Gibbs named in England u-19 squad

Kieran Gibbs has been named in the England under-19s squad for the forthcoming Elite Qualifying Round for the UEFA European u-19 championships. England’s games take place between the 26th and 31st of May, and a full breakdown is below.

26.05.08- Poland- 11.30am

28.05.08-Serbia-11.30am

31.05.08- Belarus- 2pm

Armand Traore is also expected to be in action for France in their set of qualifiers.

News round-up: Simpson named League One’s player of the season

We’ll start with the news that on loan striker Jay Simpson has been named the PFA Player of the Year for League One. It’s a great accolade for him, but it remains to be seen where his future lies next season.

On the subject of awards, Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has won my player of the month award for April. It was a tough decision, given the performances of Jack Wilshere for the reserves, but Szczesny has been Arsenal’s most consistent performer for much of the season and had a fantastic month in April. For the under-18s, he kept clean sheets in three consecutive games against MK Dons, Millwall and Bristol City. He conceded against Fulham, but made up for it with a superb penalty save. He then performed heroically against Vila in the Play-off semi-final and was unfortunate to end up on the losing side. Then last night, he proved an able deputy when Mannone was sent off just before half time. He has been fantastic this season and deserves the recognition.

In other news, Kieran Gibbs says that he may have to go out on loan again next season to continue his development. That would certainly be a good idea, maybe he could go to a Premier League club this time. He clearly has talent, but he is still a little bit off the first team so some good performances next season would do him a world of good.

You can read Neil Banfield’s reaction to last night’s reserve game here.

And finally, Havard Nordtveit was in action again last night as Norway under-19s lost 3-2 to Iceland in a qualifier for the UEFA u-19 European Championships. Havard played the full game and could be in action again on Friday when Norway take on Israel.

Late Gibbs strike earns Arsenal a point

A late, late strike from Kieran Gibbs was enough to earn Arsenal reserves a point in their final game of the season as they took on Reserve League South champions Aston Villa at Villa Park. It looked as if the Gunners’ six game unbeaten run was coming to an end when Nathan Delfouneso scored with just two minutes left on the clock, but Arsenal, who had Vito Mannone sent off just before half time for a foul on Williams, fought back to earn a share of the spoils.

Arsenal welcomed back Kieran Gibbs from his loan spell at Championship side Norwich, whilst Kerrea Gilbert made his first appearance since January after recovering from an ankle problem.

———————-Mannone——————–

–Gilbert (c)—–Rodgers————–Thomas—–Steer

–Ogogo——-Dunne—————-Gibbs——Traore

————–Fonte—————–Barazite———

subs: Szczesny, Wilshere, Cruise, Frimpong, Murphy.

So, to the game and Arsenal got off to a lively start and enjoyed the lion’s share of possession early on in the game, but in wet and rainy conditions at Villa Park, neither side managed to create any clear cut chances in the first half an hour of the game. Arsenal had an opportunity from a corner on 13 minutes, after Traore had forced ex-Arsenal ‘keeper Stuart Taylor to concede the set-piece. However, Arsenal made nothing off it.

The conditions were certainly taking their toll on both sides and both sides were engaged in a tight physical battle in the first half of the game.

On 32 minutes, James Dunne was cautioned for a foul on Isiah Osbourne on the edge of the box. Barry Bannan took the resulting free-kick left-footed just over the bar.

Just three minutes later, Bannan hit a corner in towards Shane Lowry, but Lowry couldn’t direct his header goalwards. Weimann then headed wide from Chris Herd’s cross.

Then came the major flashpoint of the first half. Williams embarked on a run towards the Arsenal penalty area, Mannone came rushing out, made the slightest of contact and was sent off. It seemed like a harsh decision and the Italian couldn’t believe it himself, but Arsenal had to deal with the situation.

Highly-rated substitute ‘keeper Wojciech Szczesny emerged from the substitute bench, and striker Rui Fonte was the unlucky outfield player to be sacrificed.

Szczesny’s first job was to deal with a Bannan free-kick. Thankfully for the Polish stopper it was hit just over the bar.

After two minutes of added time, the referee called time on the first-half, with Arsenal still reeling at the controversioal decision of Mannone’s dismissal.

Half time- Aston Villa 0 Arsenal 0

The start of the second half mirrored that of the first, with little in the way of chances.

Frustrated at the lack of creative influence, Neil Banfield introduced the much-hyped Jack Wilshere for Kerrea Gilbert, who had had a decent game up until that point.

Villa made a change at the same time, bringing on Nathan Delfouneso for the disappointing Weimann.

In Gilbert’s absence, Abu Ogogo wore the captain’s armband. Ogogo switched to right back, with Wilshere playing on the right side of midfield, like this:

————————-Szczesny——————

–Ogogo (c)——-Rodgers—————Thomas—–Steer

–Wilshere——–Dunne—————–Gibbs——Traore

————————Barazite————————

Wilshere certainly gave Arsenal more of a direct threat upon his arrival, and, following a good passing move involving Ogogo and Gibbs, fired a low powerful shot from 25 yards out, but it was straight at Taylor.

A minute later, Wilshere played a delightful through-ball into the path of Kieran Gibbs, but the Lambeth-born youngster was penalised for a slight foul on Taylor.

Villa weren’t disheartened though and set about making life tough for the ten men of Arsenal. Bannan cut inside from the left hand side, leaving Ogogo for dead, and fired a speculative shot from the edge of the box but couldn’t quite curl it in.

The home side were going all out for the win at this point, Harry Forester replaced the lively Bannan on 72 minutes and almost had an immediate impact but headed the ball just over the bar.

On 79 minutes, a superb cross from Villa’s Mark Albright reached Forester, but the England youth international didn’t make the most of it.

Arsenal looked to gain something on the break, but Gibbs saw his effort deflected wide for a corner; Arsenal made nothing of it.

The Gunners seemed to be nearing a clean-sheet, and Szczesny had to twice be alert to deny first Mark Albright and then Baker from consecutive corners.

But then, disaster struck. Arsenal failed to clear properly from a corner and the ball found its way to Delfouneso who slotted home to make it 1-0 for Arsenal. It was a cruel blow for Arsenal, and Szczesny in particular, but the Gunners ultimately paid the price for some poor defending.

In the closing stages, Forester was twice denied by Szczesny and it looked as if Villa were going to hold on for the win.

But, then, Herd got caught in possession and Gibbs capitalised on it and saw it past Taylor with the final kick of the game. Finally, Arsenal had got what they deserved.

Half time- Aston Villa 1 Arsenal1

PLAYER RATINGS

Vito Mannone-5- Some easy catches early on and was unlucky to get sent off.

Kerrea Gilbert-7- A solid performance, good reading of the game.

Paul Rodgers-6- Some decent tackles but was caught out a few times.

Jay Thomas-8- JEORGE BIRD’S MAN OF THE MATCH

Calm, composed defending and showed variation in his passes.

Rene Steer-5- Worked hard, but his weaknesses were exposed

Abu Ogogo-6- Some good forward runs but was caught out by Bannan.

James Dunne-6- Neat passing moves.

Kieran Gibbs-7- Has certainly toughened up whilst on loan at Norwich. Showed good perserverance to score.

Armand Traore-6- Skilful moves but was restricted by some good defending.

Rui Fonte-5- Unfortunate for him to be substituted.

Nacer Barazite-7- Won the aerial battles but isolated up front on his own.

SUBS

Wojciech Szczesny-7- Unlucky to concede, made some decent saves.

Jack Wilshere-7- His creative influence was evident, and looked to change the game.

The result means that Arsenal finish fourth in reserve league south this season, level on points with third placed Reading.

Match preview- Arsenal reserves v Aston Villa

Arsenal reserves round off their league campaign tonight with a trip to Villa Park to face Reserve League South champions Aston Villa. There is an added incentive for the Gunners to win tonight, as victory could see them finish in second place, which would be a significant improvement following last season’s ninth place finish. For some of the Arsenal players involved tonight, there is the chance to exact instant revenge on Villa, whose under-18s side ended Arsenal’s play-off hopes on Saturday. The goalscorer from that game Nathan Delfouneso is on the bench, along with Harry Forester. However, Villa are boosted by the first-team experience of former Arsenal ‘keeper Stuart Taylor and the likes of Isiah Osbourne and Moustapha Salifou.

For the Gunners, Kerrea Gilbert returns from injury and starts what is likely to be his last game for the club. Kieran Gibbs is back from his loan spell at Norwich, but Henri Lansbury (lack of fitness) remains sidelined. Gilles Sunu and Havard Nordtveit are on international duty with France and Norway respectively. Centre-backs Gavin Hoyte and Kyle Bartley are also out injured.

———————-Mannone———————-

-Gilbert (c)———Rodgers————–Thomas——-Steer

-Ogogo———Dunne—————Gibbs——–Traore

—————Barazite————–Fonte————–

subs: Szczesny, Cruise, Frimpong, Wilshere, Murphy.

The Gunners have named a strong side, but Banfield is anticipating a tough encounter.

It is always tough at Villa. We go there after six games undefeated and we will try and wrap up the season with a good win. It is being played at Villa Park and the lads are looking forward to it so hopefully we can come away with another victory.

Tonights game kicks off at 7pm and is live on both Arsenal TV and Arsenal TV online. For more information, see here.

Derby boss Jewell interested in taking Arsenal youngsters on loan

Arsenal face Derby in the Premier League tonight and Rams boss Paul Jewell has stated that he would like to take some of Arsenal’s youngsters on loan next season. Derby will be a Championship club next campaign and with the Gunners looking to blood in some of the new first year scholars into the club, several young professionals are set to move on, either on loan or on a permanent basis. Jewell has stated that he would jump at the chance to take any players on a temporary basis

“I’ve spoken to Arsene about having a look at a couple of his youngsters.”

One possible loan target for Derby is defender Gavin Hoyte and it would be a good chance for him to prove himself in a competitive league.

In other news, the UEFA u-17 European Championships kick off on Sunday and Arsenal will be represented by French striker Gilles Sunu and new signing Oghuzan Özyakup. Some of the matches are going to be live on Eurosport and you can find out how they both do throughout the course of the tournament by checking the site for regular updates. You can find out more about the tournament here.

News round-up: Nordtveit in international action

Arsenal Reserves captain Havard Nordtveit played 90 minutes for his country Norway last night as they lost 3-2 to Iceland in an under-19 international. Havard could be in action again tomorrow, when Norway take on Bulgaria and on Friday when they face Israel. Havard’s involvement means that he will miss tomorrow’s reserve game against Aston Villa. A full preview of that match to come prior to kick off.

In other news, Arsenal under-18s manager Steve Bould has spoken about his side’s defeat to Aston Villa in the play-off semi-final on Saturday. He stated his frustration at the lack of chances created by his side

“I think we only had one or two shots all afternoon. For all the possession we had, it wasn’t really enough. For the possession Villa had, I think they could have had one or two more goals. Wojceich has made some top saves. When we reflect I think the fact we didn’t chances will be looked at next week. I must say though, I thought first 20 minutes we looked really bright but we didn’t create a lot of chances. That is what didn’t happen today.”

The Gunners were dealt a blow prior to kick off, when Gavin Hoyte picked up an injury in the warm-up.

“At that point we had to change the team. I would have liked Gavin there at the back because he provides that little bit of experience but on a general night it didn’t affect us too much.”

Many of the youngsters are feeling depressed after the defeat, but Bould admits they will learn from it and for some of the players there will be the chance to try all over again next season

“The major thing we spoke about was giving the young kids that have got us this far, their big chance. We could have gone for a couple of the older boys and maybe won the game but on the development level that is not what we wanted to do. It was a big test today, but one that most of them came through. They will all learn from it.”

Despite the defeat, Bould acknowledges that the season was not a failure

“We have had a great year, got some great kids playing in the Reserve level and some lads being involved in the first-team. So overall it has been a good year for the Club. The result today was disappointing but the overall season has been fabulous for us. I have basically reminded the boys how well they have played for most of the year. In general I think that we have had a terrific year.”

Quotes from arsenal.com

Loan watch: Vela plays full game as Osasuna lose 3-0 to Valencia

SUNDAY’S MATCHES

Carlos Vela- Valencia 3 Osasuna 0

Carlos started the game up on the left of a three man midfield as Osasuna travelled to the Mestalla to take on Valencia. After a lively start from the away side, things took a turn for the worse when goalkeeper Ricardo was dismissed after only 17 minutes for a professional foul which lead to a penalty being awarded for the home side. Substitute ‘keeper Elia came on for the unfortunate Torres, who was sacrificed for Ricardo’s actions. However, Elia couldn’t stop David Villa from putting Valencia 1-0 up from the spot. Further goals in the second half from Juan Mata and Joaquin meant that Osasuna suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat. Carlos played the entire game, but a lack of service meant that he failed to make a mark on proceedings. After this defeat, the Pamplona-based side take on Real Madrid next week and Vela will be looking to prove that he can perform on the big occasion.

Carlos played 90 minutes

Pedro Botelho- Salamanca v Xerez

Pedro missed out because of injury.

SATURDAY’S MATCHES

Jay Simpson- Millwall 3 Carlisle 0

Jay started the game for Millwall as they looked to move further clear of the relegation zone. After a slow start to the game with few opportunities for either side, Jay scored to give Millwall the lead two minutes before half-time. After a good ball in Neil Harris, Jay took control and drilled a low shot into the bottom right hand corner. The Lions went into the half-time break with a 1-0 lead intact. A second-half penalty from Neil Harris and a 64th minute strike Tony Craig put the result beyond doubt. The result means Millwall are now safe from relegation.

Jay played 90 minutes.

Kieran Gibbs- Norwich 3 QPR 0

Kieran started the game for Norwich as they took on QPR at Carrow Road, the visitors included former Gunner Matthew Connolly in their starting line-up. The visitors got off to the worst possible start when Damion Stewart was sent off for a professional foul on Ched Evans after just four minutes. Evans then scored with a left-footed volley from a corner to double the away side’s woes. A Mark Fortheringham strike on 56 minutes doubled Norwich’s lead and sealed the three points. A further goal from substitute Darel Russel made it 3-0. Kieran was withdrawn on 77 minutes as he played his last game in a Norwich shirt.

Kieran played 77 minutes

Mark Randall- Burnley 3 Cardiff City 2

Mark was left out of Burnley’s squad to face Cardiff at Turf Moor because of a back injury. The Clarets took the lead through a Graham Alexander strike on 36 minutes. Andy Cole doubled the home side’s advantage on 54 minutes, but just two minutes later a Joe Ledley penalty brought Cardiff back into the game. Aaron Ramsey put the visitors on level terms with 21 minutes left, but a Clark Carlisle strike four minutes from time meant that Burnley took all three points.

Despite not featuring today, there are rumours that he could remain at Turf Moor next season- either in an extended loan or a permanent move.

Mark didn’t feature

Fran Merida- Malaga 0 Real Sociedad 2

Fran was an unused substitute as Real Sociedad beat Malaga 2-0 thanks to goals from Labaka and Gari.

Fran didn’t feature

Loan watch: Simpson scores to help keep Millwall up

SATURDAY’S MATCHES

Jay Simpson- Millwall 3 Carlisle 0

Jay started the game for Millwall as they looked to move further clear of the relegation zone. After a slow start to the game with few opportunities for either side, Jay scored to give Millwall the lead two minutes before half-time. After a good ball in Neil Harris, Jay took control and drilled a low shot into the bottom right hand corner. The Lions went into the half-time break with a 1-0 lead intact. A second-half penalty from Neil Harris and a 64th minute strike Tony Craig put the result beyond doubt. The result means Millwall are now safe from relegation.

Jay played 90 minutes.

Kieran Gibbs- Norwich 3 QPR 0

Kieran started the game for Norwich as they took on QPR at Carrow Road, the visitors included former Gunner Matthew Connolly in their starting line-up. The visitors got off to the worst possible start when Damion Stewart was sent off for a professional foul on Ched Evans after just four minutes. Evans then scored with a left-footed volley from a corner to double the away side’s woes. A Mark Fortheringham strike on 56 minutes doubled Norwich’s lead and sealed the three points. A further goal from substitute Darel Russel made it 3-0. Kieran was withdrawn on 77 minutes as he played his last game in a Norwich shirt.

Kieran played 77 minutes

Mark Randall- Burnley 3 Cardiff City 2

Mark was left out of Burnley’s squad to face Cardiff at Turf Moor because of a back injury. The Clarets took the lead through a Graham Alexander strike on 36 minutes. Andy Cole doubled the home side’s advantage on 54 minutes, but just two minutes later a Joe Ledley penalty brought Cardiff back into the game. Aaron Ramsey put the visitors on level terms with 21 minutes left, but a Clark Carlisle strike four minutes from time meant that Burnley took all three points.

Despite not featuring today, there are rumours that he could remain at Turf Moor next season- either in an extended loan or a permanent move.

Mark didn’t feature

Fran Merida- Malaga v Real Sociedad (7pm kick off)

Fran has been named in the squad for tonight’s game.

SUNDAY’S MATCHES

Carlos Vela- Valencia v Osasuna

Pedro Botelho- Salamanca v Xerez

Aston Villa under-18s 1 Arsenal under-18s 0

A strike from Villa striker Nathan Delfouneso just after half-time was enough to give Villa a 1-0 victory at Villa Park and end Arsenal’s ambitions of winning the Premier Academy League trophy.

Arsenal were dealt a blow before the game had even started after an injury to centre-back Gavin Hoyte. With Hoyte’s absence, Bould opted to hand a start to Rui Fonte alongside Rhys Murphy up front.

The starting line-up looked like this.

——————–Szczesny——————-

–Eastmond—Ayling————-Cruise——-Thomas (c)

-Dunne——Frimpong———–Wilshere—–Watt

————Murphy————-Fonte———

subs: Shea, Evina, Henderson, Barazite.

Arsenal started the game brightly and an Emmanuel Frimpong free-kick forced the Villa ‘keeper into a smart save six minutes in.

The Gunners continued to pile on the pressure in the early stages of the game. First, Rui Fonte made an embarking run on goal but was denied by a well-timed challenge from Villa’s Barry Bannan.

Villa then were denied a penalty after Jay Thomas commited a foul in the box, but the referee waved play on.

Steve Bould’s side had further chances, but failed to take advantage of them. Rhys Murphy should have done better when he met Craig Eastmond’s whipped cross from the right, but instead headed wide. It looked as if it was going to be that kind of day for Arsenal.

The home side were beginning to grow into the game and the tricky Barry Bannan was causing the Arsenal defence all sorts of problems, especially from set-pieces. First, he hit a left-footed effort across goal, but Szczesny was equal to it.

Collins hit a shot wide, before Szczesny showed his class by coming off his line to deny Nathan Delfouneso. It was an excellent save from Wojciech and it is what we have come to expect from the Polish stopper this season.

Bannan had another effort from a free-kick just before the interval, but it was cleared away.

It was a tight opening half, but the two sides went into the break still deadlocked at 0-0.

Half time- Aston Villa 0 Arsenal 0

Delfouneso: Goal

Villa burst out of the traps in the second half, and after a decent cross from Albrington, poor marking from the Arsenal defence enabled Nathan Delfouneso to control the ball and fire in a low shot past Wojciech Szczesny. It was a nightmare start to the second period for the young gunners and Steve Bould was especially disappointed with his side’s defending leading up to the goal.

Not disheartened by conceding the opener, Arsenal looked for an immediate response. First, James Dunne hit a powerful effort straight at the Villa ‘keeper, then man of the moment Jack Wilshere hit a smart effort on goal which forced a fingertip save out of Villa goalie Parish.

Villa were desperate to double their advantage but Harry Forester failed to make anything of Bannan’s ball in.

Arsenal introduced Nacer Barazite for Sanchez Watt on 58 minutes, looking to change the game.

However, it was the hosts who continued to impress and if it wasn’t for good defending from Luke Ayling to stop Bannan’s cross, the Gunners could have been two goals down.

Collins was getting a lot of opportunities to double the lead and had two good opportunities to make it 2-0. However, on both occasions he shot low and hard at Szczesny.

Moments later, Collins hit a better effort just wide of the far post and Delfouneso came close once more, but Szczesny was equal to it once again.

The tall Pole was having an excellent game between the sticks, but Delfouneso’s strike just after half-time was still the difference between the two sides.

Baker had a further chance for Villa, who introduced Weimann in place of Forester with six minutes remaining in an attempt to run down the clock.

Time was running out for the Gunners. Steve Bould then brought on Cedric Evina for Jack Wilshere, but the change had little effect on proceedings.

The final whistle blew, and with it went Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Academy League. If they had won today, then the Gunners would have faced either Man.City or Sunderland in the final at Emirates Stadium. However, they went out at the semi-final stage for the second season in succession.

Villa had played the better football for the majority of the match and were deserved winners in the end.

Full time- Aston Villa 1 Arsenal 0

MAN OF THE MATCH- Wojciech Szczesny

Some fantastic saves kept Arsenal in it at times- he has been a revelation this season.

Squad named for Villa clash

Arsenal have named their squad for tomorrow’s Premier Academy League semi-final at Villa Park.

James Dunne and Gavin Hoyte both start, whilst Jay Thomas, Craig Eastmond and Rhys Murphy are all recalled. Rui Fonte and Nacer Barazite are named on the bench for the Gunners as expected. However, there is no place in the 16 for January signing Luke Freeman, who has been dropped after a poor run of form recently.

—————–Szczesny———————

–Eastmond–G.Hoyte————-Thomas (c)——Cruise

–Ayling—–Frimpong————Dunne———-Wilshere

————Murphy————-Watt——————

subs: Shea, Evina, Henderson, Barazite, Fonte.