Jeffrey strikes 91st minute winner against Newcastle as U18s end tumultuous campaign on a high

U18 Premier League- Development Group 2

Newcastle United 4 Arsenal 5 (Dawkins, Lipman, Jeffrey (2), Jebb)

It has been a rather tumultuous season for Arsenal U18s in terms of results, changes in the coaching staff and the sheer number of players used at this level throughout the course of the campaign, but the young Gunners ended 2012/13 on a high on Saturday afternoon, with Anthony Jeffrey’s stoppage time winner settling a remarkable 5-4 victory over Newcastle United.

The win was not enough to secure access for Carl Laraman’s side into the end-of-season play-offs, but, in truth, their form has only really picked up in the last few weeks, with the success on Tyneside coming off the back of wins over Aston Villa and Middlesbrough. It may just be co-incidence, but Arsenal’s excellent form in the final few fixtures of the campaign has come following Jeffrey’s return from a loan spell with League One side Stevenage.

The rapid winger may have featured just once for the League One side, but he has played with confidence since his return, even if his future at the club beyond this season remains unresolved. Jeffrey scored twice in the dispatch of Newcastle, with his first goal of particularly admirable quality, and also played a role in Tarum Dawkins’ excellent effort which set the ball rolling for the Gunners.

Austin Lipman and Jack Jebb, the latter with what is now a trademark free-kick, were also on the scoresheet, meaning that Arsenal prevailed despite some poor defending providing Newcastle with a foothold to get back into the game. There was one strike which goalkeeper Josh Vickers could do little about, but many of the other goals scored by the hosts were largely preventable.

Still, any negative aspects of the game were forgotten, temporarily at least, when Dawkins returned the favour for Jeffrey in the 91st minute, with the latter firing home with aplomb to make it 5-4, with Newcastle having seemingly snatched a point just moments earlier.

Despite their topsy-turvy form this season, Arsenal can still take some positives from the campaign, particularly given that Serge Gnabry, Hector Bellerin, Kristoffer Olsson, Chuba Akpom and Isaac Hayden have now stepped up to the U21s on a regular basis. Many of this current U18 side will seek to follow suit next campaign, with the likes of Jebb, Alex Iwobi and Lipman in particular hoping to be more frequently involved with the elder age-group.

There are plenty of schoolboys ready to fill their places at U18 level, and it is likely that Arsenal will field a rather inexperienced side at this level again next campaign. For now, the current season is over for Arsenal’s youngsters, bar a benefit match away to Wimborne Town tomorrow evening.

Arsenal: Vickers; Moore, O’Connor, Uade, Ormonde-Ottewill; Jebb, Kamara; Jeffrey, Iwobi, Dawkins; Lipman. Subs: Maitland-Niles, Siemann, Smith.

Arsenal schoolboy Jordan Brown poised to join West Ham

Young Arsenal striker Jordan Brown is set to turn down Arsenal’s offer of a scholarship deal and instead continue his career at London rivals West Ham United.

Brown, who was one of several players to be offered a contract by Arsenal in December, was concerned about his potential lack of game time given that he is currently behind Chuba Akpom and Austin Lipman in the pecking order at the club, and is close to finalising his move having not featured as a mixed U16 and U15 side took on Everton in a friendly at Emirates Stadium this afternoon.

An England U17 international, Brown broke into the Arsenal U18 set-up this season having scored with regularity at schoolboy level, and made nine league appearances, scoring once, whilst also featuring as a substitute in the FA Youth Cup.

It is possible that Arsenal will now offer a scholarship to Danish trialist Mads Thychosen, having already secured deals with Ryan Huddart, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Elliot Wright, Gedion Zelalem, Renny Smith, Stefan O’Connor and Tafari Moore for next season.

Arsenal U21s denied victory against Liverpool despite terrific Eisfeld strike

U21 Premier League- Elite Group

Arsenal 1 (Eisfeld) Liverpool 1 (Bijev)

By Jeorge Bird @ Underhill

Arsenal U21s were denied victory in their final game of the season, and potentially their last ever fixture at Underhill, with Liverpool substitute Vilyan Bijev capitalising on some poor defending to turn home late on and cancel out Thomas Eisfeld’s superb opening strike. A point was somewhat harsh on Arsenal, who, despite a tame opening period from both sides, were impressive after the interval and could have added further goals to Eisfeld’s memorable effort. It was also a poignant affair for defender Martin Angha, who made his last appearance in an Arsenal shirt prior to his summer move to Bundesliga side Nuremberg.

Coach Steve Gatting shuffled his pack from Tuesday’s last-gasp victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Damian Martinez, Eisfeld, Serge Gnabry, Gedion Zelalem, Sead Hajrovic and Kristoffer Olsson all coming into the starting line-up, whilst Liverpool called upon England U21 right-back Jon Flanagan, who has recently returned from injury and has a dozen Premier League appearances to his name.

Liverpool, who have virtually secured a place in the end-of-season play-offs with a top three finish, began in the ascendancy, with Adam Morgan seeing a shot well saved by Martinez after prising possession from Hajrovic. Chuba Akpom replied with a shot wide at the other end after he was found by Gnabry, but the striker was somewhat off-balance when he took the shot.

Jordan Ibe, meanwhile, was causing all sorts of problems for the Arsenal defence, with the tricky winger doing well to win a corner from which Martinez made a superb save to deny the same player. In a frantic flurry of events, Liverpool then had a seemingly legitimate penalty claim waved away when Jernade Meade appeared to commit a foul in the area before Martinez made another excellent stop to prevent Liverpool from taking what, at that stage, would have been a deserved lead.

Those three incidents, which occurred in a timeframe of around 20 seconds, would prove to be the highlights of a largely forgettable first-half, with Morgan and Gnabry both squandering chances from free-kicks, before the former and Ibe both came close before the interval.

Arsenal were back on the pitch far earlier than their Liverpool counterparts and the Gunners appeared to possess an extra sense of determination once the game got back underway. They were rewarded for their dominance when Bellerin picked out Eisfeld outside the area and the German midfielder struck a forceful shot high into the Liverpool goal to maintain his impressive scoring record since joining the club.

Arsenal looked to extend their advantage as quickly as possible, with Akpom and Gnabry both coming close, before Akpom played an inviting ball across the face of goal, but, unfortunately, there was no Arsenal player on hand to meet it.

Gatting’s side were made to pay for their profligacy, with Liverpool upping the ante considerably thereafter, with Hajrovic forced to make an excellent last-ditch clearance and Krisztian Adorjan, who was impressive all evening, shooting narrowly wide. Bijev, having only been on the field for a matter of minutes, then turned home a precise cross to level the scoring and to ensure that a mixed season for Arsenal in terms of results ended with a draw.

As the supporters, including many of a Liverpool persuasion, streamed out of the turnstiles at this ramshackle old ground, the tannoy blared out Dakota by the Stereophonics, with the lyric “I don’t know where we are going now” particularly resonant for Arsenal, who are yet to decide where their second-string games will be played next season.

One thing is for certain- there will be considerable changes in the playing staff at this level over the summer, and, whoever takes to the field for the next league game in August, be it at Boreham Wood, Edgware or back at Underhill, will be fighting for their futures as the battle for first-team places continues.

Player ratings: (4-2-3-1)

Damian Martinez-8- Made two superb saves in quick succession and could do little about the goal.

Hector Bellerin-6-Beaten for Liverpool’s goal, but attacked well throughout.

Martin Angha-7- A strong showing on his final appearance for the club.

Sead Hajrovic-7- Extremely resilient for the most part, the defender has developed well this season.

Jernade Meade-6- Tactically aware as ever, he perhaps should have had a goal for his efforts.

Nico Yennaris-7- His usual tenacious self, the midfielder was the epitome of Arsenal’s attempts of a high-pressure game.

Kristoffer Olsson-7- A sublime passer of the ball, the Swede has developed well and will seek a first-team debut next season.

Thomas Eisfeld-7- Was barely involved until his goal, which was simply unstoppable.

Gedion Zelalem-6- Some neat touches, but not really a driving force and off-the-ball work needs improvement.

Serge Gnabry-6- Made some good driving runs, but wasn’t at his sharpest.

Chuba Akpom-6- Was fighting a lone battle up front, but demonstrated some good movement.

 

Subs not used: Josh Vickers, Craig Eastmond, Sanchez Watt, Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill, Jack Jebb.

 

 

Arsenal U21s face Liverpool as they prepare to bid farewell to Underhill (for now, at least)

Underhill Stadium certainly possesses its own unique sense of charm, with the old-fashioned surroundings often contrasting starkly with the free-flowing, modern style of football exhibited by Arsenal’s youngsters on what is usually a treacherous pitch. Tonight, as Arsenal’s U21s take on their Liverpool counterparts in the final game of the season, the Gunners will wave goodbye to a ground which has hosted the club’s second-string fixtures, not to mention various Youth Cup games and, for a time, first-team friendlies, since 2001.

There have been some suggestions that Arsenal will consider buying the ground and continue to use it to host their U21 and FA Youth Cup fixtures next season, but this has yet to be confirmed.

Tonight, then, with little at stake for the Gunners in terms of the remainder of this campaign, provides an opportunity to reflect upon the memories that this ground has provided us with in recent years. Here are five fixtures, selected from the past seven seasons, which were particularly memorable.

ARSENAL RES. 4 CHARLTON RES. 0- August 28, 2006

One of the most star-studded Arsenal Reserves sides of recent years, containing several players recently returned from that summer’s World Cup in Germany, were in fine form as Neil Banfield’s side comfortably dispatched of their Charlton counterparts on a balmy late August evening at Underhill. Ashley Cole, making what proved to be his final appearance in red and white, was the star turn in a side also featuring Emmanuel Adebayor, Mathieu Flamini, Manuel Almunia, Pascal Cygan, Alex Song, Jeremie Aliadiere and a young Theo Walcott. Adebayor and Aliadiere scored a brace apiece against a bewildered Addicks outfit.

ARSENAL RES. 2 WEST HAM RES. 0- April 21, 2008

One of the most renowned Reserve matches of recent times, purely for the fact that this was the occasion when Jack Wilshere, then a 16-year-old schoolboy, first underlined his enormous promise to a widespread audience. The midfielder, showing remarkable confidence for a player of his age, played an expert through-ball into the path of Rui Fonte to open the scoring before finding the net himself with a stunning curled shot that was accompanied by a clip on the now-defunct Arsenal TV station of Arsene Wenger smiling approvingly in the stands. The Frenchman promoted Wilshere into the senior squad just a few months later.

ARSENAL RES. 2 CHELSEA RES. 3- September 1, 2008

The beauty of second-string fixtures is that you often don’t know which players are going to feature until you see them step off the coach before the game. For this five-goal affair, there was an air of unbelievability when Didier Drogba walked through the gates of the stadium. The striker, making his return from injury, didn’t make much of a contribution on the pitch, but the two sides served up a thriller, with Arsenal, who found the net through Fonte and Mark Randall, being punished for their vulnerability at the back.

ARSENAL RES. 2 PORTSMOUTH RES. 0- December 16, 2008

Accompanied by one of the most fervent atmospheres experienced at a second-string encounter, Croatian striker Eduardo made his long-awaited come-back in an Arsenal shirt after recovering from his horrific broken leg sustained away to Birmingham City. The forward was barely involved during his 45 minutes on the pitch, but his every touch received rapturous applause from the Arsenal supporters and the game, which also saw Aaron Ramsey feature, was marked by stunning goals from Randall and Kieran Gibbs.

ARSENAL RES. 4 BLACKBURN ROVERS 3.- September 7, 2010

Sebastien Squillaci, then hailed as a player capable of improving Arsenal’s defensive fortunes, made his first outing in an Arsenal shirt as the young Gunners edged past Blackburn Rovers in a seven-goal thriller. Benik Afobe hit a brace and Chuks Aneke and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas also found the net for Arsenal against a strong Blackburn side, for whom Benjani was in impressive form, with the Zimbabwean striker scoring to add to David Dunn’s strikes from the penalty spot.

–

As far as tonight’s game is concerned, Arsenal will be looking to build upon Tuesday’s success over Wolves, and will be seeking to finish the season in the best way possible by exacting revenge on a Liverpool side who beat them 3-2 at Anfield just last month.

With the first-team facing Queen’s Park Rangers tomorrow evening, it is likely to be a similar squad to the Wolves game, although the likes of Kristoffer Olsson, Gedion Zelalem, Serge Gnabry and Thomas Eisfeld, who started that game on the bench, should be restored to the starting line-up.

Boateng and Neita poised to join Arsenal’s summer exodus

Two further players appear set to depart the club this summer, with both Daniel Boateng and Nigel Neita set to be let go when their contracts expire at the end of June. The duo will join a whole host of players from Steve Gatting’s U21 squad who will see their stays at the club come to an end at the season’s denouement, as Arsenal seek to push several of their current first-years into the second-string set-up.

Centre-back Boateng earned rave reviews whilst rising through the ranks at the club’s Hale End Academy, and made his first-team debut in last season’s Carling Cup victory over Bolton Wanderers. The imposing defender, who is adept at bringing the ball out from the back, has failed to make an impact during loan spells with Swindon Town and Oxford United, however, and despite being a regular at second-string level for over three years, has probably already played his last game for the club.

Neita, meanwhile, earned a surprise call-up to the senior Jamaican national team last season, but that achievement belied the fact that the striker went almost two calendar years without scoring a competitive goal before finally breaking his duck away to Reading U21s this season. The hard-working and skilful attacker often struggles to make a sustained impact during matches and is not considered to be anywhere near the quality required to make the grade at Arsenal.

Sead Hajrovic is likely to be granted an extended stay, but fellow centre-back Elton Monteiro is currently mulling over the future as he considers whether he’ll receive  greater first-team opportunities elsewhere. The Portugal U19 international made the bench for Arsenal’s Champions League group-stage tie with Olympiacos this season after improving tremendously having initially struggled during the start of his spell in North London. However, he remains some way off the first-team picture, with Hajrovic and Isaac Hayden considered brighter prospects, and is currently leaning towards deciding to leave the club.

If all three players were let go then it would take the number of released players to 12, with Martin Angha, Kyle Ebecilio, Craig Eastmond, Sanchez Watt, Josh Rees, James Shea, Samir Bihmoutine, Conor Henderson and Zach Fagan also poised to be let go, in addition to Andrey Arshavin and Sebastien Squillaci from the first-team squad.

Bellerin strikes late winner as Arsenal U21s prevail against Wolves

U21 Premier League Elite Group

Arsenal 2 (Akpom, Bellerin) Wolves 1 (Cassidy)

They may have had just pride to play for having missed out on the chance to reach the end-of-season play-offs, but Arsenal U21s still managed to conjure up a victory this evening after coming from behind to defeat a spirited Wolverhampton Wanderers side at Underhill.

Following a tame opening period Jake Cassidy put Wolves ahead, but Arsenal responded through Chuba Akpom’s 19th goal of the season before securing all three points courtesy of a fine strike from the lively Hector Bellerin, to provide the Gunners with some forward momentum going into Friday’s final game of the season against Liverpool.

This was a much-changed Arsenal side, with several players being kept in reserve for Friday’s outing. Consequently, Kristoffer Olsson, Serge Gnabry, Thomas Eisfeld and Gedion Zelalem, usually mainstays of the side, started the game on the bench, whilst first-year scholar Josh Vickers made his U21 debut in goal, with Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill also coming into the side at left-back. There were also starts for Josh Rees and Jordan Wynter, whilst goalkeeping coach Tony Roberts, at the age of 43, was named amongst the substitutes due to a lack of alternatives.

Vickers

Bellerin-Wynter-Monteiro-Ormonde Ottewill

Yennaris-Eastmond

Rees-Watt-Meade

Akpom

subs: Roberts, Eisfeld, Olsson, Zelalem, Gnabry.

Wolves named a rather inexperienced side, and the somewhat unfamiliar line-ups perhaps contributed to the dour opening to the game, with neither side able to carve out any notable chances in the opening fifteen minutes, although centre-back Elton Monteiro did underline his recent improvement with an impressive interception to cut out a Wolves attack.

In fact, there were 26 minutes on the clock when Sanchez Watt registered the first shot on target, with the striker firing straight at Aljaz Cotman in the Wolves goal. Shortly afterwards the Wolves players claimed a penalty when the ball struck Wynter in the area, but the cries for handball were swiftly waved away, before Nico Yennaris, who was growing in influence, shot just wide. 

Vickers then did well to deny Zele Ismail, with Arsenal subsequently seeing a penalty claim of their own denied after Watt was felled in the area.

Wolves certainly started the second half the strongest and were in front within sixty seconds of the re-start when substitute Sam Winnall burst down the right flank and crossed for Cassidy to direct a header into the Arsenal net with Vickers left stranded.

The goalkeeper could do little about the goal but was still determined to make amends for conceding and did expertly to deny Ethan Ebanks-Landell, with Jamie Tank somehow shooting over when the re-bound fell invitingly to him.

Just when it seemed as if Wolves were in pole position to extend their lead, Arsenal drew level with Watt demonstrating his relative experience at this level by timing his cross perfectly for Akpom to finish adroitly.

It could have been 2-1 just moments later when Jernade Meade crossed from the opposite flank, but on this occasion Akpom’s shot went wide, with Meade himself then coming close. Meade, revelling in playing in a more advanced role, proceeded to curl a free-kick just wide, with Ismail doing likewise at the other end to provide a reminder of Wolves’ considerable attacking threat.

With the game gradually drawing to a conclusion it seemed as if both sides were going to take a point from the evening, but Bellerin took matters into his own hands and, not for the first time this season, fired home a dramatic solo late winner.

It may not have been a classic encounter, and it will not be enough to propel Arsenal to the play-offs, but Steve Gatting and his coaching staff can still be impressed with tonight’s work, especially the commendable second-half performance.

Assessing Arsenal’s loanees- who has the potential to make the grade?

It’s safe to say that the class of 2012/13 will not be remembered as the best-ever crop of Arsenal loanees. Not only have there been considerably fewer young players sent out on temporary transfer this campaign, but many of those who have spent time elsewhere have found their stints crippled by injury or a lack of chances. There have been some shining lights, however, such as Chuks Aneke and Joel Campbell, who have impressed with Crewe Alexandra and Real Betis respectively. With the season swiftly drawing to a close, now seems an opportune occasion to reflect on the various loan spells that have taken place this campaign and to assess who- if any- of these players could make the first-team squad at Emirates Stadium.

Chuks Aneke– Crewe Alexandra (League One)– Apps: 37. Goals: 6. Assists: 7.

Aneke’s full first name Chukwuemeka means “God has done well” in Igbo and the 19 year old has certainly enjoyed a divine season with Crewe Alexandra in League One, rounding off his spell in style with two stunning goals in successive games. Having struggled during spells in the same division with Stevenage and Preston North End last season, Aneke finally found the club that best suited his penchant for possession football, and he has thrived whilst flitting between the deeper and more advanced midfield roles this campaign. Despite his impressive showings for Crewe, it is difficult to envisage the England U19 international receiving regular first-team outings for Arsenal next season, so another loan spell, possibly at a Championship club, is likely to be the best option, and will provide compelling evidence as to whether the Hale End product will succeed at the club in the long-term.

Joel Campbell– Real Betis (La Liga)– Apps: 26. Goals: 2. Assists: 3.

Costa Rican international striker Campbell has continued to develop apace this campaign, building on his impressive showings for Lorient last season to hold down a regular place in the side at Real Betis. Mainly operating on the right flank, Campbell possesses a potent blend of power and flair, but has been unable to find the net with regularity this season, mustering just two goals in 26 appearances. His raw potential is evident, however, and he remains in with a chance of eventually making a breakthrough in North London. Before that, though, Campbell is likely to remain with Betis next season, possibly as part of a link-up between the clubs that could see several further players head to the Spanish side on loan.

Ryo

Ryo– Wigan Athletic (Premier League)– Apps: 7. Goals: 0. Assists: 2.

After flourishing at Feyenoord and adapting well to the Premier League with Bolton Wanderers, Japanese winger Ryo was expected to use this season’s spell with Wigan Athletic as a springboard to regular appearances in the Arsenal first-team squad. It did not quite transpire like that, however, with a succession of injuries limiting the youngster to just seven appearances for Roberto Martinez’s side. He did provide two excellent assists in the Capital One Cup, but a dangerous challenge by Kevin Mirallas ended his loan spell for good and he has subsequently returned to Arsenal, where he is now approaching full fitness. Next season could see him add to his two senior outings for the club and could also incorporate another, hopefully more fruitful, loan spell.

Benik Afobe– Bolton Wanderers/ Millwall (both Championship)– Apps: 25. Goals. 2. (combined)

Another player highly unfortunate with injuries, Afobe is still awaiting his maiden senior outing for the Arsenal first-team despite being tipped for an incredibly bright future since he was a schoolboy. He shone at Huddersfield Town as a 17 year old, but barely featured for Reading last season before starting the current campaign with Bolton Wanderers, for whom he showed much initial promise. However, the powerful forward eventually fell out of favour at the Reebok Stadium and briefly returned to Arsenal before heading off to Millwall, where he again started well only to find his season cruelly curtailed by yet another injury that will keep him on the sidelines for a considerable period. It would be premature to say that his chance at Arsenal has now gone, but Afobe is certainly running out of time in that regard and next season could be pivotal for his long-term future.

Philip Roberts– Inverness Caledonian Thistle (SPL)– Apps: 23. Goals: 1.

Having shown some promise for Arsenal’s U18s since signing as a schoolboy from Norwich City in 2010, Roberts was offered a surprisingly early taste of senior football with Inverness Caledonian Thistle in Scotland this season. After starting off well, scoring and assisting in a 4-0 win over Dundee United, much was expected but he was largely restricted to substitute appearances thereafter, the majority of them coming deep into stoppage time. The Republic of Ireland U19 international did well enough to see his loan extended until the end of the campaign, but the striker never recovered from missing the decisive penalty in the Scottish League Cup semi-final against Hearts, and has not even made the bench in recent weeks for the high-flying outfit. A long-term breakthrough at Arsenal appears impossible, but he has gained considerably more experience in Scotland this season than he would have with the Gunners’ U21 side.

Wellington– Ponferradina (Liga BBVA)– Apps: 11. Goals. 2

After finishing the previous campaign well with Alcoyano, Wellington opted to remain in the Spanish second tier with Ponferradina, but things have not exactly gone to plan for the talented Brazilian this time around. The 20 year old has been unable to command a regular place in the starting line-up for his temporary club, but has shown some tantalising glimpses of his undoubted potential, including a well-taken goal on Saturday evening. His work permit problems persist and are unlikely to be resolved this summer, raising the question as to whether he will ever make a competitive outing in an Arsenal shirt. At present, he would need to play at a considerably higher level and perform with more regularity next season for that dream to become a reality.

Samuel Galindo– Club Jorge Wilstermann)– Apps: 2.

Another player perennially loaned out owing to work permit issues, central midfielder Galindo, who is a full Bolivian international, endured a frustrating spell at Liga BBVA side Lugo earlier in the campaign, but has been much happier since returning to his homeland with Club Jorge Wilstermann, where he could remain until the end of next season. Galindo, who previously spent time with Salamanca and Gimnastic, seems to be heading down the same path as Brazilian left-back Pedro Botelho, who was frequently loaned out without ever playing a competitive game for the club.

Other (short-term) loan spells this season: Daniel Boateng (Oxford), Reice Charles-Cook (Chelmsford City), Craig Eastmond (Colchester United), Josh Rees (Brentford), Sanchez Watt (Colchester United).  

Loan report- Aneke and Wellington find the net, whilst Santos squanders penalty

Chuks Aneke rounded off his successful loan spell with Crewe Alexandra in the best possible fashion by coming off the bench and scoring another spectacular goal as Crewe beat Walsall 2-0 in League One. Aneke was introduced on 64 minutes, having been named as a substitute with Crewe opting to field a side consisting entirely of Academy graduates, and found the net with five minutes remaining to seal the win.

Wellington provided a much-needed reminder of his promise by striking a late equaliser as Ponferradina snatched a point away to Huesca. Wellington, like Aneke, came on in the 64th minute and scored with virtually the last kick of the game to make it 1-1. 

Andre Santos missed a penalty in the shoot-out as Gremio lost out on spot-kicks to Juventude in a cup game.

Ju-Young Park was not involved for Celta Vigo against Levante, whilst Joel Campbell‘s Real Betis take on Deportivo today, with the Costa Rican expected to maintain his place on the left-wing. Emmanuel Frimpong was an un-used substitute as Fulham lost 1-0 to Everton yesterday. Marouane Chamakh wasn’t part of the West Ham squad for their game with Manchester City.

Philip Roberts wasn’t involved as Inverness lost to St Johnstone. Samuel Galindo could feature for Wilstermann against Bolivar this evening. Nicklas Bendtner is expected to be on the bench when Juventus face Torino today, whilst Johan Djourou missed out through injury as Hannover took on Greuther Furth on Friday.Denilson‘s Sao Paulo face Penapolense tonight.

Meanwhile, in Italy, Arsenal’s U15 side lost their first game of the Ferroli Cup this morning, with the Gunners suffering a 3-1 reverse to Chievo. They take on Atalanta in a must-win fixture later, although midfielder Gedion Zelalem did not travel, with the Germany U16 international instead remaining with the club’s U21 side.

Captain Kamara helps Arsenal U18s to slender victory over Middlesbrough

U18 Premier League- Development Group 2

Middlesbrough 0 Arsenal 1 (Kamara)

Arsenal U18s prevailed with a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough in their penultimate game of the season courtesy of Glen Kamara’s first goal for the club, keeping the Gunners in with a chance of reaching the end-of-season play-offs.

The stylish, yet tenacious defensive-midfielder has impressed since joining the club from Southend United last year and has captained the side in recent weeks; a just reward for his impressive performances throughout the campaign. Arsenal as a whole displayed excellent resilience to grind out the victory on Teeside to secure back-to-back wins at this level for the first time since September.

Arsenal started well, with Jack Jebb finding Anthony Jeffrey, who shot over when well placed. Middlesbrough responded by putting the ball in the net at the other end, but Luke Armstrong’s effort was correctly ruled out for offside. The lively Tarum Dawkins then shot into the side-netting for the Gunners, before Austin Lipman saw his shot saved following good work from Alex Iwobi.

Kamara was making his 20th league appearance of the season at this level

That move was the pre-cursor to Kamara’s goal, with the Finland U18 international firing home emphatically from the edge of the area to open the scoring. It could have been 2-0 almost immediately, but Jeffrey’s claims for a penalty were waved away by the referee, before Thomas McAloon went close for the home side.

Arsenal should have scored again just after the re-start when Jebb crossed for Lipman, but the striker saw his shot saved. The same two players were involved in another move around five minutes later, with Lipman denied once more before Jebb squandered the re-bound. Priestly Griffiths provided a worrying moment for the Arsenal defence with a shot that went just wide, with Dawkins then firing over following further good work from Jeffrey down the right flank.

With many of the regular U16s away at the Ferroli Cup, there was a chance for U15 attacker Stephy Mavididi, who replaced Jeffrey late on, but Middlesbrough could have snatched a point at the death had Armstrong not shot over after latching onto Zach Fagan’s weak clearance.

Somewhat remarkably, given that they have only won four matches out of 11 fixtures in this section, Arsenal remain in with a chance of reaching the end-of-season play-offs, with today’s victory propelling them to second place in the table. Arsenal must finish top to progress to the latter stages, although they have a tough task in store next week as they travel to Tyneside for their final league fixture to take on current leaders Newcastle United.

Arsenal: Vickers; Mugabo, Fagan, Uade, Ormonde-Ottewill; Jebb, Kamara; Jeffrey, Iwobi, Dawkins; Lipman.

Aneke impressing at Crewe but remains in the dark over Arsenal chance

When he was just 17, Chuks Aneke was often the standout player in more ways than one. The England youth international would effortlessly rampage through the midfield at U18 level, often resulting in a goal for himself or an assist for a team-mate, with his considerable frame being put to good use. Now 19, Aneke is still making use of his physical prowess, albeit at a far more competitive level, as he has continued to develop during an impressive loan spell with Crewe Alexandra this season, which has yielded five goals and six assists in 32 appearances, with plenty of memorable performances to boot.

Having struggled to hold down a regular place in the side since extending his loan after Christmas, Aneke has returned to the starting line-up in recent weeks and, operating as an advanced midfielder, showcased his brimming potential with a stunning strike against Sheffield United earlier this week. It wasn’t just his goal that caught the eye on this occasion, however, with the midfielder delivering an all-round impressive performance which has prompted much speculation about his immediate future, with Crewe having just one more fixture, at home to Walsall on Saturday, before the end of the campaign.

Aneke will certainly return to Arsenal in the summer to assess his options, but, at this stage, it is rather difficult to assess just how close he is to making a sustained breakthrough into the first-team squad. He made his senior debut last season, as a late substitute against Shrewsbury Town in the League Cup, but struggled to settle during stints at Preston North End and Stevenage, before demonstrating his ability with some impressive showings during Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia.

It could be argued that Aneke is capable of fitting into the advanced role in Arsenal’s 4-2-3-1 formation, a position he has occupied on many occasions at reserve and youth level in the past four years, yet with players of the calibre of Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky to compete with in that regard, he would most probably find opportunities extremely limited.

Aneke himself has not ruled out a possible return to Crewe next season, although there is then the worry that he could move to the League One side on a permanent basis. His impressive form during the majority of his spell with Crewe, and indeed the promise he showed prior to that at Arsenal, suggests that Aneke has the capability to operate at a higher level than League One, but this summer could be a pivotal one with regards to whether he is offered an extended stay in North London, and with it a shot at making the Arsenal first-team.