’ve taken part in two further productions.

Firstly, we discussed all things Carlos Vela in the inaugural ‘Vela Interactive’ episode over at Carlos Vela News. We mainly talked Carling Cup, Vela’s impact, a potential transfer and the future.

Secondly, Andy Weber from the brilliant Arsenal FC Blog invited us on to discuss all things Arsenal. Again the Carling Cup was covered but we also explored the fourth round of the competition, players who might feature, plus a whole host of first-team issues. Both ‘casts are excellent listening and you can listen both by clicking the links below.

Vela Interactive Podcast – Arsenal FC Blog Podcast

Article By – J.Sanderson

As Young Guns exclusively revealed yesterday, Theo Walcott is back on the come back trial. He was included among a strong Reserves XI who took on an Olympiacos XI in a behind closed doors friendly at London Colney this afternoon.

The England winger had trained this morning with the first-team squad who were putting together their final preparations ahead of tonights Champions League Group H fixture against the same opponents. However, just a half an hour later, he got his first taste of action this season as Neil Banfield’s boys thumped their Greek opponents to win by three goals to one.

Strikes from Gilles Sunu, Emmanuel Frimpong and Rhys Murphy were enough to give the Gunners a 1-0 lead in the first part of the battle. Arsene Wenger’s men will see if they can make it two wins in one day against Olympiacos in the 7.45 kick off.

Banfield named a strong lineup which included the returning Luke Ayling to partner captain Kyle Bartley at centre half. Walcott played on the right hand side of a 4-3-3 along with Carling Cup hopefuls Gilles Sunu and Nacer Barazite. James Shea started between the sticks.

Shea
Gilbert – Ayling – Bartley – Traore
Randall – Coquelin – Wilshere
Walcott – Sunu – Barazite

Subs: Evina – Frimpong – Eastmond – Murphy

Theo played just over an hour and turned in a solid performance. He still looked a little rusty but his blistering pace was evident as Arsenal crushed their visitors with three superb goals.

Giannis Gkavasiadis and Mark Randall both exchanged early long range chances before Theo’s clever ball between defenders sent the rampaging Gilles Sunu away, one-on-one with the ‘keeper. The finish was emphatic. It could have been more but the half time whistle halted any further goals.

The impressive Gkavasiadis found a way past Shea just before the hour mark, making it game on. Walcott was subbed off after an exciting display and 10 minutes later his replacement Emmanuel Frimpong had scored. His run through middle saw him fouled and a penalty awarded. The midfielder made no mistakes with a pin-point finish from 12 yards.

Barazite’s corner found Murphy in the closing stages and the powerful poacher flicked home number three to seal the win. It wasn’t important, but the return of Arsenal’s number 14 made it a satisfying afternoons work.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Theo Walcott is expected to play for an Arsenal Reserves XI tomorrow night as they take on Olympiacos’ second string side at London Colney.

The rapid winger has been back in full-time training for just over two weeks but will not be risked for the Champions League Group H clash against the Greek outfit at the Emirates. Instead he will join an XI selected by Neil Banfield for a friendly against a similar aged Olympiacos team. The ‘Erythrolefki’ have a close relationship with the Gunners’ Academy and have decided to take advantage of the fixture overlap to bring a second team to London to do battle on two fronts.

Walcott has been missing since the final pre-season fixture against Valencia where he sustained a back injury. Arsène Wenger was understandably frustrated as it was the 20-year-old’s first game since playing for England’s full national team and Under 21’s during the summer. The encounter will also be Theo’s first game back in London after penning a few four-year-deal with the club.

The likes of Mark Randall, Kerrea Gilbert, Sanchez Watt and a handful of other players who were involved in the Carling Cup are expected to join Walcott on the pitch as Banfield gives his charges a run out ahead of their next Reserve League South outing, at home to Chelsea on the 5th of October.

Young Guns will have a full report from this game later tomorrow.

Article By – J.Sanderson

During the Carling Cup tie with West Brom on Tuesday night many Arsenal fans kept asking the same question; where is Fran Merida?

Along with Gavin Hoyte, Merida has been called up to his national side to represent them in the U20 World Cup, which has brought mixed emotions from the Arsenal ranks.

After rejecting a loan offer from Levante to compete for a first team place, it was expected that Fran would do just that. Except only a month in to the new season and Fran has been whisked off to play in a World Cup, which has left a few people scratching their heads.

Fran played his first game last night against Tahiti, whom Spain demolished 8-0, with Fran playing a pivotal role; scoring a goal and assisting. However, it is this sort of contest that raises question marks over the validity of the tournament. It defies logic to have an U20 World Cup arranged a month in to the new season when many players will be missing vital playing time with their respected clubs. Undoubtedly Fran would have started the game against West Brom, and possibly with injuries in the squad picked up further Premiership experience to add to his recent 20 minute spell against Portsmouth earlier in the season.

Fran has been away since the 14th of September, and if Spain manage to reach the final on the 16th October, he could miss just over a month with the Arsenal squad. This not only leaves him missing possible first team action but also gives others the chance to impress and step ahead of Fran in the queue for a first team berth. Fran has only recently returned from the UEFA U19 Championships, which he featured in during July and although Fran isn’t a first team regular, this stop, start pattern at the beginning of an important season for Fran makes life that little bit harder.

However, despite the negatives there are some obvious positive outcomes from his time away. Previous tournaments have been the catalyst for young stars to really make their name in world football, with Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero walking away with the Golden Ball (Player of the Tournament) in the last two World Cups. Also at only 19 years of age, Fran has plenty of time to add further Arsenal appearances to his name and along with being a key cog in the Spanish side he will pick up valuable experience by playing in such a prestigious tournament.

Maybe FIFA lack a bit of common sense towards their timing of the event, but if it helps Arsenal produce the next Messi or Aguero, then I’m sure the Arsenal faithful won’t be complaining.

Article By – Nick Love

Many have already written him off as an Arsenal player, but Mark Randall’s beautiful chip against West Brom – which allowed Carlos Vela to make it 2-0 and seal the Gunners’ place in round four – earned him respect all round.

It was the 19-year-old central midfielders first appearence for the first team this season despite being one of the most experienced and highest earning Reserve team players. However, his long-term partner Holly Jay is close to catching up in terms of success and earnings after landing a modelling slot in the popular mens magazine Zoo. Holly, also 19, was also born in Milton Keynes and currently works as an administration assistant.

She applied for Zoo’s ‘Gimme a Job’ series which gives applicants the chance to win a contract with the magazine which also has a dedicated football section. Now the ‘Randall’s’ look set to go head-to-head for column inches. Holly hasn’t been designated to a specific cover as yet, but she is certain to be appearing in the mens weekly in the future.

You can view her application including a few snaps on Zoo’s website, but viewer discretion is advised.

Click Here To View The Images

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal’s Under 18’s racked up another win this morning by beating their Fulham counterparts 4-2 at Motspur Park. A hat-trick from powerful striker Benik Afobe, his 4th, 5th and 6th goals in his last 5 games. Dutch midfielder Oğuzhan Özyakup celebrated his new professional contract with his first of the campaign to level things at 2-2.

Steve Bould switched his side around but kept the 4-3-3 which is currently being deployed throughout the ranks. Roarie Deacon was dropped to the bench in favour of Chuks Aneke in a unfamilar right wing position. It was a decision which appeared to have failed after a lack luster performance from the leggy midfielder.

Shea
Boateng – Hajrovic – Miquel – Evina
Ozyakup – Yennaris – Henderson
Aneke – Afobe – Freeman

Subs: – Charles-Cook, Obed, Byles, Brislen-Hall, Deacon.

The Gunners began well at a windy Motspur Park and took the lead when Afobe buried a rasping right foot shot into the net to hand Steve Bould’s boys a deserved lead. But they appeared complacent and went into the break 2-1 down after Danny Hoeson bagged a classy brace after poor defending from Sead Hajrovic and Ignasi Miquel.

Oğuzhan Özyakup looked superb in the middle of the park and he would grab the equalizer shortly after the break. A jinking run from skipper Cedric Evina caused problems and after crossing, Özyakup was on hand to tap home from close range. Evina was soon at it again. Another lung-busting run resulted in another cross and another goal. This time a header from Afobe.

At 3-2 the Gunners looked comfortable. Özyakup showed off his excellent radar by providing a neat ball through the Fulham backline to put Afobe 1 on 1 with the ‘keeper. He stroked home with his left foot to complete the perfect hat-trick. Right foot, left foot and header. It really was a perfect day for the burly forward.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Fran Mérida’s Spain began their World Cup campaign by thrashing Tahiti 8-0 in Cairo on Friday night and in doing so recorded their biggest ever win at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. It was a stroll in the park for Luis Milla’s side, scoring four in each half without reply to take them top of Group B.

Mérida played the full 90 minutes and was involved in many of Spain’s best moves. Fran helped open the scoring as his effort in the 11th minute rebounded off of the Tahitian goalie Teheipuarii Hauata and into the path of Niguez, who was able to side foot home. Six minutes later it was Niguez again. After some poor defending from Tahiti the No7 was put through on goal and finished superbly.

It was then Emilio Nsue’s turn to claim two goals in quick succession, scoring in the 17th and 32nd minute after good work from Niguez on both occasions.

Understandably Spain took their foot of the gas at the beginning of the second half and began to play keep ball, tiring their opponents. However, it was Tahiti’s best spell of the match as they worked tirelessly to get themselves a small consolation. Mérida carved Spain’s best chance in the opening 25 minutes of the second half when he played a splendid ball to the Real Sociedad front man, Nsue, whose half volley looked destined for the net before ricocheting off the crossbar, denying him his hat trick.

Mérida then scored the goal of the match, gathering the ball in the middle of the park, taking it past one defender and then letting rip with a left footed shot 25 yards out which found the bottom corner of the Tahiti goal.

The sub Kike netted further goals in the 79th and 86th minutes and Ander Herrera completed the rout a minute from time, condemning Tahiti to a dismal defeat but putting Spain firmly in the driving seat in Group B.

Click Here To Watch Mérida’s Goal

Article By – Nick Love

Arsenal have confirmed this morning that Dutch Under 19 captain Oğuzhan Özyakup has signed his first professional contract with the club. The deal replaces the scholarship he penned during the summer and runs through to the summer of 2011.

The exciting central midfielder joined the club from Eredivisie Champions AZ Alkmaar in April 2008 for a fix-figure-sum. After starting in the Under 16’s he quickly progressed into the Under 18’s and finished the campaign with 12 appearances and four goals. As a part of the Holland setup Oğuzhan has reached both the Under 17 and Under 19 finals – the latter as skipper of the side.

Speaking shortly after signing the new deal, the youngster, who recently turned 17, gave a brief interview to newspapers in his homeland.

“The club makes it clear that they see something in me. It feels like a reward.”

Özyakup also admitted he had received some encouraging words from manager Arsène Wenger. The Frenchman has invited the play-maker to first team training on numerous occasions.

“He told me that I still have a long way to go. I must continue to do well and my best every day the best on the field would be.”

In other news, Young Guns is featured on today’s brilliant ArseCast over at Arseblog. I talk over a range of things connected to the youth system with Arseblogger including the Carling Cup win over West Brom, a day in the life of a young Gunner and we also discuss some players for the future. You can listen the ‘cast and read more from the biggest Arsenal blog around by clicking the link below.

Click Here To Listen To This Weeks ArseCast

Article By – J.Sanderson