Loan watch:Win for Randall, Simpson’s Millwall held

Seven young Arsenal players are on loan at other clubs in order to gain experience. They are Mark Randall and Kieran Gibbs, who are at Burnley and Norwich respictively, Jay Simpson is with Millwall whilst Fran Merida, Carlos Vela and Pedro Silva are all in Spain with Real Sociedad, Osasuna and Salamanca. Vincent van den Berg is with Go Ahead Eagles. Keep up to date on their progress here…

Randall: Victory

Mark Randall- Burnley 2 Coventry 0

Mark came off the bench after 58 minutes to replace Joey Gudjonsson. Burnley opened the scoring after 20 minutes through Chris McCann. Steven Caldwell put the game beyond doubt with a goal five minutes from time. Mark slotted in easily in Burnley’s midfield, spraying passes and creating attacking opportunities.The result leaves the Clarets in 9th place, with eight games left to play this season. Jay Simpson- Luton 1 Millwall 1

Jay played the whole game as Millwall were held to a 1-1 draw by Luton Town. The home side took the lead through Paul Furlong on 19 minutes, but Lewis Grabban struck for the second game in a row to earn the Lions a point. Read a match report here. Jay made some good runs down the wing in the first half, but tired as the game went on.The result leaves Millwall two points clear of the relegation zone in 18th place.

One for the future? Tommy Twelves

Tommy Twelves has been at the Arsenal academy since he was nine and has steadily worked his way through the club’s Hale End Academy. A creative winger, who can also play up front, Tommy scored for St.Michael’s school in the final of the Year 7 Football County Cup last year. He is already being talked about as a future star, which is ridiculous for someone so young but all I am saying is that he looks to have potential, I am not saying that he is definitely going to play in the first team one day.

A report from the aforementioned match read:

Goals from Tommy Twelves and Francis Archibong ensured the match with Dame Alice Owens at Parmiter’s School ended 2-2, and the scores were still deadlocked after extra-time.

Twelves, a member of the Arsenal Academy, and Joe Kazer then both missed from 12 yards as Dame Alice triumped 4-3 on penalties.

Arsenal make big mistake? + Loanees preview

 O’Brien: Have Arsenal missed out? 

Well, today it was confirmed that Portsmouth have beaten Arsenal to the signing of young goalkeeper Liam O’Brien from QPR. Liam played for the Arsenal u-18 side whilst on trial in January, and were reportedly keen on signing him. Portsmouth then stepped in and looked to have won the chase, and they ended speculation by confirming it on their official website today. I really think that Arsenal should have taken the opportunity to sign him, because he looks like a promisin young ‘keeper and we could do with some competition for James Shea in the u-18s next season. It will be a big season for James, so hopefully he’ll be up for it.

Carlos Vela talks about his loan spell at Osasuna. He’s due to return in the summer and it will be interesting to see how much of a part he has to play next season.

A couple of the loanees are also in action tonight, in the English lower leagues.

Mark Randall- Burnley v Coventry

Mark is likely to be on the bench as the Clarets take on the Sky Blues. Match preview.

Jay Simpson- Luton v Millwall

Jay should keep his place in the starting line up as Millwall look to move clear of the relegation zone. More here