News

Arsenal forward Nacer Barazite will have a scan this morning to determine the extent of the damage caused to his knees, following a tackle from behind which ended the Dutchman’s evening during the 3-2 defeat to Blackpool.

Barazite has suspected cruciate knee ligament damage, caused after a reckless challenge which meant the 18-year-old was stretchered off. Nacer’s leg will be looked at by Derby County medical staff once the swelling has gone down, allowing an easier diagnosis.

Ice was applied to the knee area in a bid to reduce bruising, but in the end bandages were used to compress the joint and ease the pain. Should surgery be needed to repair the problem, a reconstruction operation would take place, where a tendon graft is used to replace the damaged ligament.

Should the issue not be as serious as first believed, a few weeks rest would be applicable, before a return to regular training around early December.

A rupture would be the worst possible scenario for Barazite, who is due to complete his loan spell on January 1st. The problem can be resolved with pain killing drugs, but the worrying point will be the lack of control the Holland flyer will have when applying weight to the leg, leaving Derby without a first team regular during an important spell in the campaign.

Article By – J.Sanderson

In the first of two Arsenal games this evening, Neil Banfield’s Reserves looked to collect their third win of the season, and maintain their push for the title against a strong West Ham outfit at Bishop Stortford.

News broke before kick off that Nottingham Forest had signed midfielder James Dunne, his replacement Francis Coquelin shrugged off injury to start in an experiential diamond formation. Paul Rodgers and AbuOgogo had failed to win contracts with Forest, they were both granted starts as Banfield made seven changes to the team that beat Stoke.

An injury before kick off meant Craig Eastmond was replaced with the jet-lagged Rui Fonte, a difficult start before the fixture had even kicked off.

Mannone
Ogogo – Rodgers – Hoyte (c) – Steer
Randall
Coquelin – Mérida
Bischoff
Murphy – Simpson

Subs – Shea – Thomas – Ayling – Fonte – Sunu

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Arsenal manager Neil Banfield has confirmed this evening that Nottingham Forest have offered a contract to 18-year-old midfielder James Dunne, and that he has now left North London to begin his career with the Championship strugglers.

Speaking during his pre-match interview with Arsenal TV and Online, Banfield also admitted that over 40 scouts will be present ahead of tonight’s Reserves League South clash with West Ham United. Abu Ogogo and Paul Rodgers have not won deals with Forest, nor has Rene Steer at Cheltenham, they all start this evening.

Dunne will be a member of Nottingham’s Reserve team in the short term, although first team opportunities are on the cards, performances permitting. Colin Calderwood is also believed to be watching on, among a decent crowd at Bishop Stortford.

A small amount of compensation will be received by the Gunners, due to James’ age, but this is expected to be just minimal, as he was in the final months of his contract.

Article By – J.Sanderson

With Arsenal’s Champions League Group clash against Fenerbahçe taking centre stage this evening, the usual attention will be off Neil Banfield’s Reserves as they take on West Ham United at Bishop Stortford.

A shaky start to the season has seen the Gunners’ challenge for the title become somewhat disjointed, although after edging past Stoke last time out, confidence remains high. West Ham are one of England’s most infamous clubs when it comes to youth development, but with a large number of first team faces currently on the road to recovery, The Hammers are set to put out a strong team.

New signings Jan Lastuvka and Walter Lopez should start, whilst Calum Davenport, James Collins, Freddie Sears, Lee Bowyer and former Arsenal winger Luis Boa Morte offer Premiership experience.

The visitors will have the opposite issue. Half of the first choice team have been away with their countries in the last weeks, indeed Rui Fonte and Wojciech Szczęsny still remain in their home lands. Injuries have also taken hold, Sanchez Watt and Conor Henderson will miss most of the campaign, Francis Coquelin is again a doubt.

However, Rene Steer, James Dunne, Abu Ogogo and Paul Rodgers all return from trials at Cheltenham and Nottingham Forest respectively, they are in contention for places in the squad. Amaury Bischoff is expected to play his second game for the club as his rehabilitation continues, Rhys Murphy is the favourite to replace Fonte in attack.

Predicted Starting XI & Bench

Mannone
Ayling – Bartley – Hoyte (c) – Cruise
Wilshere – Randall – Mérida
Bischoff
Murphy – Simpson

Subs – Shea – Rodgers – Ogogo – Dunne – Sunu

Prediction – Arsenal 1-0 West Ham United

A fiery London derby is on the cards, especially with Mark Randall going up against the tenacious Lee Bowyer in the midfield engine room. The two forwards both have goals to their names this term, and with Bischoff, Wilshere and Mérida offering support, we’re predicting a win.

Kick off is at 7pm, the game is live on Arsenal TV and Arsenal TV Online, with highlights available on Wednesday morning on the official website. Should you not have access to any of these, a Match Report will be posted on the Full Time whistle right here on Young Guns.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Whilst Arsenal’s first team have an important Champions League game with Fenerbahçe tomorrow evening, in a rare clash, the Gunners second-string also have a fixture – a tasty London derby against West Ham at Bishop’s Stortford.

It’s rare that both teams play on the same day, yet this now means Gooners will have a decision to make on how they spend their Tuesday evening. A small selection of fans are expected to head East for the encounter between two of the most prosperous Reserve teams in the country.

International duty robs manager Neil Banfield of some of his most important players, although it will also present an opportunity to several names who have been knocking at his door. Rui Fonte will be absent after playing for Portugal yesterday, meaning one of Rhys Murphy or Gilles Sunu will partner Jay Simpson in attack.

Kieran Gibbs is away with the first team for the previously mentioned clash with Fenerbahçe, leaving Banfield with a tricky choice of replacements. Rene Steer will be available for selection following his trial at Cheltenham, but Thomas Cruise or Jay Emmanuel-Thomas are the other standout options.

Cruise has been in great form for the Under 18’s this campaign, and is thought of highly by the coaching staff. His average performance during the defeat to Aston Villa saw Tommy singled out for some criticism, even though he was left painfully exposed by the attack minded Emmanuel-Thomas.

Amaury Bischoff is expected to make his second start in the Red & White, once more building up his fitness levels ahead of a first team debut around December time.

A full Match Preview will be added tomorrow morning, with a Match Report following on the Full Time whistle.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal and AC Milan have throw their hats into the ring by offering David Beckham the opportunity to keep in shape ahead of England’s forthcoming friendly against Germany, by using their training facilities.

But whilst both outfits have shown generosity in inviting the LA Galaxy midfielder into their headquarters, it seems the two Club’s have very different motives.

Arsenal are especially keen for Beckham to return to Colney next month, as his professional influence no doubt had a positive effect on the young Gunners – who were training with the first team last Winter. David’s ‘Beckingham Palace’ home is just a short drive from the state of the art training centre, meaning the deal would be mutually beneficial.

Indeed, when quizzed about the subject during his pre-match press conference on Friday, Arsène Wenger publicly extended the offer to Beckham.

“I have not heard about him returning, but he is always welcome back.”

“His behaviour was spot on, he was a top-level professional and he earned a lot of respect here.”

Milan have confirmed speculation that they have also offered the former England skipper a similar deal, although unlike Arsenal, AC see the arrangement as more of trial period, with a view to potentially signing David.

“If Beckham would like to train with us, there wouldn’t be a problem for me. I confirm that during a summer there was a negotiation to make him become a Milan player, but it did not go through.” – said manager Carlo Ancelotti

Fabio Capello also talked about his professional attitude, which would improve any group of players according to the Italian. During his time with the Gunners, Sanchez Watt, Kieran Gibbs, Jack Wilshere and Mark Randall had spells working with the 33-year-old, the latter even stayed behind for extra free-kick training.

It’s not yet known what Beckham will decide to do as yet, but with Galaxy’s MLS campaign coming to a close yesterday, a decision over his plans for the next two months should be announced shortly.

Article By – J.Sanderson

UD Salamanca went four points clear at the top of the Spanish Segunda League this evening after edging a thriller against Islanders CD Tenerife.

Arsenal loanee Pedro Botelho shook off an ankle concern on Friday morning but was only named on the bench, Håvard Nordtveit was not involved after playing three times for Norway’s Under 19’s.

Both teams began well, exchanging attacks with some excellent movement as dusk descended over the traditional Spanish ‘party Island’. The opening goal did not take long in arriving, with just 11 minutes on the clock Quique Martín raced through and finished well, his third in two matches.

Salamanca were pushing hard at their hosts, yet it was a swift break which punished the Union. Kome showed enough composure to play Nino in, he finished underneath Alberto for 1-1. Just 4 minutes later Tenerife completed a shock comeback, Nino set up Juanlu for a shot, he lashed into the net to stun UDS.

Kome and Nino could have extended the lead, until Martín’s killer run created the space, a deft cross found Gorka Azkorra, the giant hit-man was on hand to apply the finish.

The stalemate was taken down the tunnel at the break, an exciting second period was promised.

Yellow cards were dished out in abundance as the hour mark approached, the aggressive manner was summed up as Héctor was sent off for fouling Martín in the box. The legendary Spaniard stepped up and wrong footed the stopper to put Salamanca in front. Quique getting his second penalty in as many games, and his 4th in two fixtures.

The traditional change was then made, Botelho replacing the only striker Azkorra. The Brazilian would play left midfield, in his preferred role where he can mix defensive cover, with his fantastic attacking qualities.

A late Tenerife surge was fought off – Botelho in the thick of the defending – his tall frame certainly helping via corners. Salamanca held on to claim the three points, promotion is starting to look like a very real possibility.

Pedro Botelho Played 39 Minutes

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal Under 18’s matched the achievements of their first-team counterparts this morning, by coming from behind to win – 3-2 against Norwich at City’s Colney training centre.

As we told you yesterday, Oğuzhan Özyakup made his first start of the campaign in the centre of the park, whilst the England Under 19 trio all returned and started. Anton Blackwood had to make do with a place on the bench, Luke Freeman and Emmanuel Frimpong were away on International duty.

Shea
Obed – Ayling – Bartley – Cruise
Sunu – Özyakup – Thomas (c) – Eastmond
Murphy – Deacon

Arsenal started the brighter of the two sides, creating two early chances against a struggling Norwich. They had nothing to show from the dominate spell, although the post had been battered.

Eventually City managed to find their feet, and on a rare counter attack, striker Tom Adeyemi saw his long range drive handled in the box, and a penalty was awarded. It was the second such decision in as many games, following Anton Blackwood’s hand ball last week at Fulham.

Kris Renton buried the spot kick to put the hosts ahead, however it would not last. A swift break put Gilles Sunu in, he finished well from close range to make it 1-1, just 60 seconds later.

Between the sticks Rudd denied Sunu with half time approaching, yet it was Norwich who take the next goal. Renton controlled neatly in a crowded penalty area, before unleashing a spectacular scissor-kick which left Shea no chance.

Half Time – Arsenal 1-2 Norwich

Steve Bould’s half time team talks has been crucial in influencing results this campaign, but with an hour gone it showed no signs of helping on this occasion. That was until Dario Dumic’s clumsy foul on Murphy was punished, the England striker smashed in the resulting penalty to level the game.

Both teams battled to get a strangle hold, but on 85 minutes Arsenal bagged the winner. A jinking run from Gilles Sunu saw him cut through City’s defence, as Rudd advanced he lashed a powerful drive into the corner to win the Gunners the points. It finished 3-2 to the visitors, in a truly exciting encounter.

Full Time – Arsenal 3-2 Norwich

In other news, Arsenal’s Under 16’s smashed their Norwich counterparts 4-1, gaining revenge for a defeat last term.

Zak Ansah’s third goal of the season made it 1-0, further strikes from Neil Johnson, Alex Witham and then Benik Afobe – playing after being an unused substitute for the Under 18’s – sealed the 4-1 rout.

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:

Nacer Barazite – Derby 2-1 Plymouth Argyle (90 Minutes)
Kerrea Gilbert – Leicester 1-1 Oldham (90 Minutes)
Armand Traoré – Portsmouth 0-0 Aston Villa (78 Minutes)

Previews:

Havard Nordtveit & Pedro Botelho – UD Salamanca V Tenerife

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