Check out my Barazite video

Below is my second video, a tribute to Nacer Barazite. Remember to keep checking the ‘My Videos’ page as I will be uploading more soon. Remember to let me know what you think 

More on: Gilles Sunu

 

16 year-old French striker Gilles Sunu joined as a first-year scholar in the summer from his local side Chateroux in the summer. A speedy and technically gifted player, he made his reserve debut against Portsmouth in September. He has recently returned from a long injury lay-off and played three consecutive games for the u-18s, although he is yet to register a goal. Next season he will be hoping to force his way into Arsene Wenger’s first-team plans and will have his eye on a Carling Cup spot. Also, given the nasty injury to fellow striker Nacer Barazite, he may get further opportunities both in the reserves and the FA Youth Cup.

Carling Cup watch: Devastation for Barazite

Arsenal beat Blackburn 3-2 in a thrilling Carling Cup tie at Ewood Park last night, here I look at how some of the younger players got on.

 

Mark Randall started the game and was involved in the first goal. He played a neat pass to Bendtner who crossed for Eduardo to fire home. He made some good touches throughout the match, but was subject to some rough challenges from Robbie Savage et al and eventually tiredness got the better of him. He definitely needs to work on his fitness, but the ability is definitely there. He was booked for a mis-timed challenge.

 

Nacer Barazite replaced Randall on 80 minutes, and showed flashes of his great pace and technical ability on the ball before being strechered off with what looked like a very serious injury. It was later revealed that he had dislocated his shoulder. The injury comes at a bad time for the Dutchman, who has been performing well for both the Reserves and the u-18s recently.

Spanish sensation Fran Merida came on for Barazite on 101 minutes. He made a few decent runs and set up a few goalscoring opportunities but failed to make an impact on the game. It was, however, another great learning curve for the ex-Barcelona youth player. It is rumoured that he is set to return to Spain to join Real Sociedad in January.

 

Lambeth born Kieran Gibbs replaced the hero Eduardo in extra-time. He didn’t really have any chances to make any sort of impact on the game, but it was another great experience for him nonetheless.

 

Gavin Hoyte was once again an unused substitute, but his chances will come. Perhaps in next season’s Carling Cup.

 

Italian ‘keeper Vito Mannone remained on the bench throughout the game, but he did have something to smile about afterwards as he signed a new contract, confirming Arsene Wenger’s strong belief in the youngster. 

After the game, Arsene Wenger unsurprisingly revealed that he will continue to play the youngsters in the semi-final no matter who they come up against.