Wojciech Szczesny marked his Brentford debut with a stunning reflex save in the dying embers of the draw with Walsall in League One. With the scores tied at 1-1, Szczesny pulled off a superb stop to deny Troy Deeney and ensure that the game ended all square. Szczesny also made several other saves as he impressed on his debut at Griffin Park. Ben Strevens put the hosts ahead but Steve Jones’ low drive past Szczesny levelled proceedings.

Henri Lansbury set up a goal as Watford saw off his former loan club Scunthorpe with a comfortable 3-0 victory. Lansbury, who was booked in the second half for a rash challenge on George Friend, set up Danny Graham for the concluding goal after a Heidar Helguson brace had put the Hornets well on the way to victory.

Jay Simpson endured a frustrating afternoon as QPR were beaten 2-0 by Doncaster in the Championship. Simpson only had one effort, a shot which he dragged wide of the goal, before being replaced in the 63rd minute. Billy Sharp and former Gunner Dean Shiels struck for Doncaster.

Havard Nordtveit played the whole game as Nuremburg picked up a suprise 3-2 victory away to Bundesliga champions Wolfsburg. Albert Bunjaku put Nuremburg ahead before Ashkan Dejagah levelled. Bunjaku struck again only to be cancelled out once more, this time by the highly-regarded Grafite. However, Peer Kluge found the net late on to earn a famous win. Nordtveit made some well-timed challenges in midfield.

Gavin Hoyte missed out through suspension for Brighton, whilst Jay Emmanuel-Thomas didn’t feature for Blackpool. Pedro Botelho was once again left out of the starting line-up for Celta Vigo.

Arsenal under-18s racked up their seventh win of the season with a comfortable 3-0 success over Southampton on the South Coast this morning.

Having arrested a dismaying slump with a thumping 6-0 win over Charlton last time out, Steve Bould’s side maintained their position at the top of Premier Academy League with another comfortable victory.

Bould made four changes from the win over the Addicks, with Sam Byles, Sead Hajrovic, Oguzhan Ozyakup and captain Cedric Evina coming in for Rhema Obed, Ignasi Miquel, Conor Henderson and George Brislen-Hall.

Dunn

Byles-Boateng-Hajrovic-Evina

Yennaris-Ozyakup

Deacon-Aneke-Freeman

Afobe

subs: Obed, Henderson, Meade

Arsenal clicked into gear early on and, after peppering a few shots at the Saints goal, took the lead on 9 minutes via a drilled strike by Chuks Aneke.

Despite a barrage of attacks from Southampton, the Gunners held firm and could be proud of their defensive performance. They were not exceptionally clinical in front of goal and should have had a larger lead at the half-time whistle but the signs were certainly promising for a fruitful second period.

And fruitful it was. Arsenal, who were marshalled in midfield by the impressive partnership of Nico Yennaris and Oguzhan Ozyakup, attacked well and doubled their advantage just before the hour mark with Aneke getting on the scoresheet once more for his third of the season.

Southampton, by this point, had almost resigned themselves to defeat and it was confirmed just four minutes later when Benik Afobe notched his first goal in over a month to move one behind Luke Freeman in the goalscoring charts.

There were opportunities for further goals but they didn’t come. However, Bould’s side can most definitely declare that they have turned a corner and are now on an upward ascent, something which is opportune given that the FA Youth Cup third round is just around the corner. Chelsea visit London Colney in a fortnight in what is sure to be a pulsating affair and, given their recent revival, Arsenal can go into the game brimming with confidence.

Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has joined League One side Brentford on a month’s loan today, which will see him stay at Griffin Park until December 20th.

Having signed as a scholar in the summer of 2006 following a short trial, he went on to impress in the Premier Academy League before suffering a major injury setback last campaign when he broke both arms in a freak gym accident. However, he showed tremendous strength and courage to overcome his problem and was rewarded with a place in the first-team squad this summer.

His only outing to date for Arsene Wenger’s side in a competitive envrionment came against West Bromwich Albion in the Carling Cup third round. In that game, Szczesny made two stunning saves and kept a clean sheet although he was vulnerable at crosses.

It has been quite a week for Szczesny who made his debut for the senior Poland team in midweek as a second-half substitute and has now moved across London on a temporary basis to link up with Brentford. He could make his debut at home to Walsall tomorrow.

Szczesny’s departure means that it is now a two-horse race between Lukasz Fabianski and Vito Mannone for the goalkeeping gloves in the Carling Cup Quarter-final against Manchester City at the turn of the month. Fabianski has recently recovered from injury although he will not be on the bench against Sunderland tomorrow, whilst Mannone had a prolonged run in the side after number one choice Manuel Almunia succumbed to illness earlier in the campaign.

For a player who saw himself catapulted into the first-team spotlight whilst still technically a first-year scholar, Armand Traore must be somewhat perplexed with his current situation.

Having ended the 2007/08 campaign in good form, he embarked on a season-long loan spell with Portsmouth, which certainly proved useful in his development yet wasn’t helped by the revolving door system of managers during that spell at Fratton Park.

Now back in North London, Armand is a more serious and understanding individual than the 16 year old who made his first-team debut in the Carling Cup third roundaway to West Bromwich Albion. Ironically, his only first-team action to date this campaign came in exactly the same competition in exactly the same round against exactly the same opposition, the only differences being that this time it was at Emirates Stadium and he was playing on the left wing rather than at left-back.

Much has been said about Traore’s defensive deficincies, but the more he plays at left-back the more he learns and he is very determined to improve, having cut out his party lifestyle and become a more religious and rounded man. It is on the football pitch where he wants to make the biggest impression, however, and he has been presented with an opportunity given the current injuries to Gael Clichy and Kieran Gibbs, though the latter could return to action as early as next Tuesday against Standard Liege. Traore might not start against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light this weekend, with the experienced Mikael Silvestre likely to be preferred, but he is likely to be in the squad and will be looking to make an imprint on Arsene Wenger’s plans.

Traore’s career path may have taken a rather strange turn of late, but he is determined to ensure that he elevates to success from here on in.

Various newspapers have today linked Arsenal with a move for 20 year-old Borussia Dortmound centre-back Neven Subotic and, given the current situation surrounding players in that position at the club, the move would certainly make sense.

Arsenal have three centre-backs out of contract next summer, the most high-profile of these being former captian William Gallas. Gallas has reinvigorated his career commendably since being shorn of leadership duties 12 months ago and has forged an impressive partnership with new signing Thomas Vermaelen. However, given Arsene Wenger’s policy of only offering one-year deals to over-30s, Gallas, 32, may seek a move elsewhere.

The other two centre-backs out of contract in summer 2010 are Philippe Senderos and Mikael Silvestre. Senderos recently stated that he will be considering a move in January given his lack of game time at the club, whilst Silvestre’s age can be held against him and he is not exactly the most popular figure amongst Arsenal fans.

Should Gallas and at least one of the aforementioned duo depart then Subotic would prove a genuine option, providing Arsenal are prepared to invest in him. £15 million for a centre-back would be a lot of money by Wenger’s standards but, given the player’s potential and prospective future value, he could be prepared to indulge.

Subotic is highly rated at Dortmund, where he recently signed a contract extension to 2014. However, an offer, provided he is guaranteed regular playing time, by one of Europe’s leading clubs would be difficult to turn down.

Arsenal defender Sead Hajrovic has picked up a winners medal after his Switzerland side reigned supreme in the FIFA U17 World Cup.

Though used mainly as a substitute throughout the competition, Hajrovic asserted himself well when called upon and now has bragging rights over Arsenal team-mate Oguzhan Ozyakup, whose Dutch side were eliminated in the group stage.

Hajrovic will now return to Arsenal ahead of this weekend’s Premier Academy League trip to Southampton. Hajrovic has made five starts so far this season and is virtually guaranteed a place in the starting line-up when available. He has won many admirers so far with his good tactical understanding of the game and his ability to break up attacks. Sead’s communication does need some work, but that is understandable considering he is new to this country.

With Ignasi Miquel pushing for a place in the reserves, Hajrovic will probably partner Daniel Boateng at the heart of defence against the Saints and his ability to perform on both the left and the right of central defence is another string to his bow. That said, it is evident that he is much more comfortable on the left, although if he plays there this weekend then he will most likely have a new companion at left-back in George Brislen-Hall, with Cedric Evina having stepped up to the second string on seemingly a regular basis.

Hajrovic’s start to life in North London has been impressive and now, buoyed by success in such a prestigious competition, he will be striving to make as big an impact as possible throughout the remainder of the season.

New Brighton manager Gus Poyet will make a decision this week whether to extend the loan deal of Arsenal defender Gavin Hoyte.

The England U20 international is currently serving a suspension for his first professional red card and was due to return to Arsenal last week. However, the Gunners are willing to allow Hoyte to stay with the Seagulls for an extended period of time should Poyet require his services. Hoyte has made six appearances for Brighton since joining in October and spent the second half of last season on loan at Watford in the Championship.

Another player due to return to London Colney shortly is Jay Emmanuel-Thomas. The tall, versatile player has made seven starts and a further five substitute appearances for Ian Holloway’s Blackpool so far this season and his loan deal expires tomorrow. However, he has already played in the Carling Cup for the Tangerines earlier in the campaign meaning that he would be ineligible to play for Arsenal against Manchester City next month. With Reserve games occuring sporadically, it is probably best for Emmanuel-Thomas to stay out on loan but whether he does so and where will be to Arsene Wenger’s discretion.

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey put in a sublime performance as Wales beat Scotland 3-0 in an international friendly yesterday. The 18 year old was the heartbeat of the Welsh side, setting up goals for David Edwards and Simon Church before capping off the victory with a stunning solo goal of his own. All of this came despite him being on the field for just 56 minutes before being replaced.

With no friendly scheduled for midweek, Ramsey will re-join his Arsenal team-mates for training at London Colney on Monday morning and will hope to be involved against Sunderland in six days time after impressing on his first Premier League start of the season against Wolves last time out. Denilson, a source of competition for the youngster, will be back in full training next week but, with the games coming thick and fast over the Winter period, Ramsey surely stands a decent chance of being involved in Wenger’s plans in the forthcoming weeks.

Kieran Gibbs starts for England U21’s this afternoon as they take on their Portugal counterparts in a qualifier at Wembley. Henri Lansbury, currently on loan at Watford, is on the bench. You can watch the game by clicking on the link below:

Loach

Mancienne-Richards-Smalling-Bertrand

Cleverley-Muamba-Delph-Rose

Gibbs

Carroll

subs: Fielding, Naughton, Cork, Gosling, Lansbury, Sturridge, Hines.

Click here to watch the game for FREE (Kick 0ff 12.30pm)

Arsenal will begin the defence of their FA Youth Cup crown at home to either Bradford City or Crewe Alexandra when the 3rd round of this season’s competition gets underway next month.

The Gunners won the prestigious trophy for the seventh time in their history last campaign, overcoming Liverpool in the two-legged Final after previously getting the better of Tottenham, Sunderland, Wolves and Aston Villa. Much of the personnel from last season’s success are ineligible this time around, but it will be a perfect opportunity for some of this year’s first-year scholars to make a name for themselves.

The 2009/10 edition of the FA Youth Cup is in full flow, with the Second round proper commencing on Monday. Arsenal’s two possible opponents meet on Tuesday evening to determine who will take on the Gunners at Underhill for  a place in the 4th round. Bradford ply their trade in the Puma Youth Alliance, the second tier of youth football beneath the Premier Academy League, whilst Crewe are part of England’s premier youth league but currently sit rock bottom of Group C, although they are in a very tough section with Liverpool and both Manchester clubs.

Arsenal, however, will be looking to avoid a repeat of the 2005/06 season when they went out at this stage of the competition on penalties to Brentford and will instead look to replicate the success of last campaign. Below is a run-down of which players are eligible for the Gunners and who is likely to be lining up in the competition this season.

Goalkeepers

With James Shea inelligible and Sean McDermott recovering from injury, the recent capture of James Dunn from Southend was neccessary. Until McDermott recovers, Dunn will have little competition for the n0.1 jersey with Luke Chambers and Yilmaz Aksoy considered relatively unexperienced.

Defenders

First-year scholars Rhema Obed and Sam Byles will both be hoping to start, but with plenty of centre-back options in Daniel Boateng, Ignasi Miquel and Sead Hajrovic, at least one of them is likely to be dissapointed. Cedric Evina may have established himself in the reserves but will still feature in this competition with George Brislen-Hall as his back-up.

Midfielders

Jack Wilshere is still eligible to play this season but it remains unclear whether he will do so as injuries mount in the first-team. Conor Henderson and Emmanuel Frimpong were both involved in last season’s triumph and are likely to feature again. There is a lot of competition in this area, with both Oguzhan Ozyakup and Chuks Aneke challenging for starting berths, whilst Jernade Meade could prove to be a useful option as a substitute. Nico Yennaris has also began the season well and will be fancying his chances of being included. Jamie Edge is struggling with injury at present but may be called upon later in the campaign.

Strikers

Benik Afobe scored in the FA Youth Cup last season, whilst Luke Freeman has already played in the senior version of this competition. Roarie Deacon should start, but is likely to be used as a winger.

Dunn

Obed-Boateng-Miquel-Evina

Frimpong-Ozyakup

Deacon-Henderson-Freeman

Afobe

subs: McDermott, Aneke, Brislen-Hall, Meade, Byles.

FA Youth Cup Fixtures 2009/10

Second round proper:

Shrewsbury v Morecambe, Bradford v Crewe, Notts County v Hartlepool, Northampton v Chesterfield, Milwall v Oxford, MK Dons v Bishop’s Stortford, Bury v Macclesfield, St Albans v Wycombe, York v Carlisle, Tranmere v Cambridge, Southampton v Hereford, Swindon v Leyton Orient, Charlton v Woking, Torquay v Norwich, Stockport v Carlton, AFC Wimbledon v Bournemouth, Huddersfield v Atherstone, Oldham v Rochdale, Brighton v Ebbsfleet.

Third Round draw: (Ties to be played by December 12th, 2009)

Man.United v Birmingham, Derby v Peterborough, Middlesbrough v Everton, Wigan v Tottenham, Cheltenham v Reading, Nottingham Forest v Bury or Macclesfield, MK Dons or Bishop’s Stortford v Swindon or Leyton Orient, Shrewsbury or Morecambe v Hull, Watford v St Albans or Wycombe, Liverpool v Wolves, Notts County or Hartlepool v Sheffield United, Crystal Palace v Bristol City, Stockport or Carlton v Fulham, Preston v Man.City, Cardiff v Barnsley, Torquay or Norwich v Millwall or Oxford, Arsenal v Bradford or Crewe, Tranmere or Cambridge v Ipswich, Scunthorpe v Burnley, Plymouth v West Ham, Portsmouth v Huddlesfield or Atherstone, Northampton or Chesterfield v Brighton or Ebbsfleet, Sheffield Wednesday v Sunderland, Aston Villa v Oldham or Rochdale, York or Carlisle v Stoke, Swansea  v West Brom, Coventry v Leicester, Bolton v AFC Wimbledon or Bournemouth, Blackburn v Blackpool, Charlton or Woking v Chelsea, Doncaster v Newcastle, QPR v Southampton or Hereford.