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Injured Arsenal winger Nacer Barazite is considering ending his 6 month loan spell at Derby County early, and returning to North London in a bid to speed up his recovery from a knee injury.

The 18-year-old Dutch Under 19 International joined The Rams on loan during the summer, and after a difficult first month, he slowly forced his way into Paul Jewell’s struggling outfit – helping end the Club’s year long wait for a League win with a stunning assist against Sheffield United.

But after a dangerous tackle from behind during the defeat to Blackpool last week, Nacer was left on a stretcher with suspected medial ligament damage. No snapping of the muscles was shown following a scan, although Derby are yet to put a firm timescale on his recovery.

Barazite’s deal with County is due to expire on December 31st, and it’s doubtful he will be back on the pitch before that date. It’s now a very real option that he will return to Arsenal and make use of the first class medical facilities at London Colney, before assessing his options in the new year.

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.

In this update you can read about the following players in the following games.

Reports:

Armand Traor̩ РPortsmouth 1-0 Fulham (84 Minutes)
HÃ¥vard Nordtveit & Pedro Botelho – UD Salamanca 2-0 SD Huesca (Neither Featured)
Nacer Barazite – Derby 1-1 Coventry (Injured)
Kerrea Gilbert – Leicester 1-1 Northampton Town (Injured)

Read more →

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:

Armand Traoré – Portsmouth 1-0 Fulham (84 Minutes)
Håvard Nordtveit & Pedro Botelho – UD Salamanca 2-0 SD Huesca (Neither Featured)
Nacer Barazite – Derby 1-1 Coventry (Injured)
Kerrea Gilbert – Leicester 1-1 Northampton Town (Injured)

Read more →

Arsenal Under 16’s continued their shaky form yesterday morning as they drew 2-2 with Southampton at Hale End, although Steve Gatting’s boys are now unbeaten in three.

Wins over Bristol City, Coventry, West Ham, Fulham and Norwich have all been convincing, but sandwiched in between have been heavy defeats, dished out by Reading and Chelsea. Part of the reason for the mixed performances has been international duty, which has meant Gatting has had to use increasingly younger members of his squad.

Yesterday saw starts for the free-scoring Zak Ansah, the 15-year-old is leading the Arsenal goal threat this term, as Benik Afobe has been promoted to the Under 18’s. Ignasi Miquel and Daniel Boateng started at the back, in front of promising ‘keeper Daniel Bentley.

Both teams exchanged goals throughout the game, 16-year-old Alex Witham got the first for the hosts, before Ansah made it 4 in 5 with via a tap in. Southampton’s fruitful Academy more than matched their opponents – the future looks extremely bright for both teams.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal winger Armand Traoré has been left with an uncertain future this evening after North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur agreed to sign Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp.

The 19-year-old Frenchman is currently on loan with Pompey for the season, and cited the influence of Redknapp as key in his decision to move to Fratton Park. Indeed, Armand had been so delighted with his time spent their so far, he confirmed his interest in possibly staying on full time, last week.

The move came about after Tottenham sacked Juande Ramos and his backroom staff, leaving Traoré and his colleagues on the South Coast without a manager ahead of tomorrow’s Premiership clash with Fulham.

Redknapp, speaking on SkySports, has already come out and backed Tony Adams to take over the job, as the former Gunners defender does not wish to follow Harry to Spurs. Adams’ appointment at Portsmouth would be beneficial to Arsenal, who could send more loanees South to continue their development.

Armand only signed a long-term contract in the summer, yet with Gael Clichy proving a tough obstacle to pass, and talented youngsters Kieran Gibbs and Pedro Botelho waiting in the wings, the French Under 19 International looks set to be left sweating over his future.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal’s Under 18’s remain top of Academy League Group A this morning after edging another close fixture with a tricky Southampton side at London Colney.

Poor defending allowed the visitors the opener on 34 minutes, but Francis Coquelin drew the scores level heading into the break. Luke Ayling bundled home the winner via Gilles Sunu’s excellent corner in the second period.

As we told you yesterday, Francis Coquelin and Benik Afobe were in contention to start, they both did, with Afobe making his first start for the Academy team aged just 15. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas skippered from the centre of the park, Jonas Rasmussen came in wide on the right.

Shea
Obed – Ayling – Bartley – Cruise
Rasmussen – Coquelin – Thomas – Sunu
Afobe – Murphy

Subs – Mann – Byles – Evina – Blackwood – Deacon

The opening minutes saw a ‘tug-of-war’ in terms of styles, as Southampton opted to break up the quick pace and elegant passing with physical tackles. Eventually, the game sprung into life. Shea managed to get a firm hand to a wicked free-kick, before Murphy came inches away from breaking the deadlock.

The flowing football was slowly proving too much for the Saints, Cruise and Sunu combined down the left, but Afobe flicked his header wide. If Arsenal had shown their class from quick breaks, the roles were reversed on 34 minutes as Southampton caught the Gunners cold and after James Shea advanced, the Islington born stopper saw the ball drift over his head and into the net. A worrying start for Bould’s boys, who have often struggled when going behind.

It was all about character and personality from this point on, which was in abundance from the hosts. Kyle Bartley rose highest from a corner, only to see his header drift wide. With stoppage time looming, the equaliser finally arrived in the windy conditions.

Afobe showed great intelligence in the box, but after seeing his shot blocked the move appeared to be over. That was until Francis Coquelin reacted first and seized on the re-bound to level proceedings.

Half Time – Arsenal 1-1 Southampton

The traditional half time talk was dished out to the young charges, and like it has been in many weeks, it proved decisive. Gilles Sunu’s drilled corner was perfect for Luke Ayling, and the all action defender crashed home to complete the come back.

If he thought he could relax after the goal, Ayling had another thing coming. He was forced into action up the other end shortly after, just getting a foot to the ball to clear off the line. Deacon came on for Rasmussen as Bould looked to keep the pressure on and seal the victory, that was nearly done as Jay Emmanuel-Thomas caused chaos after shooting from a corner.

Coquelin had a further chance to extended the lead, as did Deacon, but it finished 2-1. A smash and grab win for the Under 18’s, but claiming wins when you’re not at your best is the true sign of a title winning outfit.

Full Time – Arsenal 2-1 Southampton

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal striker Luke Freeman was among the scorers this evening as England Under 17’s routed Estonia in their second group game of the European Championship qualification stage.

After a disappointing 0-0 draw on match day one, the pressure was on in the Tenerife sunshine to come away with the points. Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong joined Freeman in the starting lineup, the Arsenal trio would play key parts in the win.

The opening goal took 20 minutes in arriving, but eventually the pressure tolled. Wilshere’s wide free kick on the right hung in the air, Tom Parkes took advantage to power home the opener.

Just 16 minutes later, it was 2-0, and the game was all but over. Ryan Tunnicliffe’s powerful run saw him through on goal, but after his shot was saved, quick reactions from José Baxter meant John Peacock’s side were cruising.

Jonjo Shelvey replaced Frimpong at half time, the change proved decisive as the Charlton winger made it 3-0 with the pick of the strikes, a stunning volley into the corner. Freeman’s left footed tap in from close range showed his composure, but he was subbed off shortly after.

Jacob Walcott came on for Wilshere on 55 minutes, Tottenham’s John Bostock was an unused substitute.

Baxter completed his brace before Luke’s replacement, Liam Head, made it 6. The rout was finished in stoppage time, Tunnicliffe on target. The Under 17’s face Spain in the final group game on Monday.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal’s table topping Under 18’s return to action tomorrow morning, looking to defend a 4 game unbeaten run against a fruitful Southampton Academy.

A little setback at Fulham two weeks ago could have been a turning point, but an exciting victory over Norwich last time out puts Steve Bould’s boys back on the front foot. Despite injuries taking their toll on the squad, it’s tribute to the abundance of quality in the ranks that the title ambitions have been kept alive.

Indeed, second years Kyle Bartley, Tommy Cruise, Gilles Sunu and Rhys Murphy are all professionals and offer Reserves experience. Rhema Obed, Emmanuel Frimpong and Luke Freeman are the only first year scholars that have forced their way into the team, although the latter duo will be missing for tomorrows game.

Sunu and Murphy were in the goals last week, however Roarie Deacon’s average performances recently could see him replaced by the free scoring Benik Afobe, in the only real difficult decision left to be made.

Predicted Starting XI

Shea
Obed – Ayling – Bartley – Cruise
Rasmussen – Coquelin – Eastmond – Sunu
Deacon/Afobe – Murphy

Southampton have had mixed fortunes this campaign – 4 wins, 3 defeats and 2 draws leaves them with 14 points, and an extremely thin chance of catching the rampant Gunners at the top. The likes of Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale have progressed through The Saint’s system, so a good batch of kids will be on show down on the South coast.

Kick off is at 11am, and a Match Report will be available later in the day.

Article By – J.Sanderson

With all the Arsenal related attention going to the first team after there hammering of Fenerbahçe, and quite rightly so, it’s almost been forgotten that the Reserves had a fixture with West Ham yesterday, which the Gunners unfortunately lost, 1-0.

However, one of the few positives from that encounter was that new boy Amaury Bischoff completed his first 90 minutes in Arsenal colours, and his first full game for over 18 months. Speaking with Arsenal.com shortly after Full Time, manager Neil Banfield moved to praise the Frenchman who is giving his all to succeed for the second-string, despite the fact his body is letting him down at times.

“He is coming along fine.”

It is his first 90 minutes in 18 months so you can’t ask any more from him. It will be a long road back for him but he has given us everything tonight. Hopefully he will do OK.”

Since Amaury was passed fit enough to play, Banfield has adapted his formation to allow the 21-year-old the opportunity to operate in his preferred position, the number 10. It’s been a little hit and miss, although when in possession, Bischoff demonstrated his intelligence and craftsmanship against Hayden Mullins. In the end his fitness levels meant he couldn’t maintain his performance, which is understandable.

Neil confirmed that the way the team plays had been adjusted to allow for the former Bremen winger.

“Amaury is coming into the side and he is finding his way in English football. We have tried to play a diamond so we can get him on the ball and let him do what he is good at. They [West Ham] seemed to get on top of us a bit so we changed it and went 4-4-1-1 to play how we usually play.”

His contract only lasts until the end of the campaign, but an option for a second term is available. Should the Portugal Under 21 international manage to add a sustained period of fitness to his talents, Carling Cup duty appears imminent.

Article By – J.Sanderson