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Excellent news this morning, our good friends over at Third-Gen have voted Young Guns, their “Blog Of The Week” we also nominated Gunners Live, for the great news blog section, and that won, see previous winner’s and read more about it Here

Ceremony master Jammathon wrote:

This week’s award goes to Jamie Sanderson over at YoungGuns, after some continued sterling work following the popular team known better as The Arsenal Reserves.

Simply put, the work the young renegade puts in following players on loan, reserves plying their trade within Arsenal’s fence and the work people like former-gunner Danny Karbassiyoon are up to outside the club has been exceptional, and the quantity of articles that the kid is able to churn out a day is matched only by their quality.

This is no tribalfootball operation - Sanderson has produced a blog rich in content, high in information and completely in-depth in its analysis of players trying to make it big at Arsenal. Though he, myself, and the rest of us are prone to hype our reserves up too much every now and then, you cannot blame yourself when you read through the news YoungGuns is able to source up.

To YoungGuns and Sanderson - Keep up the excellent work.

We came really close last week, getting yet another glowing report, on how we deliver the best, original news, first, unlike other cheap imitations.

Jamie Sanderson has been doing some exceptional work over at YoungGuns!, the reincarnation of the artist formerly known as Arsenal Youth and Reserves’ Blog. This week the kid has gone gang-busters in churning out articles, player profiles, videos and analysis on Arsenal’s much-vaunted youth system; the demand for news concerning ably demonstrated by several site spin-offs (read: cheap imitations) and regular seating’s in NewsNow’s top stories.

So i guess a speech is in order? of course i want to thank my family, errrrm in-fact no, only a few people to thank, firstly A.Zimmermann over at Carlos Vela News, he has made some brilliant graphics for the site, helping with the professional look and feel, also everybody for the regular comments, your views and ideas have helped offering new points to consider and new articles, and finally of course Jammathon, he has inspired me to get the blog up and running, and for that i am truly grateful.

I would advise you all to check out Third-Gen, its an infectiously good read, offering a clever, mature, and often entertaining outlook on all things Arsenal, it has to be the most under-rated blog ever.

If anybody has any ideas, of things they would like to see, leave a comment below.

Article By - J.Sanderson 

Picture From The FA.Com

On loan Arsenal striker Jay Simpson started for Millwall as they took on 13th place Huddesfield Town, a side seven place above them in the league, but as we are starting to find out about League 1, anybody can beat anybody.

The Teams:

Huddersfield Town: Glennon, Holdsworth, Collins, Clarke, Brandon, Williams, Sinclair, Jevons (Booth, 69mins), Beckett (Kamara, 74mins), Berrett, Page.

Subs not used: Eastwood, Schofield, Mirfin.

Millwall: Evans, Senda, Bignot, Brammer (Fuseini 62mins), Robinson, Whitbread, Simpson (Forbes, 74mins), Laird, Brkovic, Grabban, Alexander.

Subs not used: Edwards, Harris, Frampton.

Former Liverpool defender Zat Whitbread was recalled to the starting line up, but the issues at the back continued as Millwall gave away a penalty which experienced striker Luke Beckett stepped up and never looked likely to miss.

But after half time Millwall started to scrap for their lives, bookings for Whitbread and Danny Senda for Unsporting Behaviour showed they were willing to battle to try and save thier league status, but with still no goals coming, changes were made

Ali Fuseini > David Brammer (62 Minutes)
Jay Simpson > Adrian Forbes (74 Minutes)

A win would have eased the Lions relegation fears, sending them up to 18th, but it was not to be, the home side held on in a cold night at the Galpharm Stadium, to take all three points.

Article By - J.Sanderson

After a bunch of comments, a couple of e-mails this morning and the knowledge the customer is always right, here is a report on how Gilles Sunu is settling in with the club.

Background/Scouting 

Former player turned scout Gilles Grimandi first spotted Gilles Sunu, playing for the France Youth Side, after making notes and being impressed with him, he faxed a report to Chief scout Steve Rowley who asked Grimandi to keep tabs on Sunu, who had 5 goals in 14 matches for the French Under 16’s.

This took him to French minnows Châteauroux, where despite being used as a central striker for the national team, he played as a right sided forward in a 4-3-3 for the youth team, his physical presence and technique made an instant impression, with his physical style being exactly what is needed to perform in the Premiership, but he was also attracting interest from other clubs, Manchester United as well as Barcelona were now on his tail.

Arsenal Move For Him 

But Arsenal moved first, quickly opening talks, and agreeing a fee of around £950.000 rising to £1.5 Million based on appearance’s and goals, but convincing the shy youngster to up root from his quiet family life would prove to be something different, Grimandi was new to the scouting business but he travelled to the Sunu family home and after explaining the Gunners plans to turn him in to a world class player, a deal was done, the 15 year old would link up with Arsenal when he turned 16 (March 2007), he was also advised by his father Manu a former professional footballer himself.

The “New Henry” Tag 

But pressure was instantly put on his young shoulders, Châteauroux’s vice chairmen compared him to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, Patrick Trotignon said:

“He plays as an out-and-out striker like Thierry Henry, but he also can play in midfield
Gilles is lightning quick and he has great technical skills. But the key is that he is very intelligent, older than his years”

Moving To England / First Days At The Club 

And as March arrived, Gilles said goodbye to his friends, family and his girlfriend and made the move across the channel, after being given a short period of time to adjust and settle in, he soon made fiends, fellow Frenchmen Cedric Evina helped show him around the club, and on training with the first team, Emmanuel Adebayor also helped young Gilles, as his father Manu Sunu was a former Togo international, his first action for the club came as the Reserves travelled to Italy for a tournament, he was introduced as sub, and his power and pace instantly impressed.

By the time pre-season had come around, he was jetting off again, to Malaysia to take part in the Champions Youth Cup, coming on against Ajax as a sub for Jay Simpson, despite the intense heat, he was willing to run the flanks and chase the ball all day long. the coaching staff spoke about Gilles to Arsenal.com saying.

Liam Brady -

“He’s an all-action centre forward, We had him come to a tournament in Italy in late April and he did very well. He’s hard-working and good on the ball.”

Steve Bould -

“Gilles is a really hard working lad. He runs the line all day long and we’ve been delighted with his attitude. Everyone’s taken to him and through shear endeavour he’s enamoured himself with everyone at the Club.”

The Season So Far 

Gilles then got his big break, he was set to be named on the bench for the Emirates Cup match against PSG, but a registration problem meant Rhys Murphy took his place instead, and after making his Under 18’s debut, more frustration followed, a left knee injury meant he would spend some time on the side lines.

But after recovering he made his debut for the Reserves, coming on a substitute in the 2-0 win over Portsmouth, on a bitterly cold night in North London, but as ever, he worked hard and was unlucky not to get on the score-sheet, just as things were looking up, his knee gave way again, and after more time on the sidelines he was rushed back, because of a striker crisis.

Rhys Murphy, Nacer Barazite and then Rui Fonte were all unable to play, so in came Gilles, and despite the obvious injury he still showed what he is all about, impressing Nigel Winterburn on the clubs official TV channel as he was commentating on the Reserves fixture against Birmingham City, his ability to lead the line and hold the ball up as well as put people in was impressive for any player, but even better as he was carrying an injury.

He also started the FA Youth Cup game against Liverpool, running the flanks and applying pressure to opposition defenders, he showed his athletic ability stretching to toe poke the ball to Rene Steer who crossed for the returning Nacer Barazite who failed to convert the chance, but his injury was tested as he went to play for France in the Algarve Tournament, he even featured against winners England.

 Overall, The New Henry?

So is Gilles the new Henry? to answer it honestly and simply no, he is not as classy or skillful as Henry, but he is ideal for the English style of play, great in the air full of running and pace, he chases and hassles people, if he can just shake the injury’s off I’m sure he can get in the goals, but we have seen many times in the past injuries ruin players careers, let’s hope Sunu does not suffer the same fate.

Loan News- Jay Simpson 

In Other News, Jay Simpson is in the squad for Millwall as they take on Huddersfield Town away at the Galpharm Stadium tonight, a win would ease the Lions relegation fears, as it would send them up to 18th, they are currently 20th just out of the danger zone, we will of course bring you news on the game at full time.

 Article By - J.Sanderson

Picture From Wikipedia Cropped And Resized For Young Guns

Former Norway Coach Nils Johan Semb, says Arsenal’s Håvard Nordtveit is the “Brightest Defensive Talent In Europe” speaking to Haugesund Avis he confirmed the 17 year old is in his opinion the best young defender in Europe.

So with the current defensive crisis as it is, i thought we should take a look at the Centre Back and inform you of how he is settling in, the Norwegian signed for Arsenal in the summer for a fee of around 20 million Norwegian kroner (approximately £1.5 million English pounds).

Footballing Background

Havard was born in the industrial town of Vats, in Norway on the 21st of June 1990, from a very young age he followed his brother in to football, starting out at hometown club Vats 94, his skills of reading and understanding the game became clear at a very early age, and as he progressed through the ranks he was snapped up by Skjold IL, but he did not spend long with the club, soon moving on to bigger and brighter things with FK Haugesund, as he grew up, his talents started to flourish, his classy style and natural leadership qualities soon meant he was pushed in to the Reserve setup where reports were being made and sent to the top clubs from around the world, soon he was promoted to the first team, and after 3 appearances, Manchester United came calling, and offered Nordtveit a trial in January 2007, he travelled to England and spent one week training with the Red Devils, Arsenal and Tottenham were both now admirers of Nordtveit, but he returned to Norway where he would go on to make a further nine appearance’s during the season.

Transfer Opportunity

By the time the summer of 2007 had come around, Havard was already a regular for Norway’s Youth teams, being named skipper of the Under 17s, and featuring for the Under 19’s, Manchester United then followed up their interested with a firm bid, which was rejected by Haugesund, but Arsenal then made their move, having watched various tapes and seen reports on Nordtveit, Ken Friar (the man with the cheque book), Steve Rowley (the man with an eye for talent) and Arsene Wenger (the man who will manage him) travelled to Norway to try and tie up a deal.

Deal Done With Arsenal

After watching him play in a friendly talks continued between the two clubs after the full time whistle blew, with the first bid being rejected, but finally a deal was reached, for an initial £1.5 million which could rise to £2.5 million subject to appearance’s in the first team.

An excellent bit of business for Arsene Wenger and Arsenal, as well as putting one over his old rival Alex Ferguson.

He soon made his debut, after a few days training with his new team mates, he was named amongst the substitutes for the regular pre-season outing against Barnet, he came on in the second half for Kerrea Gilbert getting his first taste of English football, playing the final minutes of the half alongside Gavin Hoyte, the pair would go on to be regular stoppers for the Reserves this term.

Before the season even started, Wenger became an admirer, speaking to the club’s official website Arsenal.com the Frenchman said:

“What I liked in this boy is his intelligence and his mental strength, He is very mature. In fact I have rarely seen a boy of his age so mature.”

But the boss was also clear Havard was not ready for competitive action despite being given the squad number 35,

“Physically we need to get him up to the Premiership level, at the moment he is a bit behind. But technically and tactically he is already there. He is an intelligent boy with good vision. He has a good pass out from the back and he is strong too.

“I hope that he can develop well.”

So with already applause from the boss, all he had to do was get his boots on and show what he was all about, first of all he travelled with the Reserves to Malaysia, where he took part in the Champions Youth Cup, it was a difficult tournament for the youngsters with the heavy work load of managing training, and playing every 2 two days, took its toll, among with the intense heat, in the end the Gunners were knocked out in the group stages.

Nordtveit was then named skipper by Neil Banfield during the first three Reserve League fixtures, he scored his first goal in the 2-2 draw with Birmingham a tap in after a scramble on a corner kick, showing he can make an impact in both boxes,

But an injury ended his excellent start to the season, his classy style brought many admirers from fans, with an obvious disappointment at his injury, but with the season in Norway overlapping with the English season, he failed to get a proper rest, but he took three months off, and returned against Fulham on January 2nd as a substitute, and completing the full 90 minutes against Birmingham City a week later.

Havard also admitted he enjoyed the break, as it gave him chance to Analise and study all aspects of his game, as well as develop physically.

“On a bigger picture, three months is not that bad of a time to be out,” added Nordtveit. “I have been able to spend time in the gym and focus on other parts of my game.

“It hasn’t made settling in more difficult at all actually. The physiotherapists have taken great care of me. Neil, Steve, the fitness coaches, everybody. They have all been really nice to me, taken care of me, always chatted to me, told me to think positive.

“I went home for two weeks to relax so that is good. It was my first holiday in a long time. I had come straight from the domestic season in Norway to here, so perhaps it was time for my body to have a little rest!”

So after six months with Arsenal, does he live up to the tag as the best defensive talent in Europe? as yet I’m not fully convinced, after all we have not seen much of him, but the little we have seen certainly suggests he is one of the best around, his intelligence and style as well as his attitude mean he has everything he needs to make it here, read more about his skills below.

Havard’s Skills & Qualities

Tall, quick and blessed with a superb ability to read the play, predicting striker’s movements before the play progresses, he has proved an excellent asset since his arrival in the summer, his tackling ability needs some work, but as he grows up and develops in to a man, that will come along with his physical presence and overall strength.

Article By - J.Sanderson

In the summer of 2004, Arsenal signed a young Iranian-American footballer from amateur club Roanoke Star by the name of Daniel Karbassiyoon, the free scoring striker soon dropped back and proved a superb addition at left back as well as on the left wing, but injuries soon took their toll a series of hamstring and knee problem’s soon followed but he did make a three first team appearance’s for the Gunners, scoring against Manchester City in the Carling Cup on his debut, and the future looked very bright for young Danny.

But the injuries continued, and in November 2004 in a bid to get him some experience he was loaned to Championship side Ipswich for three months, where he featured in six matches, but still the injuries kept holding him back, and he returned to Arsenal, but in the summer of 2005, his contract was cancelled with the Gunners.

Clubs from all over America were keen to take him home, but he decided to take up the offer of Burnley, and try and prove himself in English football. but he never gained a regular place at Turf Moor and he was placed on the transfer list at the end of his first season at the club. His contract was terminated by mutual consent in August 2006, after a failed trial with AZ Alkmaar, he decided to call it a day and announced his retirement from football a year ago this month.

But Arsenal would again play a large part in Karbassiyoon’s life, with the American market becoming more and more lucrative, and with standards of play improving all the time, Arsenal offered Danny the position of American scout, where he would send regular reports on talented players to Chief scout Steve Rowley, he currently works all over his homeland, from Canada to Mexico and all the places in-between searching for young prospects the club could be interested in, and stars for the future.

I for one, just thought this job would be a kind way of keeping Danny in football as we felt sorry for him, but Arsenal are making real strides in American soccer (Football) firstly setting up partnership with MLS side Colorado Rapids, which Managing Director Keith Edelman enthused:

“We are delighted to be able to announce our partnership with Kroenke Sports Enterprises and the Colorado Rapids. This is a very important step for Arsenal Football Club as this becomes our first venture into the United States marketplace. We are approaching this as a long term development partnership that will benefit both clubs significantly.”

The Rapids have already been over to England and trained with our players and used the superb facilities at London Colony, and with fresh news this month, we are to build a centre of excellence in North America, which Danny will use as a main base and also the perfect place to trial prospective new signings from America.

Former Watford reserve team coach Gary Smith has been given the task of establishing the centre in Commerce City in the state of Colorado, with Karbassiyoon helping oversea the plans as well as helping with a new tournament which will be known as the “Arsenal Cup” in which the top sides from the MLS and America will take place, the perfect opportunity for Arsenal to establish themselves as a household name, and get an exclusive look on the latest crop of USA’s talent.

Article By - J.Sanderson

Picture From Tim At Google Pictures

Norwich City supporters have turned on already under fire manager Glenn Roeder and his January signings including on loan Arsenal Winger Kieran Gibbs.

Fans have even set up petitions to try and get the former Newcastle manager sacked, with the final straw coming on Saturday as his side were thumped 4-0 by Leicester City, a side six places below them in the league.

Gibbs has played just 58 minutes of football since arriving at Carrow Road on transfer deadline day on a three month Loan, and fans were clearly unhappy with his performance during the Hull City match where he made his debut, one fan on the clubs message board, “Mister Chops” said:

“Gibbs - 5.5 - obviously needs to learn and with time on the ball he might be great, but was hustled out of the game and hardly had a kick. Ended up playing inside left to try to see the ball”

Jas the barclay king :

Gibbs - 5 - a wimp! he’s not being pampered in the premiership now! welcome to the championship Keiren! the players are bigger than you and yes, will try and kick you! Needs to learn to give as good as he gets and want to get involved instead of worrying about his image by getting tackled by “little” Hull.

Other fans have described Gibbs as “Useless” a”Rabbit In The Headlights” and “lightweight” the opinions and other views can be found Here.

Reading this is unacceptable, we loan them one of our young players and after 58 minutes of action, they turn on him and attack him, he will need time to settle in, and a large part of settling in, is down to support from the fans, and although i know i do not speak for all Norwich fans, a cross section of them have been particularly cruel to young Kieran, almost as if they are looking for a scape goat for their poor season.

A loan spell can be a make or break moment for a player, the experience and development he gains here will stand him in good stead for the rest of his career, already Arsenal fans have been complaining that Gibbs has not featured enough for Norwich and with the attitude of the fans as it is at present i would sincerely hope we can find him another club, who will appreciate his services.

Your Thoughts? Please

In other news, be sure to check out Gunners Live, a brand new Arsenal blog, offering a entertaining and a very different insight into all things Arsenal, the blogger Chris, is a regular on Young Guns, and he will do well if you could take the time to have a quick look on his blog and give him some feedback, its also the best place if your looking for legit pre match highlights.

Article By - J.Sanderson

Stay turned to Young Guns all season for the best in depth coverage of the players on loan, including scouting reports, as well as match analysis.

Carlos Vela- UD Levante 2-1 Osasuna

Carlos Vela started again for Osasuna, as they took on bottom of the league side UD Levante,

The 18 man squad In Full

Goalkeeper: Elia, Ricardo

Defender: Monreal, Cruchaga, Josetxo, Izquierdo

Midfielder: Punal, Delporte, Hector Font, Juanfran, Azpilicueta, Plasil, Javi Garcia, Astudillo

Strikers: Kike Sola, Portillo, Vela, Dady

So to the game, things got off to an perfect start, Osasuna came straight out, and attacked the hosts, and the pressure payed off, in a confusion Czech Republic play-maker Plasil bagged his second goal in as many matches on 21 minutes,it later emerged that the goalscorer was infact defender Monreal, but the game then became a typical bottom of the table dogfight, a host of bookings included, Josexto, Punal, and Serrano, Alvaro and even our very own Vela as the sides scrapped it out, at half time it was Osasuna 1-0 Levante.

But two goals in two minutes turned the game on its head, firstly Alvaro crashed home on 57, before a shell shocked Osasuna let in Alexandre Geijo, Osasuna made a host of subs,

Dady > Kike Sola
Jaroslav Plasil > Ludovic Delporte

With only 10 minutes left on the clock, former Real Madrid striker Javier Portillo was introduced for Juanfran, the third and final change meant Vela would complete the 90 minutes. but it prooved not to be enough, and the home side held on to take all three points, and plunge Osasuna in to deeper relegation trouble a noteble result for Levante who were without Georgian striker Shota Arveladze.

Fran Merida Perez - Real Sociedad 4-0 U.D. Las Palmas

Mark Randall - Burnley 0-0 Bohemians

Kieran Gibbs - Leicester 4-0 Norwich

Kieran Gibbs was an unused sub, as Leicester thrashed Norwich 4-0, a first half goal from Ian Hume got things going before, Steve Howard doubled the lead, as Darren Russel was sent off for the visitors, and then late strikes from DJ Campbell and Stephen Clemence compounded the misery.

Jay Simpson- Tranmere Rovers 2-0 Millwall

Jay Simpson played 82 minutes as Millwall lost away to Tranmere Rovers, Andy Taylor got things going on 10 minutes, before Ian Moore doubled the advantage on 47 minutes, Jay was replaced with Lewis Grabban.

Pedro Botelho - Salamanca 0-0 Granada 74

Pedro is currently injured, and did not feature as Salamanca drew with Granada 74.

Vincent Van Den Berg - Go Ahead Eagles V ADO Den Haag

Vincent is currently injured, and will not to feature for the Go Ahead Eagles, as they take on ADO Den Haag.

Article By - J.Sanderson

Fans Expect Too Much, Too Soon, From Players Like Carlos Vela.

As you know Young Guns has been following the progress of the likes of, Carlos Vela, Fran Merida, and Pedro Bothelo, all young players on loan in Spain, i have been watching a lot of La Liga, and Segunda football, as well as from other leagues, and one thing you notice is the talented youngsters over there have much more time to develop and learn their trade than in England.

The currently system in England is as follows.

16-17 - Blood In To Reserves.
17-18 - Regular In The Reserves.
18-19 - The Best Sent Out On Loan, The Rest Released.
19-20 - Sold On, Or In The First Team.

Whereas in Spain for example, they blood the players in to the “Reserves” or B team, aged 17, and they stay there until they are 20-21, when they have fully developed physically in to men and ready for first team action , to compete not only technically, but physically, a process in England which in my opinion is rushed.

Look at Carlos Vela, he spent one season out on loan with UD Salamanca, and did very well, 8 goals as a striker, playing in a struggling side, but now, with another year under his belt at Osasuna, he has made the step up, still only 18, the second year out on loan has done him the world of good, he has learnt a whole new position and is starting to come out of his shell, but lets not rush him people already saying he is ready to replace Rosicky.

But in England we only give the players one year on loan, or in Kieran Gibbs’s case just three months, and then we expect him to come in to a first team environment and perform and offer us an option, Justin Hoyte and Nicklas Bendtner have both come back from year long loan’s and then they have moved in to the first team, a second year backs up the experience they have got from the loan, and helps them build on it, working and learning from the mistakes they have made in the previous year, before being ready to fight for a place in the team.

I also think loaning players to different leagues is pointless, yes i agree it is valid for development, but we need players plying their trade in the environment they will be used in, otherwise it just becomes a holiday in the Sun.

Overall the point I’m trying to make is, i think people are expecting too much of the young players, Armand Traore is just 18 years old, yes he has talent, but i feel we are rushing players in to the setup, the likes of David Bentley, Matthew Upson have only lived up to the potential they showed here, when they grew in to men, players like Fabregas and Rooney are rare, the technique and ability of that level, at their age is amazing, but as the famous saying goes “Once In A Blue Moon” you will find players like this.

North London Pride, also raised another issue on young players, that because they show early promise they are exploited too early, leading to injuries later in their career’s, Spain have a huge array of talented players coming through, but they let them develop and do not put pressure on them, i just wish it was the same over here, longer term it will benefit the club, as well as the players, and country’s, we will all do well not to judge youngsters until they turn at least 20.

Article By - J.Sanderson

Fridays Matches

Mark Randall - Burnley 0-0 Bohemians

Mark Randall played 65 minutes for Burnley in a friendly against Irish side Bohemians, a scouting report from Young Guns, Here

Saturday’s Matches

Kieran Gibbs - Leicester 4-0 Norwich

Kieran Gibbs was an unused sub, as Leicester thrashed Norwich 4-0, a first half goal from Ian Hume got things going before, Steve Howard doubled the lead, as Darren Russel was sent off for the visitors, and then late strikes from DJ Campbell and Stephen Clemence compounded the misery.

Jay Simpson- Tranmere Rovers 2-0 Millwall

Jay Simpson played 82 minutes as Millwall lost away to Tranmere Rovers, Andy Taylor got things going on 10 minutes, before Ian Moore doubled the advantage on 47 minutes, Jay was replaced with Lewis Grabban.

Pedro Botelho - Salamanca 0-0 Granada 74

Pedro is currently injured, and did not feature as Salamanca drew with Granada 74.

Sunday’s Matches

Carlos Vela- UD Levante v Osasuna

Read A Full Match Preview Of This Game Here

Fran Merida Perez - Real Sociedad V U.D. Las Palmas

Fran Merida is expected to be involved as Real Sociedad take on Las Palmas.

Vincent Van Den Berg - Go Ahead Eagles V ADO Den Haag

Vincent is currently injured, and will not to feature for the Go Ahead Eagles, as they take on ADO Den Haag.

Full reports from tomorrow’s matches will be on Young Guns, after full time of the respective matches.

Article By - J.Sanderson