Loanees – Mannone Stars On Hull Debut

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.

Vito Mannone played the full 90 minutes on his Hull City debut in a 2-0 win over Preston on Friday night. City came into the game in the bottom three but 12 saves from Mannone, including two stunning stops, helped them survive a barrage from Preston and win 2-0.

Kyle Bartley played the full 90 minutes at centre back for Sheffield United as they beat Millwall 1-0. Bartley was arguably The Blades’ Man of the Match, making several key blocks and tackles and earning a rare clean sheet.

Sanchez Watt missed Leeds United 3-1 win over Bristol City due to injury.

Benik Afobe completed his third 90 minutes in a week for Huddersfield Town as they lost 1-0 to Cedric Evina’s Oldham Athletic. Afobe failed to add to his brace and assist in midweek but did come close with a flicked header late on.

Cedric Evina played 85 minutes at left back for Oldham Athletic as they beat Benik Afobe’s Huddersfield United 1-0.

Luke Freeman came off the bench to play the final 15 minutes for Yeovil Town against Dagenham and Redbridge. Freeman came on with the scores level at 1-1 but two late goals, including one from former Gunner Abu Ogogo saw The Daggers snatch the win.

Thomas Cruise was an unused substitute for Carlisle United as they beat Southampton 3-2 at Brunton Park.

Gavin Hoyte wrapped up another 90 minutes at right back for Lincoln City as they beat Morecambe 2-1.

Mark Randall missed Rotherham’s 0-0 draw with York City due to a broken cheek bone.

Francis Coquelin was restored to the bench following the return of Arnold Mvuemba after the death of his son. However, Coquelin did play the final 21 minutes as a substitute against PSG. Francis was booked seconds after coming on for a poor challenge on Ceara. It finished 1-1.

Armand Traore played the final 43 minutes for Juventus on his debut against Roma. Traore replaced Fabio Grosso at left back two minutes after half time.

Nacer Barazite, who scored in the Dutch Cup in midweek, was an unused substitute for Vitesse Arnhem as they thrashed VVV 5-1.

Pedro Botelho played the full 90 minutes on the left of a five man midfield as Recreativo Huelva beat FC Cartagena 3-0. Botelho showed early promise by cutting inside and smashing an effort inches over. Yet Recreativo stepped up their play in the second half and cruised to victory.

Samuel Galindo was an unused substitute for UD Salamanca as they lost 3-2 to Ponferradina.

Should Arsenal Loan Players Together?

Benik Afobe has made a positive start to life at Huddersfield Town, with glowing reports surfacing from both fans and critics alike. With Afobe gone, Chuks Aneke will now miss his partner in crime over the coming month and possibly longer if Huddersfield and Arsenal agree to extend Afobe’s loan. However, with Wenger keen to fast track both the young England internationals, Aneke may be joining Afobe sooner rather than later on loan at another club.

With Aneke taking to reserves football like a duck to water and the likelihood that he will not be featuring in the Carling Cup this year, surely a loan move would be a good option for the youngster. Aneke would join the likes of Afobe, Freeman, Evina, Cruise, Watt and Coquelin who have all joint separate clubs respectively. Both Aneke and Afobe have the potential to make it at Arsenal in the years to come, which makes it all the more fulfilling that the pair have played with each other since they were 7 years old. Afobe recently mentioned that his partnership with Aneke ‘comes naturally’, begging the question; in future should Arsenal send their promising youngsters on loan together?

Perhaps the best example of this concept is Barcelona. The Spanish giants make sure that their youngsters are constantly playing and progressing with each other, creating a loyalty to the club and their team mates. After the youth team they are placed in Barcelona B who play in the Spanish Segunda League playing competitive football week in, week out with each other , developing as a team, as footballers and as human beings. The rewards are there for all to see, with the majority of the Barcelona first team consisting of previous youth and B team players.

Arsenal are certainly able to compete with the tactical consistency of Barcelona throughout the youth, reserves and first team with every team playing the ‘Arsenal way’. From the U9’s to the first team Arsenal play with quick movement and passing in a 4-5-1 formation. This continuity is vital in keeping a consistency throughout the club so that youngsters who do progress to the first team already understand the philosophy of Wengers side.

The only thing lacking compared to Barcelona, is the ability to offer competitive football in an English league. Instead the youngsters are sent out on loan to a variety of clubs to gain valuable experience, but they may not necessarily play the ‘Arsenal Way’. If they were sent on loan together they would be able to continue their rapport with each other in a competitive league.

Although it could be argued that the main purpose of a loan move is to experience the vigorous demands of competitive football and to try and find a way to combat this alone, the support of a fellow Arsenal loanee could help promote a vital attribute in football: camaraderie. It would also help players from abroad such as Wellington who is yet to appreciate the English game. If he was loaned out with a fellow Arsenal youngster it would help the player feel much more part of the Arsenal set up, rather than a fish out of water.

Arsenal have certainly profited from loan moves in the past, with Jack Wilshere the most recent example. Yet with the possibility of sending two or three youngsters on loan together it could certainly help them understand each other’s game that little bit more, which could only be a good thing in the long term for Arsenal football club. It is not guaranteed that every youngster who goes on loan will become a first team regular, but for the few that do make it, if they have continued to play with each other in competitive football the integration in to the first team may be much more comfortable.

What harm could it do if Afobe, Aneke and future acquisition Wellington went on loan together for a couple of months? I’m sure Huddersfield Town fans wouldn’t be complaining.

Wilshere Nominated For Golden Boy Award

Jack Wilshere has been nominated for Tuttosport’s Golden Boy award for 2010. The prestigious accolade is handed to the best player, under 21 years of age, over the past year. It has previously been scooped by the likes of Cesc Fabregas, in 2006, and was claimed last year by Alexandre Pato.

Tuttosport published their nominations this afternoon, naming their 40 candidates for the award, with Wilshere an early front runner. British talent is scarce on the list, with Jack being one of only two English players named. The other is Aston Villa’s Nathan Delfouneso.

However, UK based talent does feature heavily, with Manchester United’s Rafael, Federico Macheda and Bebé joined by Gaël Kakuta from Chelsea, Dani Pacheco from Liverpool and Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli. Former Gunner Fran Mérida is also included.

You can cast your vote, plus see all the candidates via the Tuttosport website.

Wellington All But Completes Arsenal Move

Wellington Silva has all but completed his much anticipated move to Arsenal. The Brazilian is in England for training, but a decision has been taken for him to stay in London until he is eligible to play for the club in January.

Silva touched down in the capital earlier this month for the third and final part of a three stage adaptation period. The program has been designed to help the 17-year-old acclimatize to life in England ahead of the completion of his transfer from Fluminense in January.

However, after Wellington fell out of favour with the Rio based outfit, Arsenal have moved to protect the player. He will now train as normal with the Reserve team, but instead of returning to his home land at the end of November, the Brazil Under 17 international will remain in England.

Arsenal can complete the transfer, buying the remainder for his ownership and registering him with the Premier League, from the 6th of January. A ‘special talent’ work visa has already been granted. A return to Rio is expected at some stage in the coming month, as the youngster says his final goodbyes and collects the remainder of his possessions.

Silva is expected to play out the remainder of the season with Neil Banfield’s Reserve team. He will also be eligible to feature in the FA Youth Cup, should Steve Bould decide to use the forward.

Loanees – Coquelin & Botelho Continue To Shine

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.

Kyle Bartley played the full 90 minutes at centre back as Sheffield United lost 2-1 to Ipswich Town. Bartley and United struggled to deal with Town’s long throws, two of which resulted in goals. In a frustrating afternoon, Kyle was booked late on.

Benik Afobe made his first professional start and played the full 90 minutes for Huddersfield Town against Cambridge United. Afobe endured a torrid first half as the hosts looked likely to cause a notable upset, however, after manager Lee Clark changed things in the second half, Afobe impressed. The young striker could have scored the winner late on, but the game finished 0-0 and went to a replay.

Thomas Cruise started and played the full 90 minutes at left back as Carlisle United cruised into the second round of the FA Cup. Cruise, on his debut, turned in s decent shift at left back, but was rarely troubled.

Cedric Evina wrapped up another 90 minutes for Oldham Athletic at left back but he couldn’t prevent his side from a surprise 3-2 defeat to Accrington Stanley.

Gavin Hoyte played the full 90 minutes for Lincoln City as they claimed a 1-0 win over Nuneaton. Hoyte played the full game at right back.

Sanchez Watt missed Leeds United’s 3-2 win over Coventry City due to injury.

Mark Randall missed Rotherham’s 0-0 draw with York City due to a broken cheek bone.

Vito Mannone was an unused substitute for Hull City as they lost 1-0 to Scunthorpe United in the Humberside derby.

Luke Freeman was an unused substitute for Yeovil as they beat Rushden and Diamonds 1-0.

Francis Coquelin played the full 90 minutes for Lorient as they beat Saint Etienne 2-1. Coquelin was fantastic in a holding midfield role but did get involved in the attacking side, assisting for one of Kevin Gameiro’s two goals.

Armand Traore missed Juventus’ 2-1 win over Cesena due to injury

Nacer Barazite played the final 8 minutes of Vitesse Arnhem’s 1-1 draw against AZ Alkmaar. Barazite replaced Julian Jenner late on and his influence tolled as Vitesse grabbed a 90th minute equaliser.

Pedro Botelho played the full 90 minutes at left back for FC Cartagena as they beat Granada 2-1. Botelho turned in another fantastic shift, playing his part for Cartagena’s first goal.

Samuel Galindo replaced Marcos Márquez with 8 minutes left of Salamanca’s 1-0 win over Albacete.

Hiddink Jets Into London For Ozyakup Talks

Turkish national team manager Guus Hiddink flew into London this week to hold talks with Arsenal’s Oğuzhan Özyakup. Hiddink is hoping to convince the midfielder to switch his international allegiance from Holland to Turkey.

Özyakup, who played in the Reserves’ 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Tuesday, has previously rejected suggestions he could represent Turkey, but he has left the door open after negotiations with Hiddink. The Turkish FA published a list of potential stars of the future during the week. The list included Chelsea’s Gokhan Tore and Portsmouth’s Nadir Ciftc, but Oğuzhan’s name was also there despite the fact he is the current captain of Holland’s Under 19’s.

Suggestions in the Turkish media claim Hiddink has drawn up a plan of action for Özyakup, who’s contract expires at the end of the season. The plan would see the midfielder move to Hiddink’s former outfit PSV in the summer where he could keep close tabs on the prospects development. However, the 18-year-old admitted he knew nothing about a move to PSV, but did acknowledge Hiddink’s visit.

“I felt honored by his visit, but you should not draw conclusions from it”

“I’ve been playing with the Dutch teams for years and I am very happy. Any choice between the Netherlands and Turkey has not yet been addressed. Right now I focus me on Arsenal. My contract expires at the end of the season I would first like to sort out my future.”

Talks on a new deal are yet to advance beyond the initial stages.

Afobe Joins Huddersfield Town On Loan

Benik Afobe has agreed to join League One side Huddersfield Town on loan until January, Young Guns has learnt.

The 17-year-old, who scored 11 goals in 13 appearances last season as the Under 18’s retained the Premier Academy League, will link up with Huddersfield later this week. Arsène Wenger and Pat Rice have both held discussions with Afobe and decided he was ready for league football.

The powerful front-man is currently enjoying his first season as a regular in the Reserve team, where he has been operating in an unfamiliar right wing role. However, its a position he’s had success in, playing their for England Under 17’s as they won the European Championships last summer.

Afobe, who has two years left to run on his current contract, could feature in Town’s weekend clash against Sheffield Wednesday.

Szczesny Refuses To Discuss Arsenal Extension

Wojciech Szczęsny is refusing to hold further negotiations with Arsenal over extending his contract. The 20-year-old admits he has received an offer from the club, but he waiting for assurances over his future.

Arsène Wenger confirmed on Friday Young Guns’ story from the Polish press that talks had begun over a new deal and that an offer had been made. However, with the finer details still to thrash out, Szczęsny has broken off talks with the club and suggested he will only sign if he is given a prominent role in the team between now and the end of the season.

In a candid interview with Polish website Przegląd Sportowy, Wojciech was asked how the talks were progressing with Arsenal.

“There was some offers, but I am not interested right now. It’s not that I don’t want to extend the contract, I just don’t want to hold talks at this point. I have enough money to live and I can’t complain about that, but I will only be happy if I play.”

“Everything depends on how many games I play. I admit that I want to play at Arsenal as long as they want me. If I can earn my place in goal I won’t even consider any other offers.”

The break down in talks will come as a surprise to Wenger, who appeared confident that he would tie Szczęsny down to a long term deal last week.

Wojciech has spoken about his desire to play in the Champions League if Arsenal secure early progression into the knock out stages. Whether the Pole gets the nod in games like that will be make or break in the fight to keep arguably the best young goalkeeper in the country.

Loanees – Randall Debuts As Bartley Returns

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.

Kyle Bartley returned to the Sheffield United starting lineup against Coventry. However, despite coming close to scoring late on, Kyle, who was wearing a protective mask, couldn’t keep a clean sheet as Coventry won 1-0.

Cedric Evina played 76 minutes for Oldham Athleltic as they beat Plymouth Argyle 4-2. Featuring at left back, Evina showed some promising signs that he is beginning to settle into life in League One.

Mark Randall started but only managed 21 minutes of his Rotherham United debut after receiving a nasty kick to the head in the opening minute. Randall was taken off a precaution but is expected to be fine to play next weekend.

Gavin Hoyte started and played the whole game at right back on his Lincoln City debut. Hoyte, who joined Lincoln on Friday, didn’t manage to keep a clean sheet, as City drew 2-2 with Wycombe Wanderers.

Sanchez Watt was not part of the Leeds United side that thrashed Scunthorpe United. Watt is still nursing an injury.

Vito Mannone was an unused substitute for Hull City who drew 1-1 with Barnsley in a Yorkshire derby.

Luke Freeman was an unused substitute for Yeovil Town who drew 3-3 with Swindon.

Francis Coquelin came off the bench to play the final 21 minutes against Arles-Avignon.

Armand Traore was not part of the Juventus side that beat AC Milan 2-1.

Nacer Barazite played the final 23 minutes for Vitesse as they drew 0-0 with his former side NEC Nijmegen in the Arnhem derby. Barazite came on as a striker in the closing stages.

Pedro Botelho completed the whole game at left back for FC Cartagena, but he had one of his poorer games as Villarreal B cruised to a 2-0 win.

Samuel Galindo was an unused substitute for Salamanca as they lost 1-0 to Real Valladolid.