Arsenal sign goalkeeper James Dunn until end of season

Arsenal have signed Southend United goalkeeper James Dunn on a deal to the end of the season. The stopper, who initially joined the Gunners on a temporary basis to cover for the injured James Shea and Sean McDermott, has impressed under-18s coach Steve Bould in his four Premier Academy League outings to date.

Dunn may have conceded eight goals in his first three games for Arsenal, but his agility and communication with his team-mates, as well as his excellent delivery have won him many admirers at London Colney. With Shea and McDermott both suffering in their respective recuperations, Dunn could be set for a prolonged run in the side as Arsenal look to retain the Premier Academy League title.

As a second-year scholar, the former Fulham goalie is also eligible to play in the FA Youth Cup this season, easing any concerns Bould may have had about that particular competiton. If he continues to impress, Dunn may even push into the Reserve squad whilst Shea and McDermott remain sidelined.

Slightly further down in the system, Arsenal have several promising young goalkeepers at under-16 level, but none of these are considered experienced enough to step up an age group just yet. Luke Chambers, Yilmaz Aksoy and Reice Charles-Cook have shared the duties for Steve Gatting’s side so far this term as well as being named on the bench for the u-18s. Arsenal have another talented goalkeeper out on loan in Damian Martinez, who was signed, and subsequently loaned back to Independiente last summer and who represented Argentina in the FIFA U17 World Cup recently.

Reserve regulars may have to embark on loan spells to compensate for lack of action

The news that Arsenal Reserves’ trip to face West Ham United has been postponed until the New Year means that the Gunners only have two remaining league fixtures in 2009.

This year, with Tottenham’s decision to pull out, there are less fixtures than ever in the Reserve League South and, as such, games are spread sporadically throughout the course of the campaign, meaning it is difficult for those in need of matches to gain regular playing time.

With a tough looking trip to Manchester City in the Carling Cup Quarter-finals likely to mean Arsene Wenger is likely to play less youngsters than he would have liked, there is a serious shortage of game time for those who are too old to play for the under-18s yet are not considered part of the first-team squad.

A plausible option for the majority of them would be a loan spell, which would help them to develop their tactical understanding of the game whilst at the same time, hopefully, providing them with some much needed match action. The likes of Henri Lansbury and Jay Simpson are currently enjoying fruitful loan spells and those who have been part of Arsenal’s Carling Cup squad this season could soon join them.

The likes of Kyle Bartley, Craig Eastmond, Gilles Sunu, Francis Coquelin and Sanchez Watt, along with Mark Randall, are the most obvious candidates for a stint away from London Colney and, once the Gunners’ participation in the second most prestigious domestic cup competition is over for this season, then they are likely to depart.

Sunu has been tentatively linked in some quarters with a loan move to Blackpool, where Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has just completed a successful spell. The others would surely attract an assortment of Championship and League One clubs, with Wenger and his coaching staff charged with the task of finding a side which will give the youngsters regular playing time.

There are a batch of under-18 players ready to step up to the Reserves on a regular basis, with the likes of Ignasi Miquel, Cedric Evina, Conor Henderson and Emmanuel Frimpong capable of cementing regular places in the starting XI. If, for example, Sunu and Watt were to both go out on loan in the second half of the season, then it would open a door for Rhys Murphy, who has been a substitute for the last three Reserve matches.

With so many young professionals requiring game time, it is time for the cycle to get in motion again with the players who have been in the Reserves for a couple of years going out on loan and some of the under-18s stepping up to replace them.

 

Ansah goal and assist as under-16s edge past Charlton

Arsenal forward Zak Ansah continued his superb form at under-16 level with a brace and an assist in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Charlton.

The tall frontman, who played for England U16s against Northern Ireland in the Victory Shield on Thursday, opened the scoring with a cool finish for his seventeenth goal of the season. He then set up Samir Bihmoutine for what proved to be the winner in an entertaining contest.

The victory saw Arsenal bounce back from last week’s 7-3 reverse at the hands of West Ham, during which Callum Webb shone in adversity. The midfielder impressed again yesterday with his combative approach, whilst Bihmoutine provided a useful outlet on the left-flank. Up front, Nigel Neita is struggling to match Ansah’s rich vein of form but has already scored for the under-18s this season and will surely get more appearances for Steve Bould’s side this term.

Chambers

Glasgow-Smith-Jones-Campbell

Monakana-Webb-Rees-Bihmoutine

Neita-Ansah

Loanees- Simpson strikes, Lansbury assist + Hoyte sent off

It was another eventful weekend for Arsenal’s six loanees which yielded a goal, an assist and a sending off. Read on for the latest reports…

Jay Simpson scored again for QPR to take his tally for the Loftus Road club to seven goals in twelve games. He opened the scoring against Sheffield Wednesday with a calm finish from Adel Taarabt’s cross on ten minutes. However, the lead lasted just three minutes with Jermaine Johnson levelling for the Owls before Kaspar Gorkss stole the show with an 82nd minute winner to take QPR up to fourth in the Championship table.

Henri Lansbury set up a goal for Tom Cleverley as Watford beat Preston 2-0 at Vicarage Road. Heidar Helguson opened the scoring for the Hornets in the ninth minute before Cleverley doubled the scoreline twelve minutes before the break after Lansbury’s ball in. Two minutes prior to his assist Lansbury found himself in the referee’s notebook for a robust challenge and the England youth international had a couple of cracks at goal himself on a pleasing day for Watford.

Gavin Hoyte was sent off for a professional foul as Wycombe and Brighton shared eight goals in a pulsating FA Cup First Round tie. Hoyte saw red on 33 minutes for a rash challenge, by which time the score was 1-1. Elliott Bennett had put Brighton ahead but Matt Harrold restored parity with a cooly-converted spot kick. Scot Davies put Wycombe ahead shortly after Hoyte’s dismissal before Wycombe were reduced to ten men themselves after Craig Woodman saw red. Nicky Forster made it 2-2 from the penalty spot before Glen Murray put Brighton ahead. Jon-Paul Pitman and Harrold made it  4-3 only for Murray to force a replay with a late penalty. Hoyte’s initial loan deal at Brighton expires on Monday.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas played the whole game as Blackpool trounced Scunthorpe 4-1 in the Championship. Paul Hayes gave the visitors a suprise lead but Ian Holloway’s side responded in emphatic fashion with goals from Ian Evatt, Charlie Adam, Ben Burgess and Alex Baptiste doing for the Iron, who had their goalkeeper sent off for handling outside his area.

Havard Nordtveit performed well in a holding role as Nuremburg lost 1-0 to Mainz, whilst Pedro Botelho’s Celta Vigo beat Castellon 2-1, although the Brazilian found himself out of the starting line-up for the fixture.

 

Arsenal U18s return to winning ways with Addicks demolition

Arsenal under-18s ended a three game winless streak with an impressive 6-0 victory over Charlton Athletic at London Colney this morning.

Having picked up just one point from a possible nine in their past three fixtures, the visit of the side who sit rooted to the bottom of Premier Academy League Group A was an ideal opportunity for Steve Bould’s side to get back on track as they bid to retain the trophy they won last season.

James Dunn kept his place in goal with both James Shea and Sean McDermott still sidelined, whilst a defensive re-shuffle saw Rhema Obed shift to right-back to compensate the return of Daniel Boateng from suspension. Ignasi Miquel partnered him at the back with George Brislen-Hall starting only his second game of the season after Cedric Evina cemented his position as the Reserves’ first choice left-back. Benik Afobe returned up front with Jernade Meade dropping to the substitutes bench, where  he was joined by Emmanuel Frimpong and Sam Byles.

Dunn

Obed-Boateng-Miquel-Brislen-Hall

Yennaris-Henderson

Deacon-Aneke-Freeman

Afobe

subs: Frimpong, Meade, Byles

Arsenal began at blistering speed and opened the scoring with just three minutes on the clock via Roarie Deacon. Luke Freeman then doubled the advantage ten minutes later before hitting another before the interval to take his tally for the season to nine.

The Gunners hit a further three goals in the second period, with Deacon making it four just after the restart and Conor Henderson scoring his second goal in as many games for number five. The rout was completed five minutes from time when Nico Yennaris capped off an eventful week with his first goal at this level.

Arsenal now face successive trips to the South Coast to take on Portsmouth and Southampton.

U18s Preview-Bould looking to arrest slump against struggling Charlton

Arsenal under-18s will be looking to end a sequence of three matches without a win when they welcome perennial strugglers Charlton Athletic to London Colney tomorrow morning.

The Gunners have taken just one point from a possible nine, with coach Steve Bould left ruing his side’s inability to hang on to a lead in recent weeks. The slump started away to Ipswich when, having gone ahead via a Conor Henderson free-kick, Arsenal then succumbed to a Conor Wickham inspired side before eventually losing 3-2. That was followed by a 2-2 draw with Norwich at London Colney, in which Arsenal surrendered a two goal lead to drop two points. Then, last week, a decent first-half performance away to West Ham at Little Heath was overridden by a disconsolate second period which saw a one goal lead turn into a 3-1 defeat.

Tomorrow presents the perfect opportunity for Arsenal to return to winning ways. Charlton may sit bottom of Premier Academy League Group A with just seven points, but they are on a high having progressed to the second round of the FA Youth Cup this week by beating Gillingham 3-0 at the Valley. That was preceded by an impressive 3-2 win over Portsmouth, whom the Gunners take on next week.

Arsenal, despite their recent decline, still sit top of Premier Academy League Group A, but they are only ahead of their closest challengers Norwich by means of goal difference. Bould’s side have scored in every game this season but it is in defence where the problem lies. Daniel Boateng is available again following suspension and he appears to have learnt his lesson following his dismissal at Ipswich a month ago. He admits to letting the team down and has taken steps to curb his temperament, doing jigsaw puzzles to help build his concentration. Boateng, who has trained with Ghana U20s, could return to the starting line-up at centre-back tomorrow to partner Rhema Obed.

In goal, James Dunn is likely to continue with both James Shea and Sean McDermott still struggling for fitness. Ignasi Miquel and Emmanuel Frimpong may be rested with the Reserves in action against West Ham on Tuesday, whilst Oguzhan Ozyakup will return to the side having represented Netherlands at the FIFA U17 World Cup. Defender Sead Hajrovic is still away with Switzerland at that competition, whilst Jamie Edge (knee) is doubtful after picking up a knock upon his return against the Hammers last week.

Victory would be a welcome boost for Bould’s side as we approach the midway point in the season, but it is the under-16s who will be the most determined to get the better of the Addicks tomorrow after their capitulation against West Ham. Zak Ansah and Joe Jones should be available having featured in the Victory Shield and coach Steve Gatting will be demanding more from his players.

Predicted U18 team:

Dunn

Byles-Obed-Boateng-Evina

Ozyakup-Henderson

Deacon-Aneke-Freeman

Afobe

subs: Brislen-Hall, Meade, Miquel, Yennaris.

Predicted U16 team:

Aksoy

Glasgow-Jones-Sesay-Campbell

Monakana-Webb-Rees-Wynter

Ansah-Neita

subs: Fagan, Iffiel, Chambers.

U17 World Cup- Hajrovic sent off as Switzerland reach Quarter-finals

Switzerland’s 4-3 victory over Germany in a tumultuous match at the FIFA U17 World Cup bore mixed emotions for Arsenal defender Sead Hajrovic. The former Grasshoppers player was sent off after coming on as a substitute but his country still qualified for the quarter-finals of the competition.

It was 1-1 at the break after Ricardo Rodriguez’s strike was cancelled out by a Mario Goetze effort for the Germans. Harris Seferovic restored Switzerland’s lead only for Florian Trinks to force extra-time. Andre Goncalves then gave the Swiss the lead for the third time in the match and it was extended via Nassim Ben Khalifa’s penalty. Yunus Malli scored a late goal for Germany, but Switzerland held on to prevail to the last eight. In the midst of all that Hajrovic, on as an 83rd minute substitute, was sent off before normal time had elapsed after recieving a straight red for a crunching challenge on Marcus Zimmerman. Switzerland will now play Italy in the quarter-finals.

Damian Martinez couldn’t prevent Argentina from being eliminated by Columbia. The ‘keeper, currently on loan at Independiente, was beaten three times in a close fought match that ended 3-2 in the Colombians favour. Oguzhan Ozyakup’s Netherlands went out in the group stages.

 

Central overload creates issue for Banfield

One of the key factors behind Arsenal reserves’ disappointing defeat to Portsmouth on Monday evening was the lack of a real playmaker in Neil Banfield’s side.

In the absence of the likes of Nacer Barazite and Fran Merida, Banfield found himself with four central-midfielders vying for two positions. Perhaps he didn’t want to break up the hitherto effective partnership of Francis Coquelin and Craig Eastmond in the holding roles, but, whatever his thinking, it meant that Emmanuel Frimpong was shunted out to the right-flank, a position he abhors but will play in just to be in the team, whilst Mark Randall played just behind lone striker Sanchez Watt.

Frimpong was full of running and endeavour but, on more occasions than most, he found himself running into blind alleys. His strength is breaking up play and, when he is not in the centre of the park, his qualities are wasted. Coquelin and Eastmond looked lethargic, the latter in particular, but understandably so given his tremendous performance against Liverpool in the Carling Cup a week earlier.

Randall struggled to exert himself on the game and his languid, laid back style has drawn him much criticism from fans who bemoan his inability to do something effective with the ball at crucial moments. He too is more suited to a holding role but, such is the situation, somebody has to draw the short straw.

How could this be countered in time for the trip to face West Ham next week? Well, seeing as Barazite has been ruled out until the New Year and Merida is currently required for first-team duty, Banfield will have to work with the somewhat limited resources currently at his disposal. One option would be to put Watt or Roarie Deacon on the right flank with Rhys Murphy up front, though the England Youth internationals performances in the past few games hardly warrant him a starting place.

It is difficult for Banfield to get the blend correct at present but playing in an unfamiliar position is all part of the learning process and will stand the youngsters in good stead should they eventually progress to the first team.

Webb and Jones shine through in adversity

There is no doubting that Arsenal under-16s were second best against their West Ham counterparts on Saturday morning, but, given the absence of players such as Zak Ansah and Josh Rees, it was understandable.

There were, however, some positive notes to emerge from the 7-3 thrashing. West Ham dominated throughout, with England U16 international Fanimo running the show and striker Blair Turgott hitting four goals.

Arsenal struggled to impose themselves on the game, but three players stood out. Centre-back Joe Jones found the net and was rewarded with a call up to the Northern Ireland U16 squad for Thurday’s Victory Shield clash with Ansah’s England.

Another shining light was Callum Webb, who has enjoyed a splendid start to the season. Arsenal didn’t have possession often but, when they did, Webb was at the hub. He set up all three goals and came close to scoring himself with a rasping drive. His endeavour and willingness to work for the team married with his technical ability and an eye for a pass have seen him earmarked for big things. The Republic of Ireland U17 international made his Arsenal u-18 debut on the right-wing last season, but it is in the middle where he shines the most.

Webb tried his utmost to gain his side a foothold in the game, but that proved immensely difficult in a team lacking experience and coherence. Alie Sesay was exposed once too often at centre-back and Jeffrey Monakana recieved hardly any support as the lone striker. West Ham, it must be said, were very, very good and dispatched Portsmouth by a considerable scoreline so it is nothing to be afraid of.

Steve Gatting will welcome back Ansah and Rees to his starting line-up for this Saturday’s fixture with Charlton, which has now taken greater significance as the Gunners will be especially eager for a win. Steven Smith was another who shone in adversity against the Hammers, hitting a brace to keep up his good form.

There appear to be some very talented individuals in the u-16s at the moment and, once they learn how to play together effectively, then they will be a very strong outfit indeed.

Reserves- Arsenal lack spark as Portsmouth come away with the points

Arsenal reserves lost their unbeaten record with a dissapointing 2-0 defeat to Portsmouth at Underhill this evening. The Gunners succumbed to a goal in each half, with Tomas Kilbey and Eugene Bopp hitting the decisive strikes. It was a harsh reminders to Arsenal’s youngsters, particularly those who featured in the Carling Cup success over Liverpool five days ago, that they are not quite there yet.

Neil Banfield made three changes from the 2-2 draw with Wolves; Wojciech Szczesny replaced Lukasz Fabianski in goal whilst Ignasi Miquel and Emmanuel Frimpong came in for Luke Ayling and Samir Nasri.

Szczesny

Gilbert-Bartley-Miquel-Evina

Coquelin-Eastmond

Frimpong-Randall-Sunu

Watt

subs: Murphy, Henderson, Deacon, Freeman, Yennaris.

The game started slowly, with Arsenal struggling to get their passing game going and the visitors doing their utmost to stifle them as much as possible. Chances were few and far between in the opening exchanges, but it was Portsmouth who had the first glimpse of goal with Apercini forcing a routine save from Szczesny.

Arsenal took almost 17 minutes to create a notable scoring chance. Frimpong’s diagonal found Sunu who couldn’t set himself properly and dragged his shot wide of Niemi’s far post.

The Gunners were to pay for their profilgacy, with Portsmouth opening the scoring less than a minute later. Eugene Bopp, formerly of Bayern Munich, whipped in a free-kick and Tom Kilbey rose highest despite the attempts of Coquelin and headed past Szczesny to open the scoring.

Banfield was distraught at his side’s inability in the air, but Arsenal attempted to respond with a free-kick of their own. However, Mark Randall’s effort sailed comfortably into the arms of Niemi.

Pompey made it difficult for the Gunners, who were evidently lacking their usual flair and trickery, without a player of the calibre of Fran Merida or Nacer Barazite. Frimpong, however, seemed a useful outlet on the right-flank and terrorised Lenny Sowah with some bombarding runs.

The lack of attacking opportunities was beginning to grate and there were groans when Evina hit a wayward effort over from distance. Arsenal were lucky not to fall further behind when Bartley brought down Prince Cowan-Hall in the area. Thankfully the latter was offside and that was the end of the matter, but Bartley could consider himself fortunate for it was a reckless challenge.

Arsenal did eventually begin to click into gear and enjoyed a spell of sustained possession, but Portsmouth pressurised them and all that culminated from it was a frustratingly poor cross from Evina.

The Gunners enjoyed a lot more possession in the second period but failed to carve out sufficient attacking opportunities.

In what was, at that point, a rare opening, Watt slid through Sunu who should have done better with the finish. Gilbert then hit a wicked centre but Frimpong couldn’t connect. Chances were now coming thick and fast, with Gilbert delivering another cross that just eluded Watt and Randall.

Arsenal made a double change with 20 minutes remaining, with Roarie Deacon and Rhys Murphy replacing Frimpong and Eastmond.Deacon looked lively on the right flank but found it difficult to produce anything significant.

Then, in an instant, Arsenal’s hopes were shot down The referee played advantage after a foul against Randall and Cowan-Hall outstripped Miquel before drilling a shot at Szczesny. It fell to Bopp who drilled it home with consummate ease to seemingly put the game beyond doubt.

Arsenal attempted to respond, but were restricted to long range efforts, with Randall drilling one wide. Coquelin headed wide from a corner at the near post and Bartley had an effort cleared. Freeman, on for Watt, then wriggled into space but launched his effort over.

Ultimately, it was a frustrating night for Banfield. His side didn’t lack endeavour, but they seemed extremely sluggish and didn’t call Niemi into action anywhere near enough times. There’s a chance for instant reprieval, away to West Ham next week, and, if anything, Banfield will be hoping that he has somebody of the calibre of Merida, or someone of a similar ilk, to call upon and make a real impact going forward.

Player ratings:

Wojciech Szczesny-6

Kerrea Gilbert-6

Kyle Bartley-6

Ignasi Miquel-5

Cédric Evina-5

Francis Coquelin-6

Craig Eastmond-6

Emmanuel Frimpong-6

Mark Randall-5

Gilles Sunu-6

Sanchez Watt-5

Subs:

Roarie Deacon-6

Rhys Murphy-5

Luke Freeman-5

Nico Yennaris-

Conor Henderson-

Att: 682