Early signs promising as McDermott works his way towards no.1

It speaks volumes of a 16 year old’s ambition when they set their sights on becoming the no.1 goalkeeper at a club as deeply enriched in history at Arsenal, but for Sean McDermott it certainly seems a realistic aim.

The tall stopper had been on the radar of the Gunners’ scouts for a sustained period of time before the deal was finally struck- he first played for the club at the Atalanta Tournament success in 2008 but opted to spend his final year as a schoolboy back in Norway to concentrate on his studies.

Now officially an Arsenal player and training full time at London Colney, Sean has begun the long, hard process of attempting to turn his dream into a reality.

His performances to date in pre-season have been impressive. He kept a clean sheet against Fulham in the Toomey Trophy and then repeated the feat as a second-half substitute for an Arsenal XI against Maidenhead United earlier this week.

Sean possesses many attributes. Good height, quick reflexes, solid delivery and, perhaps most crucially, impressive communication skills.

He is currently behind James Shea in the Reserves but a few good performances for the u-18s in the early part of the season could change all that. Arsenal were so confident in Sean’s ability that they allowed Charlie Mann, a long-term servant of the club and a product of the Hale End academy, to jump ship to Crystal Palace.

However, Sean must be careful not to be overconfident as there are some hot prospects waiting in the wings should he falter. Luke Chambers enjoyed a good first season with the club, whilst Yilmasz Aksoy and Reice-Charles Cooke will be looking to make the step up from the u-16s.

Sean should get another run-out for the Reserves against Boreham Wood in the traditional pre-season friendly at Meadow Park, which takes place next week. From then on, he will be looking to prove his ability in both the Premier Academy League and FA Youth Cup.

If he successfully negotiates the first hurdle and becomes a key part of Neil Banfield’s thinking, the next part will be even harder as he attempts to dislodge Wojciech Szczesny, Vito Mannone and Lukasz Fabianski in order to work his way into the first-team reckoning.

Mannone is probably the most vulnerable of those three, and the jury is still out on Fabianski, but they are all very young keepers and have many years ahead of them in which they can improve.

But McDermott is nowhere near the first-team at present. He has a very, very long way to go first. But goalkeeper is a specialised position and if you possess talent married with consistency then you will ultimately get your reward.

The early signs are certainly promising, but only time will tell how this particularly intriguing tale unfolds.

U19 Euros- Watch Lansbury’s cracker against France + Rees features in eight goal rout

Arsenal midfielder Henri Lansbury scored his third goal in as many matches as England U19s needed extra-time to see off France to reach the Final of the UEFA European u-19 Championships.

After falling behind in the 8th minute, Lansbury’s drilled effort levelled proceedings before Nathan Delfouneso scored twice in extra-time to send the Three Lions through to Sunday’s showpiece.

Lansbury was joined by Arsenal colleague Rhys Murphy in the starting XI, but a strike from Magaye Gueye put Les Bleus in front with just eight minutes on the clock.

Brian Eastick’s outfit had several opportunities to equalise, but took until the 37th minute to do so. Danny Drinkwater’s free-kick rebounded off the wall and Lansbury scored with a stunning strike from 20 yards out.

Lansbury was twice prevented from scoring the winner in normal time, with Murphy replaced on 63 minutes.

France had Sebastien Corchia dismissed in the second-period, with Gavin Hoyte entering the fray with 79 minutes 0n the clock.

Delfouneso proceeded to score a brace in extra-time and France subsequently lost their heads and finished the game with just eight men on the field after El Kaoutari and Boudebouz saw red.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH LANSBURY’S GOAL

Meanwhile, England U17s are currently in action at the Nordic Tournament, with two Arsenal youngsters representing the Three Lions.

Versatile midfielder Josh Rees (pictured second from the left, front row) started and scored against Denmark in the opening game of the tournament. England drew 1-1 with Nico Yennaris an un-used substitute.

Rees started again today and played 70 minutes as England thrashed the Faroe Islands 8-0 in their second fixture. Braces from Robert Hall, Andre Wisdom and Saido Berahino set the Three Lions on their way, with Jake Fowler and Zele Ismail adding further strikes. Yennaris was again an un-used sub and England play their final group game against Norway tomorrow night having secured a strong position in their group.

Exciting times as Bould looks to build side around Aneke

The secret is out.

Once one of the hidden gems of the Arsenal Academy,Chuks Aneke’s many talents are now on display for all to see.

Robust, technically excellent and also a decent finisher, Chuks, along with striker Luke Freeman, has enjoyed a superb pre-season and will now be looking for a full campaign to match.

Last campaign was all about Chuks bedding into the u-18s. He made his debut at home to Ipswich and made an instant impression, showcasing several of his aforementioned attributes. He was, perhaps, a little over-zealous in the tackle and was constantly penalised for fouling but that is something which he has begun to eradicate from his game via the help of the ever-ready youth coaches at Arsenal.

Now a full-time scholar at London Colney, Chuks cannot rest on his laurels. He was already guaranteed a scholarship as early as last summer but must work harder than ever to become a professional. The early signs are certainly promising and he is beginning to resemble Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira more and more every day. What was so great about Vieira was that not only was he astute defensively, but he also broke forward and created many attacking opportunities for his side. One criticism labelled at PV4 was that he did not score enough goals, but Chuks is already sorted in that regard.

He opened his account for the u-18s against Birmingham late last season and has begun pre-season blazing a trail. Starting off by grabbing a brace in the 6-0 thrashing of paltry Plymouth at London Colney, he subsequently went on to star in the Toomey Trophy hosted by Southend at their Roots Hall venue last weekend.

Against the hosts, he found himself on the right-wing as Steve Bould assessed his options ahead of the new season. Despite the disappointing scoreline, Chuks was like a shining beacon on a gloomy night as he used his aerial ability to good effect and also helped to bring others into play.

On Day Two against Fulham in the third-place play-off the pressure was off and Chuks revelled in it. The Gunners cruised to a comfortable 4-0 win over their London rivals and Aneke impressed in central midfield on this occasion, finishing with ease following Roarie Deacon’s cutback.

But his best moment so far this pre-season came as recently as Tuesday night when he was involved with the Reserve set-up for the very first time for the friendly at Maidenhead United.

Arsenal won 7-1 and Aneke completed the rout after being teed up by Freeman, with whom he has developed an almost telepathic understanding in the short time they have worked together.

Bould has been watching on with interest, although he was already well aware of Chuks’ variety of talents. He will look to incorporate that to the u-18s best advantage this season as the young Gunners look to match their predecessors by winning the Premier Academy League and FA Youth Cup double.

It is almost certain that Aneke will start every game for the u-18s this season in the league when fit, and he should have a key role to play in the FA Youth Cup too. Emmanuel Frimpong, though still eligible to play in both competitions, is expected to be more heavily involved with the Reserves, so Chuks should take his place.

Academy head Liam Brady praised Chuks’ goalscoring attributes recently, saying “He’s a good finisher, Chuks. He is a big lad, very laid back but he has loads of skill and knows where the goal is.”

He is very laid back, yes, but you cannot for a second fault his workrate. Whilst somebody like Jay Emmanuel-Thomas may be accused of looking disinterested at time, the same cannot be said of Chuks who is a steely presence in front of his back four but is equally capable going forward and could probably do a decent job as a striker if required.

If you look at the latest batch of scholars, Arsenal seem well equipped in all four main areas. They have one of the most highly-rated young goalkeepers in Europe in Sean McDermott, a promising defender in Daniel Boateng, whose physical approach and leadership qualities have drawn parallels with the recently departed Kolo Toure, up front there is of course Benik Afobe who can score goals for fun and in midfield there is Chuks. Throw in the likes of 2008 recruits Oguzhan Ozyakup and Ignasi Miquel, plus Hale End products like Nico Yennaris, George Brislen-Hall and Jernade Meade and it is certain that the u-18s will be excitng to watch this season.

With Chuks at the helm, the future certainly seems promising.

Video- Watch Nordtveit’s tooth get smashed out

One of the reasons for Havard Nordtveit’s loan move to Bundesliga side Nuremburg, other than the opportunity to test himself at a higher level, was because the Arsenal coaching staff felt that their Norweigan starlet was finding it difficult to cope with the physical approach adopted by some individuals in his homeland.

The video below shows one of several incidents which Havard had to endure during his time at Lillestrom.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

Match report- Maidenhead United 1 Arsenal XI 7- Young Gunners run riot

An Arsenal XI annihalated Blue Square South side Maidenhead United 7-1 this evening as the young Gunners continued their build up to the new season.

Goals from Mark Randall, Sanchez Watt, Jay Simpson, Gilles Sunu, Nacer Barazite, Luke Freeman and Chuks Aneke gave a young Arsenal side victory after they had fallen behind to a Kieron St Amee strike.

Shea

Coquelin-Obed-Ayling-Cruise

Sunu-Randall-E.-Thomas-Watt

Barazite-Simpson

subs: McDermott (for Shea, 46), Miquel (for Ayling, 67), Aneke (for E.-Thomas, 78), Henderson (for Randall, 78), Freeman(for Barazite, 78).

Arsenal, as usual, started the better of the two sides and they began to carve out chances almost immediately. The lively Sunu found Simpson, but the former West Brom and Milwall loanee couldn’t direct his effort beyond a crowd of defenders.

Moments later, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas embarked on a trademark mazy run before firing an effort well off target. The Gunners had to wait until the 25th minute for their next meaningful opportunity and, once again, Emmanuel-Thomas was at the helm, this time smacking the post from 25 yards out.

In the interlude Maidenhead had some chances of their own but were unable to direct any efforts past Shea, whilst Simpson tested the woodwork’s resistance with a powerful effort.

But, somewhat suprisingly, it was the hosts who would go into the break the happier side. Aryan Tajbakhsh whipped in a free-kick and former Barnet man Kieron St Amee was on hand to chest home.

Whatever was said to the young Gunners at the break must have worked because they burst out of the traps. Coquelin found Randall, still disheartened from his Derby rejection, and the midfielder scored with a delicate lob from 20 yards, a perfect answer to his many critics.

St Amee attempted to reply, but it was all too much for Maidenhead and Arsenal were taking control of proceedings. Watt doubled the advantage with a neat finish after being played in by Emmanuel-Thomas, and then Sunu was on hand to convert the re-bound after his original effort had hit the post.

Watt turned provider for the fifth, rolling the ball to Barazite who couldn’t miss from two yards.

Two substitutes grabbed Arsenal’s final two goals. Freeman did well to control and finish neatly and then set up the powerhouse Aneke to complete the rout.

A very good workout for Arsenal’s youngsters and a chance for the likes of Aneke and Freeman to sample the atmosphere generated when playing for the reserves. Another positive was that substitute keeper Sean McDermott kept a second-half clean sheet which should bode well for the future.

The Reserves conclude their preparations with the traditional friendly at Boreham Wood next week, before the big kick off against Fulham at Underhill on August 24th.

Nordtveit links up with Nuremburg, Derby don’t want Randall

Arsenal defender Havard Nordtveit has embarked on his third loan spell since joining the club after he completed his temporary transfer to newly-promoted Bundesliga side Nuremburg. Nordtveit, who previously spent time on loan at Salamanca and subsequently Lillestrom, will wear the no.4 shirt for the German team and said:

“The talks with the officials at the club were very good, I have therefore asked Arsenal to have a loan spell with Nuremberg. I want to help Nuremburg to acheive its goals and also to reach the next step in my development.”

Another player going out on loan again in Brazilian wing-back Pedro Botelho, who joined Celta Vigo in the Spanish second division at the weekend. Botelho revealed that this will be his final loan spell before he returns to the club next summer.

Whilst two players are going out on loan, another is staying at Arsenal, for the time being at least. Midfielder Mark Randall recently spent time on trial at Derby County, but Rams manager Nigel Clough has revealed that he will not be offering the former England youth international a loan deal at Pride Park.
“We need somebody who is going to come in and really challenge the three central midfielders we already have in there. We have three very good players – Robbie Savage, Stephen Pearson and Paul Green”.

U19 Euros-Lansbury scores and sets up three as England hit seven, Mérida’s Spain crash out

Captain Henri Lansbury scored one and set up three more as England u-19s cruised into the semi-finals of the 2009 UEFA European u-19 Championships.

Following draws with Switzerland and Ukraine, Brian Eastick’s side knew they required a win against Slovenia in order to progress in the competition.

The Three Lions made light work of their task, winning 7-1, with Lansbury opening the scoring after just 10 minutes. He then provided assists for Matthew Briggs, Danny Welbeck and Nathan Delfouneso to enhance the lead.

Welbeck and Delfouneso found the net again, with Newcastle’s power-packed forward Nile Ranger sealing a comfortable victory late on.

Slovenia had earlier pulled one back through Dejan Dimitrov, but it proved to be obsolete as the game became a damaged limitaions exercise following Boban Jovič’s first-half dismissal.

Lansbury’s goal, a shot from the edge of the box which nestled sweetly in the top corner set England on their way, with the Enfield-born prospect also setting up Briggs from a well-architechted corner.

Lansbury then laid the ball on for Welbeck to score, with Delfouneso heading home from another trademark corner.

Striker Rhys Murphy also started, whilst Gavin Hoyte was brought on as a 64th minute substitute. Lansbury was withdrawn at this point as a result of the reckless challenge which saw Jovič dismissed.

There was no celebration for Arsenal’s other representative at the tournament, Fran Mérida, as his Spain side crashed out at the group stage following their 1-0 defeat to France, who will face England in the semi-finals on Thursday.

Mérida started but was unable to prevent his side from falling behind to a Yacine Brahimi strike. Fran was replaced by Dani Aquino as L’Espana went full throttle for the equaliser, but it proved to be to no avail.

Nordtveit plays final game for Lillestrom + Vela hits jackpot in Gold Cup

Havard Nordtveit played what is likely to be his last game in a Lillestrom shirt last night, as LSK suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Rosenborg.

Nordtveit impressed at centre-back but couldn’t prevent a defeat and is now poised to link up with German side Nurburg in the coming days.

Carlos Vela was amongst the scorers as Mexico won the Gold Cup with a thumping 5-0 victory over USA last night.

Gerrado Torrado made it 1-0 from the penalty spot, with Giovani dos Santos adding a second. Vela made it 3-0 with a trademark chip. Vela set up Juan Antonio Castro for the fourth, before Guillermo Ocha completed the rout late on.

You can watch highlights from the game here.

Arsenal u-18s salvage some pride with thumping 4-0 win over Fulham

After yesterday’s humiliation against Southend, Arsenal u-18s responded in the best way possible with a resounding 4-0 victory over Fulham in the Toomey Trophy 3rd place playoff.

Second-half goals from Jordan Wynter, Luke Freeman, Cedric Evina and Chuks Aneke ensured that Steve Bould’s side left Roots Hall with their reputation intact.

Shea

Obed-Ayling-Miquel-Brislen-Hall

Wynter-Aneke-Henderson-Meade

Afobe-Freeman

subs: Evina (for Ayling, 50), Byles (for Afobe, 50), Ayling (for Wynter, 57), McDermott.

Arsenal, scarred by yesterday’s events, were determined to put on a good show and burst out of the traps with Conor Henderson lashing an effort just over before Luke Freeman saw his goalbound effort blocked by a well-timed tackle.

The Gunners had the ball in the back of the net shortly after, when George Brislen-Hall’s cross found Jernade Meade who tucked home. However, the pint-sized scholar was deemed offside and the goal was ruled out.

Fulham had a couple of chances of their own, but the Gunners responded in the second period by taking the lead.

Meade’s cross found Jordan Wynter who was on hand to tap home for 1-0. It was 2-0 on the hour mark with Freeman showing good strength to shrug off his marker before finishing well past James Dunn.

Cedric Evina made it 3-0 ten minutes later with a powerful effort from 15 yards out.

There were further opportunities, with Freeman shooting narrowly wide and Luke Ayling perhaps should have scored when through on goal.

But Bould’s side would grab another before the game was out, with Chuks Aneke converting after Roarie Deacon’s cutback.

Arsenal u-18s suffer shock Southend defeat in Toomey Trophy

Arsenal under-18s preparations for the new season took a massive blow this afternoon as the Gunners crashed to a shock 1-0 defeat to Southend United in the Toomey Trophy.

The Toomey Trophy, which is hosted by the Shrimpers, brings together some of the best youth sides in the country, with Fulham and Everton also competing.

McDermott

Byles-Ayling-Miquel-Evina

Deacon-Ozyakup-Aneke-Henderson

Afobe-Freeman

subs: Meade (for Aneke, 52)

Going into the game, Arsenal were full of confidence and were boosted by the news that star striker Benik Afobe had recovered from an injury and was fit to start.

That confidence was soon transformed to the pitch with Conor Henderson coming close in the opening moments of the game.

Arsenal’s flowing passing football was causing a problem for Southend and Luke Ayling very nearly tucked the ball away following a well-worked move.

Luke Freeman then burst through on goal but was denied by a last-ditch challenge, before Roarie Deacon rippled the side netting from a tight angle.

Despite Arsenal’s attacking dominance it remained goalless at the break and the Gunners were ultimately made to pay in the second period.

Freeman and Afobe looked to continue the barrage of attacks, but the hosts were slowly finding their groove, with Jamie Dennis rattling the crossbar.

Ayling came close again for Arsenal but at the other end the Gunners were in trouble.

Kyle Asante alerted McDermott with a rasping effort but that was just a prelude before the real punishment began. Moments later, Asante burst through a crowd of players to claim the ball before the on-rushing McDermott. He then got the better of Ayling before finishing well to conclude a stunning solo goal.

McDermott prevented further damage and Deacon attempted to pull Arsenal level, but to no avail.

If Arsenal under-18s are to match the feats of last season’s double-winning side then they will have to perform a lot better than this.