Month: September 2009

Arsenal have invited Hoàng Anh Gia Lai midfielder Lee Nguyễn to train with Arsenal’s Reserve team for the next month as part of the Vietnamese club’s partnership with the Gunners. Nguyễn’s team-mate Datsakorn Thonglao was also offered the chance to come to London but stayed behind due to an illness with one of his children.

Nguyễn was born in Texas, America, to Vietnamese parents and was one of the youngest players ever to turn out for his country at Under 18 level. To date he has three caps for both the Under 23’s and full national team. A diminutive winger who can play up front, Lee was signed by PSV Eindhoven from Indiana University after Guus Hiddink scouted him at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championships. Lee had rejected a move to the MLS a year before.

Despite becoming a favourite amongst the fans, he only made one appearance in the Eredivisie. Hiddink’s decision to quit PSV and Ronald Koemans appointment saw Nguyễn slip down into the Reserves. In January 2008 he quit Holland and signed for Danish Superliga club Randers FC. He had more success there, featuring 22 times but he failed to score.

Last season he returned to his family’s roots in Vietnam. A hat-trick on his first competitive appearance set to the tone as Lee finished his first season with 9 league goals, 4 cup goals, and 16 assists in 24 appearances. HAGL finished sixth in the League.

Having played in the 2007 Copa America, Lee’s move to Vietnam has seen his international chances dry up but the publicity behind his trial at Arsenal is sure to raise his profile. The 22-year-old will spend a month in London and could even turn out for Neil Banfield’s second-string.

Article By – J.Sanderson

This coming Monday, the 21st of September, Young Guns’ J.Sanderson will be appearing as a co-host live on Deaje’s Deadly Football show from 10pm UK time. As readers, you’ll be able to e-mail in your questions for me on all things football.

For those of you who don’t know about Deaje, he’s a tough talking Gooner who pulls no punches when it comes to discussing football’s hottest topics. An avid England fan with connections to West Brom, Deaje’s off the cuff show was inspired after his rants over on YouTube. Check out some of his opinions Here.

The show is pretty much unique as there is a chat section next to the live player where you can add real time questions and discuss with other listeners. We’ll try and get through all the messages but the best way to guarantee your questions and views are heard is to drop an e-mail to the address below.

Discretion is advised as Deaje’s show does contain some strong language – especially if the subject of Emmanuel Adebayor crops up – but if you can try and tune in and get involved in some proper football debate. No subject raised will be skipped. More details will be released later in the week.

Send your e-mails to – youngguns.wordpress@googlemail.com with the subject – Young Guns.

Article By – J.Sanderson

In and amongst the drama last night, many Arsenal fans might have failed to notice an unused, little heard of young gun on the substitute bench. With Mannone drawing a lot of attention on his Champions League debut, and with much inexperience on the bench, Sanchez Watt proved to be the most surprising inclusion in the 18-man squad.

The eighteen year old forward doesn’t have the reputation of Wilshere or Lansbury, hasn’t commanded a transfer fee comparable to Ramsey or even Sunu, he hasn’t even announced himself internationally in the fashion of Afobe or Freeman. But Sanchez Watt has many fans. Over the last year or so, he’s missed large parts of consecutive seasons through injury, but still has managed to impress fans, coaches and, most importantly, Arsene Wenger.

Indeed, Mr Wenger seems to have a very personal interest in Sanchez’s development. From bringing him into his Emirates Cup team, to requesting for his removal at half time in order to have him available for last night’s fixture, the manager seems to be engineering a Wilshere-esque ascendency for this youngster.

So, why Sanchez Watt?

Well, apart from a crippling lack of other options, Sanchez is especially quick, which is an attribute Arsenal’s other fit strikers lack. He is also direct and not afraid to take on his marker. His versatility must also be attractive to a man who’s had particular success with strikers who have started on the wing. He also seems to be particularly calm under pressure, either when finishing or being challenged.

In general, it is obvious that Wenger sees some genuine quality in Sanchez and he seems a certainty for the Carling Cup next week.

Article By Gianni Sonvinco

Prospective Birmingham City owner Carson Yeung has lined up Arsenal scout Christian Karembeu as his first signing as a reshuffle is set to commence behind the scenes if the Hong Kong businessman wraps up an £81 million pound takeover.

Karembeu only joined the Gunners two months ago from Portsmouth and has recently been scouting in Montenegro. However, Yeung’s advisers have singled out the retired France international along with his former Real Madrid team mate Steve McManaman. It’s believed the two could take roles as chief scouts.

Christian’s links to Asia also make him a prominent candidate for the post as Yeung will use Birmingham as a means of promoting football in that section of the world. Academies are already in the pipeline along with plans for the Chinese National team to train at St Andrews. Karembeu would also be involved in training coaches with the Blues before they return to the far East. Yeung see’s his takeover as being beneficial for both Birmingham and football in his homeland.

Arsenal could easily afford to lose the former defensive midfielder but Arsène Wenger would no doubt like to keep hold of such a developing scout. Karembeu’s world-wide connections would be beneficial and the final decision would come down whether at 38 such a switch would be too much too soon or the perfect chance to show what he can do.

Of course all would depend on Carson Yeung completing the deal to buy the club, but that seems only a formality.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal kick off their Champions League campaign this evening with a trip to Belgium to take on Standard Liège in the opening fixture of Group H. Arsène Wenger is without Manuel Aluminia and Łukasz Fabianski so one of Reserve goalkeepers Vito Mannone or Wojciech Szczęsny will make their European debut.

The two rookie stoppers only have a single top flight appearance each – but one of them will feature in the most prestigious club competition in the world. Mannone’s came during last seasons final Premier League fixture against Stoke City, while Szczęsny’s was as a 15-year-old for former employers Legia Warsaw. Wenger has already hinted that he will field Vito this evening but the exciting Wojciech surely deserves the opportunity more.

Over pre-season the imposing Pole showed he had developed from a promising boy into a dominant man. Superb saves during brief appearances on the Austrian tour earned Szczęsny his inclusion into Wenger’s squad for the new term where he will do battle with Mannone to be third choice. The Italian’s nightmare loan spell with Barnsley in 2006 has left concerns over whether Vito can handle the pressure of stepping up from Reserves level.

Szczęsny may not be as good at organising his defence and lacks a little in kicking ability, but in terms of agility, reflexes and size, the 19-year-old is the stand out option. His recent call up by Poland for the World Cup qualifiers is proof of how highly regarded he is and there is no doubt the coming years will see the monster ‘keeper grow into a real candidate for the number one jersey.

Wenger will probably over look Wojciech this evening – we’ll find out later if it was the correct decision.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Last night’s reserve game against Stoke saw Phillippe Senderos make his first appearance in an Arsenal shirt this season, and gain some much needed playing time. Despite the long term injury to Johan Djourou, Senderos has yet to even feature on the bench for the first team, hinting at Wenger’s loss of faith in the Swiss International. Nevertheless, Wenger was present at the reserves clash in which Senderos was given a chance to impress and stake a claim for a starting berth in the up and coming Carling Cup clash against West Brom.

A year ago Phillippe Senderos was following in the footsteps of Mathieu Flamini and making his way to the San Siro on a year’s loan from Arsenal to gain some valuable experience from cult heroes Maldini and Nesta. Despite some encouraging displays at Milan, on his return to Arsenal there were constant rumours in the press that he was on his way out, and at one point it seemed likely that Everton had reached an agreement with Arsenal. However, the move disintegrated and Phillippe decided to stay with the club he has been at since the age of 18. The signing of Thomas Vermaelen hasn’t helped Phillippe’s cause as the Belgian’s presence in the back four has been exceptional making the breakthrough in to the first team very difficult.

However, last night’s performance was an assured display, especially considering his lack of football over the past month. Although physical and direct, it can be argued that Stoke offered very little up top, and the partnership of Senderos and the ever growing Bartley were able to sniff out any possible chances at ease. ‘Big Phil’ looked comfortable in the air against a tall Stoke side. He was composed with his distribution and at times even made the odd, surging run forward which opened up space for the Arsenal midfield and forwards. The one qualm was when he was nearly caught out trying to do a Cruyff turn in Arsenal’s half before having the ball stolen from him. Luckily enough a foul was given, but it is this lack of concentration at times that has seen the beefy Swiss international head down the pecking order at Arsenal.

On the whole though it was a good performance from Phillippe and Arsene Wenger must be pleased to see a clean sheet from the forgotten man at Arsenal who will be hoping to take full advantage of any suspensions or injuries in the first team. And after this performance it is very likely that ‘Big Phil’ will be making his return to the Arsenal set up against West Brom a week today.

Article By – Nick Love

Arsenal maintained their 100% start to the season at the expense of a poor Stoke side.

It was the last game to impress before the Carling Cup tie against West Brom a week on Tuesday and Arsenal made a few changes from the side that put four goals past Birmingham almost two weeks ago. Phillipe Senderos was given his first taste of competitive action in an Arsenal shirt since his return from AC Milan. Rhys Murphy was also making his first start of the season. Szczesny, Miquel and Barazite were all recalled after missing the visit to Birmingham. Whilst Roarie Deacon’s impressive start to the season was rewarded with his first ever start for the reserves.

Unlike Arsenal, Stoke’s team boasted many notable, first team faces and along with new £4.5 million signing Diego Arismendi in the heart of midfield they had a wealth of experience on show.

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With two convincing wins from their opening two games, Neil Banfield’s Reserves welcome Stoke City to Underhill this evening looking to make it nine points out of a possible nine.

A 3-2 win and a 2-2 draw summed up how tough a proposition Stoke were last season but with Arsenal bing in such lethal form, it should be very different this time out. Seven goals from two fixtures and two clean sheets mean the Gunners could not be better prepared for a renewed title push.

However, the Potters also have a 100% record but they have only played once – earning a 1-0 win over Wolves on match day one. First-team manager Tony Pulis spoke of his sides depth this morning and suggested that a handful of his squad could be sent on loan, meaning tonights clash offers the chance for scouts to cast an eye over some of his charges. A strong Stoke side is expected.

In terms of team news, Banfield looks set to continue with the 4-3-3 which is currently being used at all levels within the club. Emmanuel Frimpong’s return to fitness presents the boss with a dilemma in the middle as Criag Eastmond’s solid performance and goal against Birmingham in the Ghanaian’s absence saw him earn many plaudits. Luke Ayling looks set to miss out again through injury. Between the sticks Wojciech Szczęsny returns after being called up to the Polish national squad and with Vito Mannone on first team duty, he should start.

Szczesny
Gilbert – Bartley – Hoyte – Traore
Coquelin – Eastmond – Randall
Watt – Sunu – Merida

Subs: Shea – Miquel – Evina – Deacon – Freeman

Kick off is at 7pm at Barnet’s Underhill stadium. The fixture is being streamed live on Arsenal TV Online but should you not be able to watch it, Nick Love will be providing a Match Report shortly after the full-time whistle.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Welcome to this weekends Loanees Watch – Young Guns’ analysis, reports and updates on the progress of the young starlets currently plying their trade away from the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal currently have five Reserves & Youth players gaining experience elsewhere. Striker Jay Simpson is taking part in his third loan spell in as many years with West London outfit Queens Park Rangers. He is joined in the Championship by Henri Lansbury and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas who are with Watford and Blackpool respectively.

The Gunners currently have two youngsters cutting their teeth abroad. Pedro Botelho is spending his third successive loan spell in the Spanish Segunda, but this time with Celta de Vigo, while Håvard Nordtveit is spending the campaign in Germany with Nuremberg.

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