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.
In this update you can read about the following players in the following games.
Reports:
Nacer Barazite – Derby 1-1 Nottingham Forest (45 Minutes)
Armand Traoré – Portsmouth 1-2 Wigan (45 Minutes)
Pedro Botelho – UD Salamanca 0-2 Celta Vigo (To Follow)
Kerrea Gilbert – Leicester 2-1 Bristol City (Injured)
Striker Benik Afobe has collected the Lamb Awards sponsored Young Guns Player Of The Month crown for October 2008, after a phenomenal few weeks which saw his profile rise significantly.
Afobe began the month on England duty after his incredible scoring feats meant Kenny Swain came calling, and with the nation watching on live, the youngster delivered. His fantastic double sent the Three Lions on their way to a 6-0 rout over Northern Ireland, Benik also walked away with an assist.
Following an excellent performance for his country, it was back to business at Arsenal. Yet Steve Bould rewarded the prospect with a place among his substitutes for the clash with Fulham. An injury to Luke Freeman during the first period meant Afobe would have a baptism of fire – made worse after the hosts took the lead.
The Dagenham born centre-forward rescued a point with a bullet header late on, he also had two shots scrambled off the line. Despite the goal, he was left out for the Under 18’s next encounter, against Norwich. A strike from an unfamiliar central midfield position for the Under 16’s kept his confidence up, and soon Bould would realise the error of his ways.
He started and played the full 90 minutes during the 2-1 over Southampton, but his goalscoring run came to an end as the energetic youngster opted to work for the team.
Finally, the month came to an end just as it started, playing for England. With the game stalemated at 0-0, Benik popped up with another peach of a finish to secure the points, leaving his country a step closer to securing the Victory Shield.
Thanks To Lamb Awards & Engraving For Sponsoring The Award. If You Need Trophies Or Engraving For Your Team, Contact Them Now!.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Arsenal’s Under 18’s extended their lead at the top of the Academy League Group A table this morning, with a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town.
The shaky form looks like it’s finally been put to the sword, as a Rhys Murphy brace helped secure the points against the Tractor Boys. With Benik Afobe playing and scoring for the England Under 16’s, changes were on the cards.
Rhema Obed’s poor recent form saw him replaced by Anton Blackwood, whilst Roarie Deacon and Sam Byles were restored. Luke Freeman and Emmanuel Frimpong returned from International duty and were both included in the squad, the latter started in a 5 man midfield.
Shea
Blackwood – Bartley – Ayling – Cruise
Deacon – Byles – Thomas – Frimpong – Evina
Murphy
Subs – Mann – Miquel – Obed – Özyakup – Freeman
The blustery conditions made for a tentative start by both teams, yet eventually the game got going, with Arsenal showing their dominance. Blackwood’s storming run down the right hand side saw the visitors back off, the resulting cross picked out Evina, the Frenchman’s tame effort was well saved.
Byles kept the ‘keeper working with a powerful drive, before Ayling could have opened the scoring via Frimpong’s dipping corner. After a break for what looked a terrible injury on Ipswich’s Jamie Griffiths, the Gunners stepped up a gear and had the Blues holding on.
Bartley with a header and skipper Jay Emmanuel-Thomas with a delightful back-heel should have been goals, Bould was clearly frustrated on the touchlines. The half time whistle arrived with the scores still level, one of the manager’s famed team talks was needed.
Half Time – Ipswich 0-0 Arsenal
The focus of the chat must have been the influence of Jay Thomas, because the powerhouse led the charge to secure the points after the restart. A powerful run past several Ipswich defenders created space, a casual pass into Evina saw the winger again come close.
Özyakup replaced Byles on 53 minutes to inject some creativity and energy to the side, it nearly paid instant dividends. The Dutch play-maker showed awesome composure to tease the ball out of his feet, the resulting shot won a corner.
Murphy wasted a low cross and then a header, Thomas also nodded wide. Deacon and Özyakup continued the constant barrage of attacks, yet the consistent theme continued with the Tractor Boys dealing with everything.
Shea was then forced into a reaction stop to keep things level, the chance seemed to make Arsenal angry. Indeed, Frimpong went straight down the other end, and after picking out Murphy in the area, it was 1-0.
Özyakup had a darting header clawed off the line, before controversy stuck. Shea came racing out of his box and smashed into Town forward Reggie, Ipswich were furious at the lack of a red card. They were still complaining when Evina’s cross was glanced on by Özyakup, Murphy snatched on the ball and turned it home for 2-0.
It finished 2-0 leaving the Gunners in a terrific position at the top, although make no mistakes, Ipswich have some very exciting players for the future.
Full Time – Arsenal 2-0 Ipswich
Article By – J.Sanderson
Håvard Nordtveit was so determined to end his nightmare loan spell with UD Salamanca, that the Norwegian signed the release forms in the early hours of Wednesday morning, before immediately beginning his journey back to London.
Nordtveit drove to The Union’s Helmántico stadium at around 1am on Wednesday after hearing Arsenal had recalled the prospect, but instead of waiting until the morning to pack his stuff and say goodbyes, he jumped out of bed, into his car, and signed the relevant papers before booking return flights to Colney.
The former second-string skipper cleaned out his locker after penning the release agreement, and with just a handful of items, both he and his girlfriend took a coach to Madrid Airport. Håvard touched down yesterday morning yet his car and the rest of his possessions remain in Salamanca, with the media snapping the above picture of Nordtveit’s Ford Focus which still remains outside the ground.
Arsenal’s Reserves travel to Fulham on Monday evening with defensive problems undoing a lot of the good work this season, the 18-year-old is expected to play some part, that’s if somebody can give him a lift to the ground!.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Arsenal striker Roarie Deacon has revealed how a normal school trip designed to get him out of his lesson – led to a life changing career in football.
The fleet-footed speedster signed scholarship terms during the summer, and has been one of the many success stories of this campaign, bagging 4 goals from an unfamiliar striker position. But Roarie doesn’t make up a ‘sob story’ to his success, on the contrary, he claims the road to being a Young Gun came by chance.
“I was nine-years-old and a pupil at Eardley School in South London.”
“Arsenal used to send a coach once a week to train our school team and one day we were all invited up for a tour of Highbury and to play a game in the JVC Centre. After the kick around, another boy and I were invited to go along to an Arsenal soccer school.”
The surprise of an invite to the soccer school was only matched by what followed. Deacon quickly proved himself as a promising young player, and was being promoted through the ranks rapidly.
“I remember that the coaches kept taking me out of the age group I was in and they put me in a higher age group – then another and then another. I ended up playing three or four years above my age and the coaches said that I had done so well that they wanted me to go along to the Arsenal Academy for a trial.”
After impressing the coaches during his week long work out, a contract was put forward, and the quiet Londoner had gone from school boy to footballer in a matter of months.
The pacy starlet also admitted he wasn’t always a forward, indeed scoring goals went against all the early principles he was tough, as a left back.
“I was thrilled to say the least. The trial went well and I was invited to sign, which I did without hesitation.
“I was a left back when i came to Arsenal, but after a while I was asked to play on the wing. After a little while longer I was moved into attack and now I tend to play as an out and out striker or in the hole behind the strikers.
His inspirational story epitomises the philosophy that life is about taking your opportunities, but it’s also important to recognise your destiny, and reach your full potential – something Roarie is determined to do.
“My dad used to drive me up from South London up to Hale End twice a week. I suppose the travelling time is about three or four hours a day, but it was more when I was at school.”
“I know that if I didn’t go on that school trip, I would not have the chance I have now and I suppose that is why I am determined to make the most of it.”
Quotes Via The Official Arsenal Magazine.
Deacon returns to action on Saturday as the Under 18’s travel to Ipswich to take on the Tractor Boys. Expect Roarie to feature in that game, as he focuses on fulfilling his potential and reaching the big time.
Article By – J.Sanderson
UD Salamanca have confirmed this evening that Arsenal have recalled defender Håvard Nordtveit from his 6 month loan spell early, after becoming unhappy with the amount of playing time the Norwegian has received in recent weeks.
The 18-year-old has been forced to play in an unfamiliar central midfield role during his time with the Union, as Salamanca charged to the summit of the Segunda division. Yet After scoring three times in two games for Norway’s Under 19 team two weeks ago, it was expected that Nordtveit would be given more playing time, but that hasn’t materialised.
The Gunners link side crashed out of the Copa Del Rey last month, and manager David Armaral has offered no reassurances over playing time towards the business end of the campaign. Håvard was allowed permission to skip training this morning, where he met with Richard Law and his agent, before it was confirmed that the prospect would return to London.
UDS are keen to stress that the choice is mutual, and does not effect future loan arrangements between the two clubs. Pedro Botelho will remain in Spain until the end of the season, but will be joined in January by an unknown South American striker.
Nordtveit is due at London Colney tomorrow, where further talks over his future will commence. It’s expected that Howie will be made available for loan again, although a spell with an English outfit seems the best option.
The shock recall also means that he will be in contention to feature during the forthcoming Carling Cup clash with Wigan at the Emirates next week.
Article By – J.Sanderson
If the infamous phrase that ‘the road to the top is full of difficult challenges’ is led to be believed, then things bode well for Arsenal’s latest Spanish acquisition Ignasi Miquel.
The giant centre back started out like many youngsters, with his home town club. However, it just happened that his first employers were Barcelona – a club recognised world wide for their incredible calibre when it comes to youth development.
But after 5 years with the Catalan giants, the decision was made that Ignasi was not showing enough promise, and was subsequently released. It’s a tough moment for any player to be told they have no future, something Arsène Wenger mentioned last week. Yet as a teenager it’s even harder, as Barcelona was all he had known.
His determination to remain in the game showed as he dropped 5 divisions to play for lowly UD Cornella. With a Barcelona education under his belt, it was evident he would be the best player in their youth teams. The confidence this brought Miquel showed, soon he was playing for Cornella’s B outfit, leading to a recommendation by the Spanish National team coaches to keep an eye on the prospect.
Soon he was back in the big time. A call up to the Spain Under 16’s followed, where scouts from across the world gathered to watch a feared young Spanish team. At this level, they are certainly the team to beat, meaning Ignasi’s inclusion was nothing short of exceptional.
His eye catching performances in a combination of positions caught the eye, but the majority of his team mates were from the country’s biggest clubs. Real Madrid, Valencia and Atlético Madrid all had several representatives, along with Barcleona. His previous outfit must have been stunned at what would follow in the weeks after.
The media became entranced with his story, and a transfer battle swiftly began. Manchester United and Valencia both faxed trial offers, showing how his stock had risen in just a few months. Arsenal took the gamble of making a straight cash offer without a trial, Miquel and Cornella were delighted and an agreement was struck.
Several visits to the Emirates allowed the imposing defender a chance to get used to a big team again, indeed he even had dinner with his idol, Cesc Fabregas. At the start of the season, all the hype had gone, and it was time for the hard work to begin.
At 193cm he towers above many adults, never mind Under 16 players. A debut during the Zinedine Zidane Tournament must have been nerve racking, but the gentle giant showed his composure and style on the ball as the Gunners walked away with the trophy.
The League campaign is well underway now, and Miquel is already making advantage of his height, crashing in a goal against West Ham three weeks ago. It’s been a while since an exciting young defender came through the ranks, and although part of his education has been served in his home land, Ignasi possess all the true components of an Arsenal player.
He’s been forced to do it the hard way, but Ignasi Miquel is heading for the very top.
Article By – J.Sanderson
England Under 17’s sealed their place in the Elite qualifying round for the European Championship’s last night with a 1-1 draw against an impressive Spain side, despite having two players sent off.
With two games in quick succession, manager John Peacock opted to rotate his team, although there was no place in the starting XI for Tottenham play-maker John Bostock. Luke Freeman joined him among the substitutes, Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong started.
The Lions got off to a perfect start as an early Jacob Walcott strike handed the visitors a 10th minute advantage – not the first time a Walcott has come up with the goods for his country. However, despite the goal, Spain pushed England onto the back foot for the majority of the game.
Watford’s Eddie Oshodi was then sent off for two cheap bookings, leaving his team rocking. Minutes after, Arsenal’s Frimpong joined Oshodi in having an early bath, he was also given his marching orders for two cheap yellow cards.
Eventually the pressure tolled. Half Time sub Pablo Sarabia caused Ezekiel Fryers trouble at the back, leading to the Manchester United defender putting through his own net with 10 minutes left.
Whilst Emmanuel, Luke and Jack were having a frustrating night in Spain, Gunners colleague Oğuzhan Özyakup was having better fortunes with Holland.
He doubled his tally of goals for Holland by converting a penalty during a 3-0 win over Italy. His early conversion was added to by efforts from Shabir Isoufi and a second half goal by Nygel Velder, before a late rally from Italy set up a tight finish. It ended 3-2 to the Netherlands.
The foursome are all expected to return to London in the next few days.
Article By – J.Sanderson
England Under 17’s sealed their place in the Elite qualifying round for the European Championship’s last night with a 1-1 draw against an impressive Spain side, despite having two players sent off.
With two games in quick succession, manager John Peacock opted to rotate his team, although there was no place in the starting XI for Tottenham play-maker John Bostock. Luke Freeman joined him among the substitutes, Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong started.
The Lions got off to a perfect start as an early Jacob Walcott strike handed the visitors a 10th minute advantage – not the first time a Walcott has come up with the goods for his country. However, despite the goal, Spain pushed England onto the back foot for the majority of the game.
Watford’s Eddie Oshodi was then sent off for two cheap bookings, leaving his team rocking. Minutes after, Arsenal’s Frimpong joined Oshodi in having an early bath, he was also given his marching orders for two cheap yellow cards.
Eventually the pressure tolled. Half Time sub Pablo Sarabia caused Ezekiel Fryers trouble at the back, leading to the Manchester United defender putting through his own net with 10 minutes left.
Whilst Emmanuel, Luke and Jack were having a frustrating night in Spain, Gunners colleague Oğuzhan Özyakup was having better fortunes with Holland.
He doubled his tally of goals for Holland by converting a penalty during a 3-0 win over Italy. His early conversion was added to by efforts from Shabir Isoufi and a second half goal by Nygel Velder, before a late rally from Italy set up a tight finish. It ended 3-2 to the Netherlands.
The foursome are all expected to return to London in the next few days.
Article By – J.Sanderson