The Arsenal FC regens sign-up

2006/07 was a promising season for Arsenal FC, but it didn’t amount to much in the end. Despite getting off to very good start in the league, their form faltered and although they never dropped below third, a second place finish was a bit disappointing, as Manchester United won the league with a few games remaining.

2006/07 League Table

The cup competitions all saw disappointingly early exits too, including a replay loss to Championship side Ipswich, and a 5-0 loss away to Inter Milan.

So it was hoped that the 2007/08 season would be a more productive one, and that some smart signings could strengthen the team enough to challenge again.

Also promising though, were the additions to the Under-18 squad. It was hoped that these players would provide the foundations for the Arsenal side for years to come, and propel them towards future success in the upcoming years.

This is where the forum comes in. You’ll select a player from the list, and I’ll rename him for you. Obviously there’s only 6-10 players each year, so if you miss out first time around then in future pre-seasons there will be more available. I’ll then monitor their progress and report back, as well as offering some choices along the way when suitable, such as tutors, loan deals and possible transfers if interest is shown. And as they’re straight from the youth academy and I won’t be editing the PA, there should be a mix of stories. Who will make it the Champion’s League? And who will be turning out for Macclesfield Reserves?

I plan on doing an update each month, probably with a section for the first team, the Under-18 team, and the individual players’ performances.

Here are the players to choose from. Please put your username and what you’d like them to be renamed to alongside your selection. It will be first-come first-serve so I apologise to those who miss out, but hopefully you’ll be able to join in next season.

1. English goalkeeper, 17 years old

2. English goalkeeper, 16 years old

3. German attacking midfielder and left winger, 16 years old

4. English right back and centre back, 16 years old

5. Scottish centre back, 16 years old

6. San Marinese central midfielder, 16 years old

7. Scottish striker, 16 years old

This is my first attempt at a sign-up, so I’m sure there’ll be some bumps along the way, but I’m hoping it works out well.

1. English goalkeeper, 17 years old

2. English goalkeeper, 16 years old

3. German attacking midfielder and left winger, 16 years old

4. English right back and centre back, 16 years old

5. Scottish centre back, 16 years old

6. San Marinese central midfielder, 16 years old

7. Scottish striker, 16 years old Frazza pee

1. English goalkeeper, 17 years old - Charlie MacDonald - jod123

2. English goalkeeper, 16 years old

3. German attacking midfielder and left winger, 16 years old

4. English right back and centre back, 16 years old

5. Scottish centre back, 16 years old

6. San Marinese central midfielder, 16 years old

7. Scottish striker, 16 years old

1. English goalkeeper, 17 years old - jod123

2. English goalkeeper, 16 years old

3. German attacking midfielder and left winger, 16 years old - -lewis-16

4. English right back and centre back, 16 years old

5. Scottish centre back, 16 years old

6. San Marinese central midfielder, 16 years old

7. Scottish striker, 16 years old - Frazza pee

1. English goalkeeper, 17 years old - Charlie MacDonald - jod123

2. English goalkeeper, 16 years old

3. German attacking midfielder and left winger, 16 years old - Rick Adicel - radicell

4. English right back and centre back, 16 years old

5. Scottish centre back, 16 years old

6. San Marinese central midfielder, 16 years old

7. Scottish striker, 16 years old - Frazza pee

1. English goalkeeper, 17 years old - Charlie MacDonald - jod123

2. English goalkeeper, 16 years old

3. German attacking midfielder and left winger, 16 years old - Rick Adicel - radicell

4. English right back and centre back, 16 years old

5. Scottish centre back, 16 years old

6. San Marinese central midfielder, 16 years old

7. Scottish striker, 16 years old - Gold Member - Frazza pee

Didin't realise we could name them.

1. English goalkeeper, 17 years old - Charlie MacDonald - jod123

2. English goalkeeper, 16 years old

3. German attacking midfielder and left winger, 16 years old - Rick Adicel - radicell

4. English right back and centre back, 16 years old

5. Scottish centre back, 16 years old

6. San Marinese central midfielder, 16 years old - Almanto De Poikano - uusinjsh

7. Scottish striker, 16 years old - Gold Member - Frazza pee

Radicell, Frazza, uusinjsh and jod are in, they have name and username.

Lewis, could you make a new choice with a name please.

do i have to choose a new player?

cause i chose the german guy

Sorry, but you didn't pick a name for him and radicell got in there. Choices 2, 4 and 5 are still available.

San Marinese central midfielder - can he kick Fabregas out of line-up? Can he become international monster? Or will he end up playing for FC San Marino?

1. English goalkeeper, 17 years old - Charlie MacDonald - jod123

2. English goalkeeper, 16 years old

3. German attacking midfielder and left winger, 16 years old - Rick Adicel - radicell

4. English right back and centre back, 16 years old Matthew Hunt - viperk1

5. Scottish centre back, 16 years old

6. San Marinese central midfielder, 16 years old - Almanto De Poikano - uusinjsh

7. Scottish striker, 16 years old - Gold Member - Frazza pee

1. English goalkeeper, 17 years old - Charlie MacDonald - jod123

2. English goalkeeper, 16 years old

3. German attacking midfielder and left winger, 16 years old - Rick Adicel - radicell

4. English right back and centre back, 16 years old Matthew Hunt - viperk1

5. Scottish centre back, 16 years old - Chris Small - Charlesbeams

6. San Marinese central midfielder, 16 years old - Almanto De Poikano - uusinjsh

7. Scottish striker, 16 years old - Gold Member - Frazza pee

1. English goalkeeper, 17 years old - Charlie MacDonald - jod123

2. English goalkeeper, 16 years old - Harry Barker - haza555

3. German attacking midfielder and left winger, 16 years old - Rick Adicel - radicell

4. English right back and centre back, 16 years old Matthew Hunt - viperk1

5. Scottish centre back, 16 years old - Chris Small - Charlesbeams

6. San Marinese central midfielder, 16 years old - Almanto De Poikano - uusinjsh

7. Scottish striker, 16 years old - Gold Member - Frazza pee

Awesome, that's all seven spots filled now. Tomorrow screenshots of each player will be upped, and an update for at least the pre-season.

that's great! can you say approximately when? afternoon? midday? evening?

I'll aim to have the first set of screenshots around midday, then an update later in the afternoon.

okay thank you.

Right, here's the screenshots for the seven youngsters. Also provided is a list of possible candidates for the players to have as tutors, so choose wisely.

Charlie MacDonald(jod123)

Jens Lehmann, Robert Enke

Harry Barker(haza555)

Jens Lehmann, Robert Enke

Rick Adicell(radicell)

Freddie Ljungberg, Tomas Rosicky, Mattia Cassani, Alex Hleb, Gonzalo Pineda, Mathieu Flamini, Julio Baptista, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov

Matthew Hunt(viperk1)

William Gallas, Mattia Cassani, Gael Clichy, Gonzalo Pineda, Kolo Toure, Pablo

Chris Small(Charlesbeams)

William Gallas, Mattia Cassani, Gael Clichy, Gonzalo Pineda, Kolo Toure, Pablo

Almanto de Poikano(uusinjsh)

Freddie Ljungberg, Tomas Rosicky, Mattia Cassani, Alex Hleb, Gonzalo Pineda, Mathieu Flamini, Julio Baptista, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov

Gold Member(Frazza pee)

Thierry Henry, Emmanuel Adebayor, Julio Baptista

Rosicky, please... Nice PPM's

Henry please.

i'll go with Toure. thanks

SUMMER 2007 UPDATE

There wasn’t much transfer activity at Arsenal over the summer, the only deals increasing the size of the first team squad being Robert Enke and Angel Bernabe arriving on free transfers to take over the first choice goalkeeper slots from Lehmann and Almunia. Meanwhile, £4.1m was made on Phillipe Senderos leaving for Villarreal. Bigger news happened in the coaching set-up though, as assistant manager Luigi Balestra retired and was replaced by Vincenzo Pincolini, who was previously the first team coach at Parma.

First Team Squad

For the most part the friendlies went okay for the senior Arsenal side, but worryingly, in the only match against top-level opposition they were soundly beaten 3-0 by Roma.

Despite this, the bookies labelled Arsenal joint second favourites to win the title at 5-2, joint with Chelsea and Liverpool behind 6-4 favourites Manchester United.

Reserve Squad

Under 18 Squad

Charlie MacDonald and Harry Barker each had one friendly game in goal each, and while Barker would be happy with only conceding one, MacDonald would be a little disappointed at letting three in.

Matthew Hunt made three sub appearances, but didn’t get much playing time as he was still struggling with a heel injury. Chris Small hasn’t made an appearance for the Under 18s yet, while ADP made a worthless sub appearance, coming on just to help run down the clock against Charlton Under-18s. Rick Adicell played in four of the Under 18’s friendlies, and creating an assist against Watford is an encouraging sign. Lastly, Gold Member made three appearances, all as a sub, but failed to do much for his side.

Newly graduated youngsters Almanto de Poikano and Gold Member both expressed their wishes to improve their skills at the club by requesting tutorship from senior players, and Tomas Rosicky and Thierry Henry were more than happy to help them.

Kolo Toure was happy to offer his advice and knowledge to Chris Small, and although Small obliged with the tutorship at his manager’s request, he stated that he was unsure what the benefit of it would be.

nice update KUTGW!

good little update, glad i did better than my rival goalkeeper

Enke as tutor please.

good little update, glad i did better than my rival goalkeeper

Enke as tutor please.

nice update.

i would be the one to complain haha, and hopefully ill get a game sometime soon, i can see it now, my first game, ill end up scoring an own goal, and making a mistake for another goal or something

Not a great start for Charlie in goal but that was only a friendly. As my rival goalie has chosen Enke as tutor I have to go for Lehmann.

Matthew Hunt's tutor...Gallas

Anyway, I'm annoyed that he has a heel injury now, but i have a feeling he'll be in League Two some day...

AUGUST UPDATE

To say the season got off to a bad start would be an understatement. In fact, to say it was appalling would probably be a bit of an understatement too. As Chelsea had won the Champion’s League in 06/07, second place in the Premiership didn’t mean automatic qualification. So a trip to Turkey was required for the first leg of the Third Qualifying Round to take on Fenerbache. And the team returned with their tails firmly between their legs, after losing 4-0. Thierry Henry in particular was disgraced, getting sent-off just before half-time for a deliberate elbow, and Robert Enke would have been gutted with his debut performance in goal.

The league start was just as bad, a pathetic 2-0 loss to Hull, Robert Enke clearly at fault for the first goal and this led to him being dropped for the next game. The second leg against Fenerbache saw a big improvement, goals from Adebayor (2) and Toure securing a 3-1 win, but the damage had already been done. Arsenal crashed out 5-3 on aggregate, meaning they’ll be competing in the UEFA Cup this season. The First Round draw saw them paired up with SK Brann from Norway. The month ended with a 2-0 win over Portsmouth to get the league campaign on track. After Baptista scored early on, Rosicky added another in the 92nd minute, although there really should have been four or five scored by then. Toure was lucky to stay on the pitch after hacking down LuaLua when through on goal.

RESULTS

Fenerbache 4 - 0 Arsenal

Hull 2 - 0 Arsenal

Arsenal 3 - 1 Fenerbache

Arsenal 2 - 0 Portsmouth

GOALSCORERS

Adebayor - 2

Toure - 1

Baptista - 1

Rosicky - 1

UNDER 18 SQUAD

RESULTS

Arsenal 3 - 2 Portsmouth

Arsenal 3 - 0 Hull

Arsenal 4 - 0 Crystal Palace

The Under 18 squad got off to a better start than their senior counterparts, earning six points in the league to lead at this early stage, and knocking Hull out of the cup. Rhys Murphy in particular has been on form, banging in seven goals. Four of the CSE youngsters participated in games this month, Hunt impressing in his two games, while it looks like Gold Member is seen as a player who could provide an impact from the bench. Wojciech Szczesny looks like the youth team coach Steve Bould’s first choice keeper, and it looks like it will be tough for MacDonald and Barker to earn a chance to impress. James Dunne and Mark Randall have been playing well in the centre of midfield, so opportunities for ADP could be limited.

MONTHLY STATS

Matthew Hunt

Under 18: Appearances 2, Goals 0, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 7.5

Chris Small

Under 18: Appearances 1, Goals 0, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 7

Gold Member

Under 18: Appearances 0 (3), Goals 0, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 6.67

Rick Adicell

Under 18: Appearances 1, Goals 0, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 7

More of the youngsters linked up with players to learn this month, but there were mixed feelings about it. MacDonald was happy to learn alongside Lehmann, but Barker and Hunt expressed doubts about what they were expected to learn from Enke and Gallas respectively. After Enke’s performances, you can’t really blame Barker for his trepidation.

nice update. glad to see i got my first game, with a rating of 7 pretty happy with that, hopefully i didnt play against portsmouth

Maybe ill be taking over for Enke in the first team sooner rather than later.

SEPTEMBER 2007 UPDATE

FIRST TEAM

September got off to a very good start, as the hunt for the UEFA Cup saw a domineering 4-0 win over Brann. Reyes, Barazite, Ljungberg, and Fabregas all scored, Cesc’s being the pick of the bunch, a romperstomper from 30 yards out. Unfortunately Mattia Cassani went down with a hip injury during the game and will miss two month’s worth of action. More bad news also came during the next week, as it emerged that Freddie Ljungberg and promising youngster Nacer Barazite had a bit of a bust-up on the training ground. Barazite had a great season last year, scoring 18 goals in 22 games after being called up to the first team squad so it will be interesting to see how the manager handles this.

Or not, as they both played brilliantly in the next game, Ljungberg setting up one as Barazite scored a brace against Sheffield United Reyes added a third to take the winning streak to four in a row. Reading were despatched equally easily, Adebayor scoring both goals from Toure assists, but Thierry Henry missed a late penalty. After the drubbing handed out in the first leg, the second match against Brann was merely a formality. As such, Rick Adicell earned a spot on the bench after his goal for the Under 18s. He made his debut after 63 minutes, though at this point the game had ended as a spectacle, the winning margin made even more comfortable after a belter from Baptista.

The last game of the month was against bottom placed Newcastle. Stevie Coppell’s men put up a good fight, but eventually the pressure was too much for them, Barazite and Adebayor netting past Shay Given. Ameobi got a consolation goal for them, only the second goal to be scored past the on-form Angel Bernabe in seven games. Unfortunately, after the game Julio Baptista was ruled out for at least a month with a wrist injury.

Bernabe probably should have been player of the month, but instead it went to Jose Antonio Reyes, with Adebayor in third. Cesc and Gareth Bale were first and second in the young players selection, and the Arsenal boss was manager of the month.

RESULTS

Arsenal 4 - 0 SK Brann

Sheffield United 0 - 3 Arsenal

Arsenal 2 - 0 Reading

SK Brann 0 - 1 Arsenal

Newcastle 1 - 2 Arsenal

GOALSCORERS

Barazite - 4

Adebayor - 3

Reyes - 2

Fabregas - 1

Ljungberg - 1

Baptista - 1

Premiership

UNDER 18s

RESULTS

Arsenal 5 - 4 Charlton

Aston Villa 1 - 1 Arsenal

Arsenal 5 - 2 Tottenham

The first game of the month was a mixed bag for the CSE youngsters. Rick Adicell was delighted to score his first goal in the 5-4 victory, slotting home at the far post after a pinpoint cross from Rhys Murphy. Harry Barker had a nightmare in goal though, and Chris Small wasn’t much better in defence in front of him. Charlie MacDonald replaced him next time out, and while it was no surprise to see Small dropped as well, Adicell would have felt unlucky to be left out. Gold Member made another substitute appearance though.

Barker was back in goal for the Tottenham encounter, and only let in two goals this time. Matthew Hunt also returned to the team, and made a number of key tackles. Adicell was tired after his exploits with the first team and only lasted an hour, but while he was on the pitch he did well. Member played his customary half hour at the end.

MONTHLY STATS

Charlie MacDonald

Under 18: Appearances 1, Conceded 1, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 7

Harry Barker

Under 18: Appearances 2, Conceded 6, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 6

Matthew Hunt

Under 18: Appearances 1, Goals 0, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 7

Chris Small

Under 18: Appearances 1, Goals 0, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 6

Rick Adicell

First Team: Appearances (1), Goals 0, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 6

Under 18: Appearances 2, Goals 1, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 7.5

Gold Member

Under 18: Appearances 0 (2), Goals 0, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 6.5

Gold Member turned 17 during the month, and received a professional contract on £220 a month until 2010.

Under 18 League

Yes!!! I'm rubbish. I hope I improve.

Lmao at Barker

ahh damn, not good haha

i was just wondering, if we wanted, could we possibly be sent to an affiliated club?

ahh damn, not good haha

i was just wondering, if we wanted, could we possibly be sent to an affiliated club?

Yep, for sure. The three affiliated clubs I have (with a loaning arrangement) are: Dundee United, Loveren, and Rubin Kazan.

If anyone has an interest in going to one of these, just say your choice and send 'em out as soon as possible.

Next update should be early tomorrow afternoon.

Dundee United please.

i'd like to go to Rubin please.

OCTOBER 2007 UPDATE

FIRST TEAM

October started in great fashion, a 4-1 win over Chelsea keeping everyone’s spirits up. Although it looked rocky when Drogba scored, goals from Reyes and Adebayor put the ball firmly back in Arsenal’s court. Thierry Henry finally found some form when he came on, setting up an easy goal for Bilyaletdinov and getting his first of the season as well. The 20th and 23rd of the month saw a double header against Everton, first in the league then in the Carling Cup. The first match was a scrappy affair, neither team playing particularly well, and so a 2-2 draw was probably a fair result. Both Arsenal goals were long range shots from Fabregas.

The second match against Everton was a nail biter, and had everyone in Goodison on the edge of their seats. Thinks were looking good for Arsenal, goals from Adebayor and the recalled Henry them a safe-looking lead. However, Pablo then got sent-off for two bookings with 20 minutes lefts and it went wrong, Arteta and McFadden equalising the game. The ten men of Arsenal then took the lead again, Fabregas heading in from a Ljungberg free-kick, but this was followed in the 93rd minute by Vicente Sanchez putting the ball past Bernabe to bring the score to 3-3. Or it would have anyway, if he’d been onside when he shot. Luckily, the linesman spotted the infringement, the goal was ruled out, and the final whistle went soon after to the relief of the Gunners.

The goalscoring continued into the next game, as Wigan were easily beaten 3-0 with the team never really having to go into top gear. Gallas marshalled the team well from the back, and Fabregas, Reyes and Adebayor struck the goals to shut down the northerners. This performance helped Gallas be named the Premiership player of the month, while Fabregas was second in the young players category.

RESULTS

Arsenal 4 - 1 Chelsea

Everton 2 - 2 Arsenal

Everton 2 - 3 Arsenal

Arsenal 3 - 0 Wigan

GOALSCORERS

Fabregas - 4

Adebayor - 3

Henry - 2

Reyes - 2

Bilyaletdinov - 1

Premiership

UNDER 18s

RESULTS

Birmingham 0 - 4 Arsenal

Arsenal 4 - 1 Reading

Arsenal 1 - 0 Chelsea

There wasn’t much CSE youth involvement in the win over Birmingham, just late sub appearances from ADP and Gold Member. The second round cup victory against Reading saw a lot more action though. MacDonald, Hunt, Small, ADP and Adicell all started, while Member of course entered the fray later as a sub. Barker was the only player to miss out, spending all 90 minutes on the bench. ADP only managed 45 minutes but made an impact in this time, his shot hitting the crossbar but dropping for Rui Fonte to score from, and Small was solid in the centre of defence, winning some good headers. Unfortunately for Adicell, his performance was brought down by missing a penalty, though at that point the game was sewn up anyway.

Barker played in the next game, which was against Chelsea. And he did admirably, keeping a clean sheet. ADP also featured without making much of an impression.

MONTHLY STATS

Charlie MacDonald

Under 18: Appearances 1, Conceded 1, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 7

Harry Barker

Under 18: Appearances 1, Conceded 0, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 7

Matthew Hunt

Under 18: Appearances 1, Goals 0, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 7

Chris Small

Under 18: Appearances 1, Goals 0, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 8

Almanto de Poikano

Under 18: Appearances 2 (1), Goals 0, Assists 1, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 7.33

Rick Adicell

Under 18: Appearances 1, Goals 0, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 7

Gold Member

Under 18: Appearances 0 (2), Goals 0, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 6.5

Matthew Hunt found himself in the wars in training, breaking his nose in an accidental collision while practising a set piece.

Under 18 League

Chris Small can't be spent to a feeder club yet, presumably because he's still 16. Gold Member can't either for some reason, the clubs are greyed out, so I guess it'll be a wait until the January transfer window before anyone can go out.

aww, sucks about the feeder club, but i got an 8, so im happy with that

KUTGW!!

NOVEMBER 2007 UPDATE

FIRST TEAM

I managed to delete half of this by accident, so the first two games of the month will just have a brief description. First up was Galatasaray at home in the UEFA Cup group stage, and a 3-0 win was a very satisfying result. Then it was 1st v 2nd in the league as we travelled to Old Trafford, but disappointingly lost 2-0 and the gap at the top opened to five points.

A confidence boosting match was needed after this, and luckily it coincided with Carling Cup fourth round tie against Barnsley. CSE Academy youngsters Chris Small and Gold Member were both named in the starting line-up for this clash, partnering Gallas and Adebayor at the back and upfront respectively. At half-time everything looked to be going smoothly, Arsenal leading 1-0 after Barazite scored from Hleb’s cross. Small had marked Hayes out of the game so far. The second half didn’t go according to plan though. A speculative route one punt from the Barnsley keeper was met by the head of small, but it dropped short of its intended target. Howard collected the ball in midfield and played through Richards, who shot past Bernabe to equalise and shocked the whole stadium. Then, less than 60 seconds later, the unthinkable happened and Barnsley took a 2-1 lead. Bernabe played the ball out to Toure, but he was quickly closed down by Howard. Panicking, he tried playing the ball back to the keeper, but could only watch in horror as he sliced it horribly, sending it into the far corner of the goal. Arsenal sent on Ljungberg and Bendtner to chase the game, but Barnsley parked the bus in front of goal, and it ended up as a humiliating exit from the competition.

The UEFA Cup campaign continued, with Bendtner and Pablo replacing Member and Small for the game against Toulouse. However, there was equally as much gossip about a possible big signing coming in as the match itself. Which is lucky really, as it took the sting off of going two goals down within the first seven minutes. This was rectified before half-time though, the striking partnership of Adebayor and Barazite both scoring to make it 2-2 at the break. Fabregas had had a weak game and so was subbed off, and this proved to be an inspired decision. Within minutes of coming on, Baptista stepped up and belted a free-kick into the top corner, winning the game for Arsenal.

After the Toulouse match, it was announced that Manuel Almunia would be leaving the club in January for £1.6 million to join Osasuna, though obviously this wasn’t the big transfer news.

The next game was the visit of Aston Villa, and this was a close encounter. It was all decided in one five minute spell in the first half, Maloney’s goal being sandwiched by strikes from Fabregas and Bendtner to give Arsenal the 2-1 win. And after the match, the big signing was revealed. Alexandre Pato will be joining the club in January, after Arsenal agreed to pay Internacional £10.25 million for his services. The 18 year old has scored 18 goals in the Brazilian First Division so far this season, and could be an Arsenal legend in years to come.

After this excitement, the third game in the UEFA Cup group stage had to be played, Czech side Mlada Boleslav visiting the Emirates. The crowd was rocking, Reyes scored inside 45 seconds of kick-off, Mlada offered no resistance and Arsenal had scored five by half-time. The final score was 7-0. The other goals coming from Gallas, Hleb, and two apiece from Henry and Bendtner. Reyes also set up three of these. This thrashing ensured qualification to the next round, even with a game still to play.

RESULTS

Arsenal 3 - 0 Galatasaray

Man Utd 2 - 0 Arsenal

Barnsley 2 - 1 Arsenal

Toulouse 2 - 3 Arsenal

Arsenal 2 - 1 Aston Villa

Arsenal 7 - 0 Mlada Boleslav

GOALSCORERS

Reyes - 3

Henry - 3

Bendtner - 3

Bilyaletdinov - 1

Barazite - 1

Adebayor - 1

Baptista - 1

Fabregas - 1

Hleb - 1

Gallas - 1

Premiership

UNDER 18s

RESULTS

Southampton 2 - 4 Arsenal

Arsenal 2 - 0 Reading

Birmingham 0 - 3 Arsenal

The game against Southampton was high-scoring affair, and MacDonald did okay, but not spectacularly in goal, and would have been disappointed to let in both shots on target. Hunt played well in defence though, winning 10 of his 11 tackles attempted, and making a number of blocks and interceptions.

The Under 18s suffered their first loss of the season in the next game, losing 2-0 to Reading. Barker and Adicell represented the CSE Academy in this clash, but both were sloppy with their passing. The side rebounded from this loss by easily beating Birmingham 3-0 in the quarter finals of the cup, Rhys Murphy scoring a hat-trick. Hunt played 70 minutes and looked decent keeping the opposition winger quiet, while Member made yet another late sub appearance.

MONTHLY STATS

Charlie MacDonald

Under 18: Appearances 1, Conceded 2, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 7

Harry Barker

Under 18: Appearances 1, Conceded 2, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 6

Matthew Hunt

Under 18: Appearances 2, Goals 0, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 7.5

Chris Small

First Team: Appearances 1, Goals 0, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 5

Under 18: Appearances 0, Goals 0, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating -

Almanto de Poikano

Under 18: Appearances 0, Goals 0, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating -

Rick Adicell

Under 18: Appearances 1, Goals 0, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 6

Gold Member

First Team: Appearances 1, Goals 0, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 7

Under 18: Appearances 0 (1), Goals 0, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 6

Under 18 League

I'm rubbish

first team appearance = good

performance = not good

doubt ill be getting another chance in the first team.

hopefully i can get away on loan to an affiliate, if they'll take us.

I like the fact Gold Member keeps being brought on as a sub in the Under 18 games, despite the fact he never scores. . Surely it's time Steve Bould just starts him to give him a chance to do something.

Screenshots of the players will be posted after the December upate to see how players are progressing, in my opinion Matthew Hunt has probably been the best player so far.

And I've just looked through all the players position screens, interestingly Hunt, Small, Adicell and Member all start with the Shoots From Distance PPM.

To be fair, when the Barnsley game took place, I didn't think the goal was Chris Small's fault. I would have blamed Toure for it, but the commentary blamed Small and his rating was affected by it accordingly.

Edit - The first Under 18 game of December has taken place, you'll be pleased Frazza.

I like the fact Gold Member keeps being brought on as a sub in the Under 18 games, despite the fact he never scores. . Surely it's time Steve Bould just starts him to give him a chance to do something.

Screenshots of the players will be posted after the December upate to see how players are progressing, in my opinion Matthew Hunt has probably been the best player so far.

And I've just looked through all the players position screens, interestingly Hunt, Small, Adicell and Member all start with the Shoots From Distance PPM.

To be fair, when the Barnsley game took place, I didn't think the goal was Chris Small's fault. I would have blamed Toure for it, but the commentary blamed Small and his rating was affected by it accordingly.

Edit - The first Under 18 game of December has taken place, you'll be pleased Frazza.

I got a sub appearance again?

DECEMBER 2007 UPDATE

FIRST TEAM

Leeds were bottom of the Premiership but they performed like a much better side when Arsenal visited. However, their resilience could only last so long, and near the end a quickly taken throw-in fell to Bilyaletdinov, who turned his defender and hit a screamer from 25 yards out to break the deadlock and earn his side three points. Middlesbrough were next and this would have been a good opportunity to take the lead in the league, but despite the dominating performance Arsenal could only manage one goal, a right-footed drive from Barazite. And this wasn’t enough, the profligacy in front of goal being punished by a late equaliser from Boateng. This result left the top four team, Arsenal, Bolton, Manyoo and Chelsea all equal on 26 points.

This wastefulness continued in the next game, as Arsenal completely bottled it against West Ham. Nine shots, none went in, poor performance. West Ham had one shot, and one goal for Dean Ashton. The lacklustre performances carried on into the UEFA Cup tie against Dinamo Kiev, where as soon as Adebayor scored they lost all sense of urgency and effort. Kiev responded with two goals of their own to take the win, and the Arsenal were lucky they had already qualified to the next round otherwise the manager would have been extremely ****ed off with them. Three goals in four games so far this month is just not good enough.

Things didn’t pick up in the next game, Sinama-Pongolle, Kuyt and Tevez all scoring to give Liverpool a 3-0 lead. Henry got one back, but it was nowhere near enough. After the game, the Arsenal boss criticised the team in a press conference, specifically mentioning Henry and Fabregas. A few changes were made for the Blackburn game, but this made no difference. McCarthy’s two goals were the deciding factor, and although an own goal was scored by Khizanishvili late on, Arsenal were condemned to their five game without a win. There was some good news though, as Mexican defender Gonzalo Pineda left the club for Club America in Mexico. £2.8 million (+10%) was a good amount of money to receive for him after his very underwhelming spell at the club.

High-flying Bolton fancied their chances of a victory, but their hopes were dashed when Adebayor set-up Reyes to open the scoring after just five minutes. By half-time this score had tripled, Henry striking twice in quick succession. While the lead wasn’t increased at all in the second half, the 3-0 score was a relief after the previous few weeks. The players must have been hungover for the Boxing Day game at Man City, as they were terrible in the first half and were lucky to be only one down, the goal coming when under no pressure Pablo headed into his own net. Henry scored in the second half, but it was an undeserved point.

2007 was closed out with a win against Crystal Palace, giving the fans some hope to go into the new year with. Henry scored a clinical finish, and Rosicky pounced on a loose ball just outside the area for a 2-0 scoreline. Rosicky later had to go off with an arm injury, and scans revealed it was fractured so he’ll miss up to a month of action. Probably put a dampener on his new year’s festivities too.

RESULTS

Leeds 0 - 1 Arsenal

Arsenal 1 - 1 Middlesbrough

Arsenal 0 - 1 West Ham

Dinamo Kiev 2 - 1 Arsenal

Liverpool 3 - 1 Arsenal

Blackburn 2 - 1 Arsenal

Arsenal 3 - 0 Bolton

Man City 1 - 1 Arsenal

Arsenal 2 - 0 Crystal Palace

GOALSCORERS

Henry - 5

Bilyaletdinov - 1

Barazite - 1

Adebayor - 1

Reyes - 1

Rosicky - 1

UNDER 18s

RESULTS

Fulham 1 - 5 Arsenal

Arsenal 3 - 3 West Ham

Watford 0 - 1 Arsenal

Portsmouth 2 - 1 Arsenal

The opening match of the month was good one for CSE Academy youngsters, with three of them making appearances. MacDonald had a decent showing in goal, making a couple of good saves, but credit will go to Adicell and Member for their contributions. They linked up well in the 76th minute, Adicell beating two men out on the left before crossing in for Member to attack the ball at the far post to score his first goal for the Under 18s.

The goalkeeper rotating continued, as Barker was between the sticks against West Ham. And MacDonald will have been glad to miss this game, as John Fleck was on form for the Hammers, scoring a hat-trick. Hunt also played, but under performed and was subbed late on. Adicell was the only CSE Academy youngster to play against Watford and was competent without showing anything special.

The last game of the month was against Portsmouth, and saw appearances from MacDonald, Hunt, Adicell and Member. MacDonald let a couple in, but he saved a few shots as well and in general his distribution was good. Hunt’s tackling and heading were good, and he made a number of interceptions, but his passing was poor which broke up Arsenal’s chances of counter-attacks on several occasions. Member came on as a sub for Adicell and didn’t have time to make much of an impression, but the substitution of Adicell was the main talking point. He’d shoved an opposition player to the floor when arguing over a decision, and when he was booked his manager decided to sub him rather than risk him being sent off.

MONTHLY STATS

Charlie MacDonald

Under 18: Appearances 2, Conceded 3, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 7

Harry Barker

Under 18: Appearances 1, Conceded 3, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 6

Matthew Hunt

Under 18: Appearances 2, Goals 0, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 6.5

Chris Small

Under 18: Appearances 0, Goals 0, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating -

Almanto de Poikano

Under 18: Appearances 0, Goals 0, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating -

Rick Adicell

Under 18: Appearances 3, Goals 0, Assists 1, Yellows 1, Reds 0, Average Rating 7.33

Adicell signed a professional contract during the month for £230 a week until 2010.

Gold Member

Under 18: Appearances 1 (1), Goals 1, Assists 0, Yellows 0, Reds 0, Average Rating 6.5

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A mid-season update will also be posted in the next hour or so.

I scored I feel proud now.

Charlie is doing well in goal so far. Hopefully Lehmann is doing a good job showig him the ropes with the view as replacing him in the first team eventually. Good updates ~Ian~. KUTGW