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Arsène Wenger said Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Barcelona in the Champions League showed just how far his current crop of players have come. However, for Academy boss Liam Brady, the result will have ramifications far and beyond the present team.

No stranger to playing in massive occasions, Brady spoke to the BBC this week about the game and what it means for Arsenal’s potential stars of the future. He began by hailing his boss.

“It was one of the greatest nights in Arsenal’s history. It will inspire generations of young Arsenal players.”

“It is a tribute to Arsène Wenger and his philosophy. You can spend £50 million on a player, but you can’t buy team spirit. He’s one of the most astute managers of all time.”

The tradition of giving the Reserves and Youth players tickets to the game continued on Wednesday, with most of the Under 18′s being present, sat behind the bench, watching on. Brady believes that kind of education is priceless.

“The youth team were at the game. What a privilege for Arsenal’s kids to see Messi, Xavi and Villa running their socks off for the team. It’s a phenomenal lesson and matches like these build their dreams.”

The Man of the Match was arguably Jack Wilshere, who was outstanding in a central midfield packed with the biggest and best names in the game. The Academy product was part developed by Brady, and he can’t be more proud of how Jack has turned out, and the legacy he’s left from Hale End upwards.

“Jack wants to be one of the worlds best. Going head-to-head with Xavi and Iniesta was amazing. He has everything to reach that level. Wilshere mixed it with the worlds best and that shows how much Wenger trusts the Academy.”

Whatever happens in the second leg, the first leg victory has left a firm imprint on the clubs staff and players.

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. You can read all the latest reports below.

Carlos Vela was an unused substitute as West Brom drew 3-3 with West Ham.

Kyle Bartley started and played 70 minutes on his debut as Rangers beat Motherwell 6-0. Bartley played in an unfamiliar defensive midfield role but impressed, opening the Motherwell defence with a brilliant pass which led to the second goal. Manager Walter Smith confirmed after the game Kyle will continue to play in midfield.

Aaron Ramsey played the full 90 minutes while Jay Emmanuel-Thomas came off after 59 minutes as Cardiff City beat Scunthorpe United 1-0. Ramsey turned in a good shift in central midfield, but Emmanuel-Thomas had a mixed time. He made life very difficult for Chelsea loanee Ben Gordon in the first half, but the home fans became frustrated with too many flicks and tricks which didn’t come off in the second.

Henri Lansbury started and play 63 minutes for Norwich City in a 2-1 win over Reading. Lansbury opened the scoring in the 16th minute, side footing home from the penalty spot after a good pull back from the wing. Henri, who was in action for England Under 21′s in midweek, was rested just after the hour mark.

Craig Eastmond was an unused substitute for Millwall as they drew 1-1 with Sheffield United.

Vito Mannone missed Hull City’s 1-0 win over Preston North End through injury.

Sanchez Watt missed Leeds United’s 2-0 win over Bristol City through injury.

Benik Afobe came off the bench to play the final three minutes of Huddersfield Town’s 0-0 draw with Oldham Athletic. Afobe, who turned 18 on Saturday, was looking for a birthday goal but did not get enough time on the pitch.

Mark Randall played the full 90 minutes for Rotherham United as they beat Oxford United 2-1. Randall played some excellent passes in central midfield but struggled after United went down to 10 men.

Gavin Hoyte missed Lincoln City’s 2-0 win over Morecombe through injury.

Ryo Miyaichi played the full 90 minutes as Feyenoord beat Heracles Almelo 2-1. Miyaichi opened the scoring with a delightful left footed strike in the box, then started the move which led to the second and winning goal. You can watch Ryo’s goal and read a full scouting report on the game here.

Gilles Sunu came off the bench to play 37 minutes for Lorient as they lost 3-1 to Monaco. Francis Coquelin missed the game through a thigh injury sustained with France’s Under 20′s, but Sunu came on as a striker and looked bright despite failing to score.

Armand Traoré missed Juventus’ fixture with Inter Milan through injury.

Wellington Silva was not included in the Levante squad for their fixture with Almeria.

Pedro Botelho played the full 90 minutes as FC Cartagena lost 3-0 to Barcelona B. Botelho returned to his preffered position on the left of a front three, but had little service as Barça B cruised to victory.

Samuel Galindo missed UD Salamanca’s fixture with Gimnàstic through injury.

Arsenal have taken a second look at Swedish midfielder Kristoffer Olsson. The 15-year-old trialed with the Under 18′s in November along with fellow countryman Robert Mirosavic.

Liam Brady put the youngsters through their paces over a week long training stint last year. He also gave them a run out in a behind closed doors friendly against Charlton Athletic, where Olsson scored in a 6-0 win. Brady was sufficiently impressed and told both players he would like to take another look in the New Year.

However, only Olsson got the call, and he arrived in London on Friday. The prospect currently plys his trade with IFK Norrköpings, who play in the Swedish Superettan. He spoke to the local media about the trial before leaving for the Emirates.

“I never thought I would hear from them, but my agent said they were very impressed with me. Because it is the second time I’m going, I feel more secure, and less nervous about it. I know what to expect.”

Olsson has previously been subject of interest from Juventus.

Ryo Miyaichi arrived in Rotterdam as a nobody. Fast forward three weeks, the Feyenoord faithful have themselves a new hero. The youngster, on loan from Arsenal, impressed again tonight, in a 2-1 win over Heracles Almelo.

Miyaichi’s rise has been nothing short of incredible. An unknown who had failed a trial at FC Köln months earlier, he turned in mixed reviews during two trial games in the summer. He then broke his leg during a trial with Ajax, but was eventually signed by the Gunners in a protracted transfer.

The winger, who had only ever played Japanese University football, showed true class on his Eredivisie debut last week, winning the Man of the Match award in a 1-1 draw with Vitesse Arnhem. It was his first professional start.

Ryo lined up on the left of a front three again this evening, as 46,000 fans packed out Feyenoord’s De Kuip stadium. The game started slowly, with the 18-year-old looking a little daunted by the cauldron of noise.

That said, Miyaichi did create the first real chance of the game. He came in off the touchline, showed some neat foot work and then shot just wide of the far post. It seemed to give him a much needed boost of confidence.

Indeed, minutes later, Feyenoord had opened the scoring. Diego Biseswar skipped away down the wing, he looked up, spotted Miyaichi and picked him out. Ryo chested the ball down, shifted possession from his right foot to his left, and drilled home. It was a super goal, showing a number of his qualities.

Everybody had been sucked into the penalty area, expecting a low cross, but Ryo held his run and intelligently found space. The first touch, control and composure on the finish, all brilliant.

He should have had a second moments after. He accelerated away from two Heracles players on the wing, then beat another with some step overs, before unleashing a 20 yard pile driver, just tipped over. As half time approached, he did a similar thing again, but instead of shooting, he crossed. The ball worked its way out to the edge of the box to Biseswar. He cut inside and curled home number two.

Half time arrived with chants of “Ryo, Ryo, Ryo” echoing all over the De Kuip stadium.

The second half was a much more even and open affair. Feyenoord were on the ropes after conceding just before the break, but used Miyaichi’s pace via counter attacks well. A chipped ball into the box combined with a brilliant cross field pass showed he isn’t all about offering a direct threat.

Ryo began to tire from the 70 minute mark onwards. However, he continued to put a shift in, closing down the goalkeeper on two occasions and almost picking out a man out to score after Luc Castaignos rounded the ‘keeper. He also won two free-kicks late on which wasted key time.

The full time whistle couldn’t come quick enough for Feyenoord, who pick up more important points in their attempts to avoid relegation.

Overall:

Miyaichi showed once more what an exciting prospect he is. A natural winger, he can play on either winger and is totally comfortable with either foot. His best assets are his electric pace, agility, skills and lovely close control.

Tactically he seems decent, but could use some work and while he is a good height, a lack of physical power is an issue. However, he does fight for the ball, isn’t afraid to track back and works very, very hard. A young man with a very bright future in the game.

You can watch Ryo’s goal here.

Arsenal finished in fifth place this week as football finance accountants Deloitte published their league table of Europe’s wealthiest clubs. The Gunners were behind leaders Real Madrid, who earned upwards of £350 million in revenue last year.

Ivan Gazidis’ ever expanding team are working harder and harder to increase the Arsenal brand, but football is not all about money. The global work the club is doing to build the brand is scarcely discussed, but rest assured, the Arsenal name and ways of doing things are being embedded into the cultures of football fans in some of the poorest parts of the world.

Nowhere is that more noticeable than the work Enfield-born Drew Tyler is doing. The 22-year-old life long Gooner is part of Arsenal’s Gap Year program, and is currently stationed in the small town of Manica, in Mozambique. Drew spared some time from his busy schedule to talk to Young Guns this week about his experiences, and the work the club are doing with the locals.

He began by explaining his day-to-day role in Mozambique.

“In Manica there is a club called Grupo Desportivo de Manica, where we’re based. They are not just a football club though, they also house and feeds some of their players, provide English and computer literacy lessons, and help feed through to junior football teams in the area.”

“The first team is in the second tier of football here. One of our roles is to play for the team. In the mornings, we train with the first team for two or three hours, then, in the afternoon, we go around visiting the junior teams and provide sessions for them. The ages range from Under 11′s to Under 17′s. The teams are made up of boys and girls.”

“At the weekends we host Arsenal style tournaments for the different age groups, with prizes for the winners, player of the tournament. There is a real focus on enjoyment, with points being added for goals scored, just like the Emirates Cup, as well as for winning and drawing matches.”

The Gap Year program is far from Arsenal just sending young coaches out to Africa to train poorer players. It is about developing and growing children from poor backgrounds, and introducing them to the Arsenal ways of doing things. Football in its truest form.

Drew lists coaching the kids and introducing them to Arsenal’s ethics as the best parts of the job, and its that satisfaction that makes it all worth while.

“When we turn up to the sessions with a bag of new football’s, the smiles on their faces really make it all worthwhile. The language poses a slight problem but we are able to manage via demonstrations, translations from the other coaches and through the language of football. When we came out here we brought 10 footballs and were sent a further 30 by Arsenal. The club have since described these as gold dust and it really makes you appreciate how lucky we are in England to have such facilities and equipment at our disposal.”

The team of Arsenal coaches are working with Grupo Desportivo de Manica to build three new pitches, an indoor sports facility, changing rooms, a grand stand and houses for the players. The ambition of the club is huge and leaves a lasting legacy.

Drew says “without doubt” Arsenal could reap the rewards from Mozambique in more than a commercial aspect. In fact, he’s convinced that it could be a hot bed of talent in the future. However, with many pitches covered in rocks and stones, building the perfect playing surfaces to prosper is the challenge.

Arsenal are seen by many as the perfect club to develop young players. More recognition in Mozambique could benefit all parties, and Drew is convinced it would be a win:win partnership.

“We are only the second pair coaches to be sent here, so hopefully, with more recognition and funding, the club will get more help. In terms of Arsenal’s ability to nurture that talent, as a fan I think it is second to none, and a neutral, I think the same.”

You can follow Drew’s updates from Mozambique on his blog The Arsenal Way. You can also learn more about Grupo Desportivo de Manica on their official website.

Wojciech Szczęsny may have only just become Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper, but the Pole wants to continue playing for the next 40 years. The 20-year-old believes, injury permitting, he could still be in action on his 60th birthday.

Szczęsny was quizzed by Sport.pl shortly before injuring his shoulder in training with Poland. The stopper received treatment and is expected to start against Norway tonight. He avoided picking up a serious complaint, and its keeping fit that will be the key to playing at a record breaking age.

“If I can stay injury free and keep my fitness I could be playing even until I’m 60. I can’t see any problems – this is a great job.”

The youngster also offered praise to fellow Arsenal’s goalkeeper Łukasz Fabiański, saying he believes he isn’t as good as his compatriot, who will miss the rest of the season through injury. A lack of leadership is something Fabiański has been criticised for, but Wojciech admits he’s different.

“I know my role in the team, I know I’m not some kind of a star. But on the pitch I do give advice to players, if someone needs to be properly yelled at, I don’t hesitate. That’s my job.”

Wojciech was also asked about the biggest influence on his career, after explaining how his father calls him after every game and points out mistakes. Yet surprisingly, it isn’t his famous Dad who he names, but Dagenham and Redbridge stalwart Tony Roberts, who is a goalkeeping coach at Arsenal.

“I can’t owe my father a whole lot because we didn’t have a chance to work together too much. The person I owe a lot is Tony Roberts, who coached me in the Youth Team, Reserves team and now in the First Team.”

Szczęsny completed the interview by explaining his embarrassment towards wearing Arsenal’s pink goalkeeping jersey, saying “I hate that colour”.

He will no doubt be relieved to find out Poland’s ‘keeper shirt is not pink.

Arsenal fans often bemoan the lack of hype and expectation around Arsène Wenger’s signings, with many knowing little or nothing about the clubs latest acquisitions. One exception to that rule was Wellington Silva, who officially joined the Gunners from Fluminense in January, with a blossoming reputation earned while on trial.

Silva scored four goals as a second half substitute against Norwich City’s Under 16′s in 2008. A protracted transfer saga later, and the youngster had signed. He is currently on loan with La Liga side Levante, but questions over his attitude and commitment to the cause have left big doubts over whether the 18-year-old will ever live up to this potential.

Few can relate to the Brazilian and English games like Jon Cotterill, who works as a football commentator for the largest Television network in Latin America, Globo TV. Young Guns caught up with Jon this week to set the record straight on Wellington.

He began by explaining more about the players background.

“Silva’s leap from Flu’s junior side to his deal with Arsenal allowed him to move from the poor Vila da Penha neighbourhood to an expensive house in Rio’s glamorous Barra da Tijuca region. This is the place where Adriano used to hang out – and probably where Flamengo’s new boy Ronaldinho will live.”

“Silva has a similar background to Arsenal’s Denílson – both poor.”

The coaching staff at former club Flumimeinse were scathing in their criticism of Wellington towards the end of his time there, even banning him from training over attitude concerns. Articles in Brazil and England had varied in their support to the player, but what is the truth? Trouble maker? Or just immature?

“Trouble maker? No. immature? Yes. Not getting the right advice from people around him? Probably. But it’s not clear whether he’s ignored good advice he has received. It has to be remembered he’s just a teenager from a poor background who’s suddenly come into loads of money and a degree of fame – maybe it’s just too much for him and after a period of time he will adjust and knuckle down.”

“One difference between Neymar, Silva and Coutinho is that Coutinho and Neymar were being hyped from a very early age. They had a more time to get used to the attention, whereas Silva’s seemed to come from nowhere.”

Arsenal fans know all about Silva, mostly from reports on Young Guns. Yet what is his following like in his home land? What do Brazilian football fans expect?

“Looking at the statistics, 17 appearances and one goal, mostly in the Rio state league. Apart from Flamengo, Vasco, Botafogo and Flu, this tournament is made up of what would be the equivalent of English League One and Two teams, so, he really should have done much better than one goal.”

“To put it bluntly, he’s a virtual unknown in Brazil, and I’m absolutely certain that most Fluminense fans had never even heard of him until Arsenal stepped in. Sorry to say it, but he’s not rated here and will not be missed.”

“It’s not uncommon for a player to be highly-rated in Europe and thought of as nothing special in Brazil. There are lots of parallels between Silva and Douglas Costa, ex Grêmio. He was linked with Manchester United for almost a year but moved to Shakhtar Donetsk. For 98% of his time in Brazil, Costa was absolute rubbish and rarely got a mention in the Brazilian media.”

“I assume by people who had seen him on YouTube in Brazil’s U17 but never seen him play a full game at club level. To a large extent, Silva is also a ‘victim’ of YouTube.”

Cotterill went on to talk about interest in former target Zezinho, saying he believes a move to Europe will happen sooner rather than later. He trialed with Arsenal in 2009, but a deal never happened. Zezinho is a highly rated midfielder, and following on from that, is that where Silva’s future is? Or as a striker?

“When I’ve seen him wide, he worked the channels on the flanks well but wasn’t a ‘touchline hugger’. I have to say though, he was poor and was subbed on each occasion. Some people have bad games but there are signs of something special.”

“I’m surprised he wasn’t loaned to a Portuguese club where the environment and language would have helped him settle in and get the best out of his game.”

Jon finished the interview focusing on the future.

“Silva has joined the right club with the right manager and if anyone can get the best out of him, it’s Wenger. No one would be more pleased than me to see Silva doing well for Arsenal in the Premier League and Champions League, but whether he’s got it in him, that remains to be seen.”

You can follow Jon’s thoughts on Brazilian football on the brilliant Pitaco Do Grindo website, or via his Twitter feed.

Ashley Cole has revealed he is prepared to step a side for fellow Arsenal Academy graduate Kieran Gibbs, in a week which will see the former Gunners favourite write his name into English history.

Cole is set to earn his 87th cap for England on Wednesday, which will see him over take Arsenal legend Kenny Samson as the Three Lions’ most capped full back. Yet the 30-year-old, who has a fractured relationship with Arsenal fans following his acrimonious transfer to Chelsea, is already thinking about his international future.

England have struggled to produce realistic competition for Cole in recent years, but many believe Kieran Gibbs, who won his first cap against France last year, is the most significant challenger to emerge for a long time. Gibbs was demoted back to the Under 21′s when the latest squads were announced, but Cole is backing his fellow Londoner to break through, and he won’t stand in his way.

“Hopefully one day people like Kieran Gibbs will get a chance. I don’t want to block people like that, he’s a great young player coming through and maybe soon it will be time for him to start playing.”

Cole’s development makes him possibly the most successful of all the players who have come through the system at Arsenal, and Wednesday will be a proud day for everybody connected with the club, despite the sour taste that was left after that now infamous move to Chelsea.

Despite that, Ashley won’t stop a potential Arsenal star of the future from following in his footsteps on the international scene.

Southampton chairman Nicola Cortese has criticised Arsène Wenger for going public over his interest in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Arsenal saw a bid rejected for the 17-year-old in the January transfer window.

In a candid interview with The Telegraph, Cortese admitted Wenger’s comments to a number of journalists about the player hampered the clubs chances of signing the prospect. He also went on to say he never believed Oxlade-Chamberlain would leave the South Coast, with many speculating a summer move is far more likely.

“It definitely did not help their cause. We focused on what we wanted to do and not what others wanted to do. I was in the driver’s seat. There was not a second I doubted that he would stay.”

Liverpool stepped up their interest for the youngster around the same time Arsenal opened negotiations, but Cortese indirectly slammed the Reds for ‘not caring’, after they were believed to have faxed an offer instead of talking to the Saints directly.

“I have experienced a lot of things over the past month about the behaviour of some Premier League clubs. Some have really behaved very well. There has been professionalism and there has been the complete opposite as well.”

“Some simply sent a fax. No communication, nothing. It gave the impression that they didn’t care about the boy. Those faxes went straight into the bin. The others made a phone enquiry and I said I didn’t want to get involved in negotiations.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain is poised to start for England Under 21′s against Italy Under 21′s on Tuesday afternoon.