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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.

In The Premier League…

Jack Wilshere started and played 81 minutes for Bolton Wanderers in their 2-2 draw with relegated Portsmouth. Jack collected an assist when he raced to the wing to retrieve Matthew Taylor’s over hit free-kick, he then whipped in a left footed cross which was headed in by Ivan Klasnic. Kevin Davies made it 2-0 before Jack’s nonchalant play on the edge of the Pompey box was punished. He was robbed of possession, the Blues broke and Aruna Dindane halved the deficit. It finished 2-2.

In The Championship…

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas played 75 minutes, scored and collected an assist as Doncaster edged Scunthorpe in the Lincolnshire/Yorkshire derby at the Keepmoat Stadium. After the Iron took the lead, Emmanuel-Thomas chested down a long ball and from the edge of the area, the leggy forward lobbed Ireland international Joe Murphy in spectacular fashion. Queue more of the loan Gunners trademark dancing. Both sides traded goals before a deft flick from Jay released James Hayter to score Donny’s third. They went on to win 4-3.

Jay Simpson started on the bench again as his stuttering finish to the campaign continued. He replaced teenager Antonio Germain with 64 minutes left but again struggled to get involved. QPR won 1-0 after a stunner from Mikele Leigertwood.

Gilles Sunu picked up an injury after starting for Derby County against Bristol City.

Henri Lansbury wrapped up another 90 minutes for Watford as they assured themselves a place in the Championship for next season. Henri operated in central midfield and put in a solid shift in a fixture which was comfortable all the way for Hornets.

Kyle Bartley earned a recall to the Sheffield United side as they hosted Swansea City at Bramall Lane. The powerful centre back kept a clean sheet despite some minor scares as United ran out 2-0 winners.

In League One…

Sanchez Watt earned a rare start and played 81 minutes for Leeds United in an amazing fixture against Mark Randall‘s MK Dons. Watt partnered Luciano Becchio up front and after just 23 minutes, the partnership showed some promise. Sanchez stole the ball from the centre back and crossed for Becchio to open the scoring. The young Gunner was involved again shortly after, when he fell on the ball in the box and Gradel lashed across the ‘keeper and in. Then Mathias Doumbé became the first of three Dons players sent off after a horrible two footed challenge on Watt which left the prospect needing treatment.

Wojciech Szczesny played the full game in a 1-1 draw with Luke Ayling‘s Yeovil. Szczesny could do nothing about Gavlin Tomlin’s fine penalty as he sent the Pole the wrong way from 12 yards. Ayling came off the bench in the 42nd minute and joined Wojciech in losing his clean sheet as Sam Saunders smashed in a free-kick.

Elsewhere…

Håvard Nordtveit started at right back and completed the 90 minutes as their relegation battle was dealt a blow with a 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund.

Pedro Botelho didn’t feature in Celta Vigo’s 1-0 defeat to Villareal B.

Arsenal’s Under 18’s played out a thrilling 2-2 draw with Tottenham in the mini North London derby this morning. Conor Henderson put the Gunners in front before Dean Parrett and John Bostock turned the game on it’s head. However, a late Benik Afobe strike earned a fair draw.

The Gunners boasted a significantly less experienced side, with a collection of a scholars and newly signed professionals facing the likes of Parrett and Bostock, both of whom have experienced League One football on loan this season. Yet it was Arsenal who exploded out of the traps and stuck the first blow in beautiful fashion. Henderson curled a fantastic left footed free-kick into the net.

Before the break slack defending allowed Tottenham the chance to level from the penalty spot. Parrett proved to be spot on from 12 yards, making it 1-1. Shortly after the restart Bostock slammed home to put Spurs in front in a great spell. In the closing stages Arsenal pressed and pressed and eventually, with virtually the last kick of the game, Afobe smashed home a stunning volley from just inside the box to earn a share of the spoils.

Arsène Wenger has issued the bold statement that goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny will ‘certainly’ be an Arsenal number one, but he stopped short of confirming he will install the Pole as first choice for next season. The 20-year-old will complete his loan spell at League One Brentford at the end of the season and has already talked up his chances of succeeding Manuel Almunia.

The talented and uber confident stopper has been subject of mass hype and speculation following a largely successful spell at the third tier of English football. His return to North London will come at a time where many believe the Gunners are facing their biggest goalkeeper crisis in recent history. Wenger has always maintained his belief in Szczęsny, but would he take the risk of installing such a young glovesman in his first team?

“It is reasonable to have the ambition that he has. He is doing extremely well and he will one day certainly be the number one. Next season? we’ll see.”

Wojciech’s determination to reach the top has struck all. At 17 he requested a loan move and although it took two years to come to fruition, he’s made the most of it. Now, unlike many Arsenal loanees, the full Poland international is unwilling to accept a period on the bench.  Temporary switches to Italy and Spain have already been mooted in the quest for further match time. Next season he will be playing first-team football, but whether it’s for Arsenal, it remains to be seen.

Arsenal’s Under 18’s celebrated winning the Academy League Group A title with a 1-0 win over West Ham United this morning in a re-arranged fixture at London Colney. Leading marksman Benik Afobe notched the winner just before half time.

Steve Bould resisted the opportunity to rotate and instead named his strongest lineup against the Hammers. Indeed, the side was so strong, it showed only two changes from the XI which beat Portsmouth’s Reserves earlier in the week with the ineligible James Shea and Nacer Barazite being replaced with James Dunn and Roarie Deacon.

Dunn
Hajrovic – Boateng – Miquel – Evina
Aneke – Yennaris – Henderson
Deacon – Afobe – Freeman

Arsenal began well in the St Albans sunshine in what proved to be a typical fiery fixture. Yet with both sides heading towards a stalemate at the break, the deadly Afobe forced home what proved to be the winner in the 43rd minute.

The Gunners have just two games left of the regular season, and both are London derbies. At the weekend they host Tottenham Hotspur at Colney before a yet to be arranged trip to Crystal Palace. Then the crucial play offs begin with Bould’s boys all but certain to face Leicester City over two legs. A win over the Foxes would put them into the final.

European search engine Wikio has built on their successful work with news and blogs by announcing the exciting launch of Wikio Shopping. This innovative shopping service is unlike anything before. Built around the user, it allows shoppers the chance to compare prices, but furthermore to research products and view previous buyers reviews.

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To show how easy to Wikio Shopping is, we’ve chosen an example – an Arsenal Beanbag in the traditional red and white. Most noticeable is the price comparison aspect. You get to see the prices of the item, plus the usual hidden shipping costs are on show and the total price you’ll pay. A short but to the point description gives you quick fire details and it’s all delivered in an incredibly simple manner.

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Ryan Smith exploded onto the scene as a talented 16-year-old against Rotherham United in 2003. He was seen by many as a future Arsenal and England regular, but six years later, where Smith was supposed to be coming into his prime, he finds himself across the pond trying to make a career for himself in both football and music. So where did it all go so wrong?

Smith grew up in the epicentre of Arsenal, Islington, North London. Many of his friends has turned to gangs but Ryan found football and joined the Gunners. A small, quick, unpredictable winger with a dangerous left foot, he shone in the Reserves and was handed three games as a 16-year-old in the 2003 Carling Cup run. Featuring in a midfield with a young Spaniard by the name of Cesc Fabregas, a new era of exciting talent appeared to be on the horizon.

He never really managed to take his chances sufficiently, though. A loan spell to Leicester City in 2005 was expected to be the making of Smith but once more, he never took his opportunities and attitude problems threatened to ruin his potential. After both parties agreed to cut their ties, Arsene Wenger moved on the prospect to Derby County after he played in Dennis Bergkamp’s Testimonial.

It was an abrupt end to a once highly rated career in North London. It didn’t work out at Derby either. After just one campaign, he was shipped back to London, signing for Millwall for £150,000. After two years, no goals and a loan with Southampton, he joined the Saints permanently. It was a disappointing 6 months as he suffered relegation and only played 8 times.

After failed trials in Holland and Portugal, Crystal Palace gave Ryan a short-term contract at the start of this season. Again he didn’t take his chances and with impending administration, he was released with just 6 days of the January transfer window left. It was an unfortunate blow in an unlucky career. A failed training spell with League Two Grimsby Town brought a close to his career in England.

He then began to focus on his music career while again trying his luck in Holland with several trials. On the advice of contacts within the music industry, he moved to America and had try outs with several MLS clubs. Eventually he was handed a deal with the Kansas City Wizards and made his debut against D.C. United. A goal, his first league strike in 4 years and an assist saw Ryan win the MLS Daily Player of the Week. It seems he’s finally on track after describing the performance as “one of the best feeling’s he had in his life”.

Currently Smith in impressing all at Kansas City while maintaining his music work. He recently recorded a song with Crystal Palace midfielder Neill Danns called “Summer Flowers” which is due to be released shortly. You can listen and view the video here.

Arsenal’s Reserves League South campaign finished with a bang this evening after a 3-0 win over Portsmouth at West Leigh Park. First half thunder bolts from Chuks Aneke and Nacer Barazite combined with a late Jernade Meade effort saw the Gunners claim the three points needed to guarantee a second placed finish.

Shea
Hajrovic – Boateng – Miquel (c) – Evina
Aneke – Yennaris – Henderson
Barazite – Afobe – Freeman

Subs: McDermott, Angha, Edge, Meade, Deacon.

Match Report – Portsmouth 0-3 Arsenal

Arsenal kicked the first half off in glorious spring sunshine. A large selection of fans from both sides had bought soccer tickets for the clash atWest Leigh Park, the home of Havant & Waterlooville. The visitors were keen to finish the season in fine form and the explosive Barazite led the charge. Two early saves from former trialist Liam O’Brien were needed to keep the scores level.

It took just 17 minutes for the pressure to toll and how. Aneke strode forward from the middle of the park and unleashed a thunderbolt from all of 25 yards into the net. Chuks then had another opportunity moments later to do the same thing again, but this time it was read and closed down.

A half of pressure from the Gunners came to a head with Hajrovic forcing O’Brien into a smart save from a corner and then Barazite adding Aneke’s early goal with a wonder strike of his own. This time from 35 yards, the brilliant Dutchman took aim and slammed the ball down the home goalkeepers throat and into the net. At the interval, it was 2-0 to the visitors.

Half Time – Portsmouth 0-2 Arsenal

With the work all but done, a timid Yennaris strike after super work from Afobe was the only action of the early stages of the second period. Portsmouth’s Nlundulu had two chances to bag key goals but Hajrovic blocked on both occasions. It was the Swiss defender’s final action, though, as compatriot Martin Angha replaced him.

Luke Freeman could have made it three before Deacon arrived on the field in place of Aneke. The game began to go stale so Banfield turned to live wire winger Jernade Meade to turn the tables, and it worked. The tiny Londoner skipped beyond the full back and hammered a low shot across the face of goal and into the corner. A fine finish from the youngster who celebrated among a selection of the football ticket holding fans.

It was the final action of the fixture. Three goals, three points but a second place finish for Arsenal.

Arsenal wrap up their Reserves League South campaign with a trip to Hampshire to face Portsmouth this evening. After a season of ups and downs, Neil Banfield knows a win will see his charges finish on a high with a notable second place finish.

Aston Villa are once more the Champions after dispatching Arsenal and then edging out Fulham 2-1 last week. However, an exciting climax to the year sees the Cottagers going head-to-head with the Gunners for second. Points must be grabbed by tonight or there is a real chance Fulham could sneak the runner up spot.

Reserve skipper Craig Eastmond was with the first-team yesterday so Spanish centre half Ignasi Miquel will captain the side. Conor Henderson was on the bench, he’s expected to start along with Dutch midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup. First-team defender Johan Djourou was expected to feature but a knock on his healing knee has ruled him out.

Predicted Starting XI

Shea
Coquelin – Cruise – Miquel – Evina
Ozyakup – Frimpong – Henderson
Deacon – Murphy – Freeman

Kick Off is at 7pm from Havant & Waterlooville’s West Leigh Park Stadium. Young Guns will have updates via our Twitter while a Match Report will follow on the Full Time whistle.

After this past week with the senior side’s travails against Tottenham, it’s really refreshing to watch the Under 18’s play. While it’s certainly important to the lads and to Arsenal as well, as a spectator of the match, it’s nice to see a bit more fun in the football than often times happens the farther up the footballing ladder one goes.

Well, what can one say about the match against Charlton? A bit like herding cats, at times. It’s not always easy or a pretty sight, but eventually they all start going in the same direction. For the uninitiated, Under 18’s is quite a bit off the pace of a senior side match and the players are frequently chasing the game, so to speak. The matches present less collective football than individual performances, but that’s really part of the fun. Over time those individual performances are melded together into a cohesive football team, and that’s the task for Steve Bould’s lads.

Luke Freeman had himself a nice, if somewhat selfish first half. A couple left-footers goalwards from outside the box challenged the Charlton ‘keeper. Good control of the ball and some nifty shouldering off of defenders, but he had a couple opportunities to distribute that weren’t taken.

Sean McDermott in goal for the Arsenal side showed some very nice reflexes and an aggressiveness that didn’t border on reckless. Coming out to challenge a few Charlton attackers, he managed to close down well with blocks or disrupt possession altogether. Unfortunately, some shoddy defending led to Charlton taking the lead in the first half.

At the half, I found myself sitting here and thinking “hmmm…meh…not a great half of football. A couple moments stand out, but there are 11 players on the pitch for Arsenal, not one team.” Funnily enough, Bouldy’s post-match interview went like this – “I cannot repeat everything I told the lads at the half, but I did tell them to stop showing off! They had to come out and be more collective, play for the team.” In case you’re wondering, no I am not Steve Bould in disguise.

The second half was decidedly better for the young Gunners.

Some excellent defensive work by Sead Hajrovic and Jernade Meade put a halt to some attacking gumption by the Charlton youth. Hajrovic put in some nice sliding tackles and Meade was top man in snuffing out the offensive efforts on a number of occasions with excellent closing down of possession.

Benik Afobe pulled Arsenal level with a most excellent header on 73 minutes. Roarie Deacon provided the superb cross from right to left into the box that allowed Afobe to soar above the defenders and put the goal away back across the oncoming Charlton ‘keeper.

I’m rapidly becoming a fan of Zak Ansah. He’s just got something about him. Coming on at close to the 80 minute mark, he immediately made his presence felt. Arsenal won possession just to the Arsenal side of midfield, the attack went through Oguzhan Ozyakup centrally, who then hit Afobe out wide right. Afobe let go with a blast that the Charlton net minder blocked to just in front of him and Ansah was Johnny-on-the-spot for the follow up goal. It was a very nice possession from the Arsenal youth side, with two crisp passes from midfield to the wide area before Afobe let loose and Ansah cleaned up for the match winning goal.

If you haven’t been watching the Arsenal youth match highlights on ATVO, I highly recommend you start. Again, it’s not the finished product, but you’ll see some fun football and get a glimpse of what Jamie’s been keeping us all up to date on with his regular reporting on the youth players. Arsenal took care of Charlton, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable display to take in.