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Arsenal v West Ham Utd

Saturday 20th March 5.30pm view the match centre

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Position	Player	Goals
1	Cesc Fabregas	17
2	Andrey Arshavin	10
3	Robin van Persie	8
4	Thomas Vermaelen	8

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Direct From the emirates

Arsenalinsider are proud to present the Youth/Reserves squad list for the 2009/10 season. We aim to bring you all the latest news and results for the Arsenal Youth team throughout the season.

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Name:	Pedro Botelho
Nationality:	Brazilian
Date of Birth:	14 December 1989
Height:	6ft 2in
Weight:	11st 4lb
Previous Clubs:	Figueirense, Salamanca
Joined Arsenal:	1 January 2008
Position:	Defender
Squad Number:	-
Profile:	Upon signing for Arsenal, the young Brazilian was immediately farmed out to Salamanca because work permit guidelines meant that he could not work in England. He has had two loan spells with the Spanish club, making a combined 36 appearances but his second stint in Spain was cut short because of conflicts with the coaching staff. The youngster skipped training to watch Real Madrid in the Champions League and refused to participate in additional training, which led to him receiving some harsh treatment from his coaches. Pedro has an excellent left foot and bags of pace to complement his height. As is typical of Arsenal left backs, the youngster is comfortable operating at left midfield and offers a big threat going forward. His offensive qualities have earned him the nickname “Pedrinho” due to his silky dribbling skills. Botelho has also shown promise in the other side of his game, exhibiting great steel defensively, accompanied by an impressive work rate. Still unable to play for Arsenal, Pedro is off to Spain again in a loan deal with Celta Vigo. He has said that this will be his last season abroad.

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Name:	Håvard Nordtveit
Nationality:	Norwegian
Date of Birth:	21 June 1990
Height:	6ft 2in
Weight:	11st 4lb
Previous Clubs:	Vats 94, Skjold, FK Haugesund
Joined Arsenal:	3 July 2007
Position:	Defender
Squad Number:	-
Profile:	The compliments keep coming for this young Norwegian talent who has widely been lauded as the best defensive talent in Europe. Representing Norway at U-16, U-17, U-18, U-19 and U-21 levels have furthered his development, as have two loan spells with Salamanca in Spain and Lillestrom in his native Norway. His time at Salamanca was not overly productive but at Lillestrom he became a regular in the starting 11. Powerful in the air and a strong leader, Arsène Wenger is known to be a big admirer of the youngster, stating that Håvard has intelligence beyond his years and is technically and tactically excellent. He is fast and reads the game exceptionally well. He has shown his ability to cope with the physical nature of the game during his time in Norway, suffering a broken nose and losing a tooth in clashes. Nordtveit recently travelled to Germany, having learnt that Arsenal will not be extending his loan period to Lillestrom. The next step in his development is a move to Nürnberg of the Bundesliga where he will aid their fight against relegation. This will no doubt be good for his progression but we will have to wait for the youngster to return to England so that we can get a better look at him. It seems that by the time we do get a closer look, he will be even closer to fulfilling his potential.

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Name:	Luke Ayling
Nationality:	English
Date of Birth:	25 August 1991
Height:	6ft 2in
Weight:	11st 5lb
Previous Clubs:
Joined Arsenal:	31 July 2007
Position:	Defender
Squad Number:	32
Profile:	Luke is a two-footed centre back who has improved his aerial ability dramatically; he is regarded as one of the brightest prospects at the club. This wasn’t always the case as early mistakes and perceived weaknesses, notably in the air, led to some criticism. In the face of such criticism, Luke has raised his game and was one of the most improved players at the club last season. Ayling has a tireless work rate and is prepared to play anywhere for the team. He is a good reader of the ball and has excellent communication with the players around him. Luke will hope to make more appearances for the reserves this year and continue improving his game. Beyond that, a loan move might be a sensible step for the defender.

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Name:	Nacer Barazite
Nationality:	Dutch
Date of Birth:	27 May 1990
Height:	6ft 2in
Weight:	13st
Previous Clubs:	NEC
Joined Arsenal:
Position:	Midfielder
Squad Number:	33
Profile:	Nacer was born in the Netherlands and was brought to Arsenal from Dutch side NEC. He has represented the Netherlands at U-17 and U-19 level. His technique and close control are evidence of his upbringing on “total football” and it is no wonder that he made the transition into the academy so smoothly. His preferred position is the number 10 role but Nacer has shown himself to be very versatile and is comfortable in most attacking roles. Barazite spent last season on loan at Derby County making 29 league appearances and he found the net once. After starting this pre-season brightly, there are high hopes that Barazite might have something to offer the first team this season. Certainly his physique and ability with the ball stand him in a good position for s uch involvement however, another lone move might materialise in January if our Carling Cup run is over.

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Name:	Kyle Bartley
Nationality:	English
Date of Birth:	22 May 1991
Height:	5ft 9in
Weight:	10st 7lb
Previous Clubs:	Bolton Wanderers
Joined Arsenal:	31 July 2007
Position:	Defender
Squad Number:	34
Profile:	Kyle joined the Gunners from Bolton after impressing in their youth teams. He is a commanding centre back with an athletic frame. Bartley leads by example on the pitch and is very vocal whilst doing it. He started every game for the reserves last year; evidence that the injury worries that previously slowed his progression are behind him. This season, Bartley will hope to build on his experience in the reserves and will want to further develop his partnership with Luke Ayling. If he continues to impress, then it might not be long before Bartley attracts some suitors looking to take him on loan. In the meantime, he will be hoping for some involvement in the Carling Cup.

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Name:	Francis Coquelin
Nationality:	French
Date of Birth:	13 May 1991
Height:	5ft 10in
Weight:	11st 6lb
Previous Clubs:
Joined Arsenal:	22 July 2008
Position:	Defender
Squad Number:	35
Profile:	Coquelin is the archetypal water carrier given his low centre of gravity, positional sense and reading of the game. He forms a platform upon which an attacking midfield can be built and uses the ball well to help the team launch attacks. His technique is exquisite at times as his first touch and feints highlight. He is tough tackling and hard working and his performances have already led to call ups for the French U-17 and U-18 teams. Francis has become a regular in the reserves and U-18’s midfield, forming a promising partnership with Emmanuel Frimpong. He has a superb range of passing and a mature head on his shoulders. Francis very much provides the balance to any midfield that he is a part of and with the increasing importance of the holding role in today’s game, he looks set for a long career at Arsenal.

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Name:	Thomas Cruise
Nationality:	English
Date of Birth:	9 March 1991
Height:	6ft
Weight:	12st 13lb
Previous Clubs:
Joined Arsenal:	31 July 2007
Position:	Defender
Squad Number:	36
Profile:	Thomas started out as a centre-back and has played in the centre and on the left of midfield, but he has recently settled into the left back spot. He has a strong left foot and is composed on the ball, offering good attacking qualities. These qualities complement his solid defensive game as Cruise is strong in the air and he is a tenacious tackler. Undoubtedly, the biggest challenge will be for Thomas to progress in the left back spot, given the other talented players at the club who play this position. However, it could be said that Cruise breaks the mould for the current left backs at the club; offering defensive reliability first and foremost. A year of consistent performances in the reserves will do his development no harm.

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Name:	Craig Eastmond
Nationality:	English
Date of Birth:	9 December 1990
Height:	5ft 9in
Weight:
Previous Clubs:
Joined Arsenal:	31 July 2007
Position:	Defender
Squad Number:	37
Profile:	This young Englishman has shown his versatility by playing further forward, but he seems most comfortable at right back. Fast and fearless in the tackle, Craig has developed his attacking game to complement his defensive characteristics. Last season he played every minute of the FA Youth Cup run and made a handful of starts for the reserves. Eastmond’s game is well rounded and he will be hoping for more opportunities in the reserves this season on the right flank. His performances are always powerful and passionate as you might expect from a lifelong Arsenal fan.

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Name:	Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
Nationality:	English
Date of Birth:	27 December 1990
Height:	6ft 1in
Weight:	13st 5lb
Previous Clubs:
Joined Arsenal:	31 July 2007
Position:	Midfielder
Squad Number:	38
Profile:	Is there anything that this young man can’t do? Shorty after arriving at the club, Jay was made captain of the U-18s at the age of 16. He is a born leader and a commanding presence wherever he features on the pitch. In fact, defining a position for Jay has proved something of a welcome headache in the youth and reserves since he came to the club. Initially used at centre back, he has spent the majority of his time in central midfield and on the flanks but looks equally useful behind the main striker. Emmanuel-Thomas made 35 appearances and bagged 14 goals for the reserves and youth teams last year; leading the scoring charts. Emmanuel-Thomas has quick feet, powerful striking and he is hard working. This season could be a defining season for Jay. Even though his versatility is valuable, it is high time that Emmanuel-Thomas becomes settled into a consistent position. This will prove a tough task for the coaches, but given that he normally excels wherever he is asked to play, they can’t go too wrong. He may not be that far from the first team and given his rangy, powerful physique which is reminiscent of a recently departed Togolese player, he certainly would have something to offer our largely diminutive squad.

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Name:	Cedric Evina
Nationality:	Cameroonian
Date of Birth:	16 November 1991
Height:	6ft 1in
Weight:	12st 13lb
Previous Clubs:
Joined Arsenal:	1 August 2008
Position:	Defender
Squad Number:	39
Profile:	Cedric Evina looks perfectly at home in the left back position for the club. This term he will be hoping to push Thomas Cruise for a place in the starting line up for the reserves. Evina is blessed with lightning pace; a sweet left foot and an excellent dribbling ability. The young Frenchman has the perfect role models ahead of him at the club with Clichy and Traore at differing levels of involvement in the first team. Given the attacking qualities of the left backs at the club it comes as no surprise to hear that Cedric is comfortable playing on the left wing and even up front. He is known to be a superb crosser of the ball and good vision.

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Name:	Luke Freeman
Nationality:	English
Date of Birth:	22 March 1992
Height:	5ft 9in
Weight:	10st 3lb
Previous Clubs:	Gillingham
Joined Arsenal:	8 April 2009
Position:	Striker
Squad Number:	40
Profile:	Signed from Gillingham after becoming their youngest ever first team player and the youngest player to ever appear in the FA Cup when he made his debut at 15, Freeman has represented England at U-16 and U-17 level. Freeman is a bustling forward who is comfortable in more withdrawn roles and has an eye for goal. Quick on the turn and comfortable on either foot, Freeman was a regular for the U-18s last term and bagged 11 goals. This season he will hope to push the reserves for some appearances and continue his development.

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Name:	Emmanuel Frimpong
Nationality:	Ghanaian
Date of Birth:	10 January 1992
Height:	5ft 11in
Weight:	10st 8lb
Previous Clubs:
Joined Arsenal:	1 July 2008
Position:	Midfielder
Squad Number:	41
Profile:	Emmanuel moved to England when he was 9 and by the age of 15 he was already representing the Arsenal U-18s. A powerhouse in the centre of the park, Frimpong has created a great understanding with fellow midfielder Francis Coquelin. Frimpong is a strong tackler and a fine passer. He provides strength and drive in the central areas of the pitch and he has already featured for England U-17s. . Emmanuel is often involved in set pieces having shown a knack of scoring from free kicks. Last season, he showed his discipline as he curbed the attacking elements of his game to provide a rock solid shield in front of the defence alongside Coquelin. This season he will hope to push on, with more reserve team appearances and Carling Cup involvement likely.

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Name:	Kerrea Gilbert
Nationality:	English
Date of Birth:	28 February 1987
Height:	5ft 9in
Weight:	11st 2lb
Previous Clubs:
Joined Arsenal:	1 July 2003
Position:	Defender
Squad Number:	42
Profile:	A lot was expected of Kerrea when he burst on to the first team scene as an 18 year old. Few could forget his assist in the Arsenal League Cup tie against Wigan where he crossed for Henry to head home. The praise he received from Thierry alone was surely a special moment in his career so far. On the back of this success a season long loan move to Cardiff started extremely well only to see Gilbert’s chances become limited after Christmas. Since then another stuttering loan spell at Southend was followed by a substantially more successful loan to Leicester City last year. Even though the young defender made over 30 appearances, a permanent move failed to materialise and Gilbert returned to Arsenal.Kerrea’s future at the club is surrounded by uncertainty. One thing that is sure is that he is fast, strong in the tackle and keen to improve his game all round. Whether he continues that effort as part of the Arsenal set up or looks for a different challenge elsewhere remains to be seen.

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Name:	Conor Henderson
Nationality:	English
Date of Birth:	8 September 1991
Height:	6ft 1in
Weight:	11st 13lb
Previous Clubs:
Joined Arsenal:	1 July 2003
Position:	Midfielder
Squad Number:	43
Profile:	Conor is highly regarded and has been tipped for the top for both club and country having been at Arsenal since he was 8. A sleek and stylish footballer with a wand of a left foot, Conor’s passing range is as impressive as his poise on the ball. Henderson’s first touch generally takes him away from players and into space which means that he is comfortable in the tight positions in the centre of the park and creates time to get his passes off. Henderson replaced Jack Wilshere as the U-16 captain shortly before joining him in the U-18s. A terrible knee injury didn’t stop the youngster earning professional terms at the club. He is still eligible for both England and the Republic of Ireland teams internationally but seems to have switched his allegiance away from England, having represented Ireland most recently at U-19 level. This season, Conor will be looking for increased playing time in the reserves.

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Name:	Gavin Hoyte
Nationality:	English
Date of Birth:	6 June 1990
Height:	5ft 11in
Weight:	11st 2lb
Previous Clubs:
Joined Arsenal:	10 September 2007
Position:	Defender
Squad Number:	44
Profile:	Gavin has been at the club since he was 9 years old and has followed his older brother Justin through the youth ranks at Arsenal. He is fast and athletic and it has been well documented that his parents were both top sprinters in Britain. Gavin frequently tops the charts in the speed tests at the club. With a slightly more imposing physique than his brother, Gavin is probably more comfortable at centre back than right back. Gavin has long been tipped to eclipse the achievements of his brother at the club. He has represented England at U-16, U-17, U-18 and U-19 levels and has appeared in Carling Cup and Premier League fixtures for the first team. Hoyte spent the tail end of last season on loan at Watford making 7 appearances. Gavin will hope to get more playing time in the Carling Cup having featured prominently at right back in those fixtures last season. Opportunities in the Premier League may be more forthcoming this season to build on his brief outing last year.

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Name:	Henri Lansbury
Nationality:	English
Date of Birth:	12 October 1990
Height:	6ft 2in
Weight:	10st 9lb
Previous Clubs:
Joined Arsenal:	31 July 2007
Position:	Midfielder
Squad Number:	45
Profile:	Still only 18, Henri has been at Arsenal since he was 9 years old. Amazingly this makes him the longest serving player at Arsenal. He has represented and captained England at U-17 and U-19 level and has impressive scoring ratios at both levels. His playing style is one full of energy; Lansbury is an all action, box-to-box midfielder with sound technique who is frequently involved in set pieces. Having recovered from a bout of glandular fever, the last campaign was very successful for Henri. He started the season with some league cup appearances for the first team before joining Scunthorpe United on loan in January. Henri scored 4 goals in 16 appearances and helped Scunthorpe gain promotion to the Championship. The loan stint included a trip to Wembley for the Johnson’s Paint Trophy where Scunthorpe lost in extra time to Luton Town. Henri then returned to Arsenal for the FA Youth Cup Final helping the club to lift the trophy finally he started as Arsenal won the Premier Academy League.

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Name:	Rhys Murphy
Nationality:	English
Date of Birth:	6 November 1990
Height:	6ft 2in
Weight:	12st
Previous Clubs:
Joined Arsenal:
Position:	Striker
Squad Number:	47
Profile:	Rhys is an exciting attacking talent with an impressive scoring record. He is spending this summer representing England U-19s after success in the U-17 set up and if they need goals then they will look no further. Blessed with pace and boundless energy, Rhys is dangerous around the box and in 06/07 he scored twice in 5 consecutive games scoring 20 in 16 starts for the U-18s overall. Injuries have restricted his chances during his time at Arsenal but if he can stay fit then a good season full of reserve football, or a loan spell, with Brighton, thought to be one possible destination, lies ahead. Hopefully this year the youngster can show that those were just growing pains and get back into contention for the Carling Cup team.

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Name:	Mark Randall
Nationality:	English
Date of Birth:	28 September 1989
Height:	6ft
Weight:	12st 10lb
Previous Clubs:
Joined Arsenal:	1 July 2006
Position:	Midfielder
Squad Number:	48
Profile:	Mark is a composed, ball playing midfielder who isn’t afraid to get stuck in either. He is well regarded at the club after coming through the ranks to become a consistent performer for the reserves. He also gained good experience during a loan spell with Burnley, making 10 appearances. These performances have earned Randall international recognition at U-17 and U-18 level for England. He has also reaped the rewards with the Arsenal first team, playing a key role alongside Aaron Ramsey in the Gunners Carling Cup run which ended in the Quarter Finals. Wenger also gave Mark a taste of European football in games against FC Twente and FC Porto. There have been questions asked about whether Mark has what it takes to succeed at the club. Sometimes he takes a little too long on the ball and is squeezed out a bit too easily and these are things that he will be hoping to address this season. However, the exposure he has been given in European competition shows just how highly thought of he is. A proposed move to Derby on loan this season has fallen through but a move elsewhere looks likely and should help Mark get used to a higher pace of football and help his development.

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Name:	James Shea
Nationality:	English
Date of Birth:	16 June 1991
Height:	5ft 9in
Weight:	11st
Previous Clubs:
Joined Arsenal:	1 August 2007
Position:	Goalkeeper
Squad Number:	49
Profile:	Despite concerns about his height, Shea has performed admirably in goal for the Under 18s and will be hoping for increased playing time this year. An agile goalkeeper, James has excellent reflexes and is a renowned shot-stopper. Given that he is a converted midfielder, James is also technically sound with the ball at his feet, which has obviously become an increasingly important element of the position. Although he is a smaller breed of keeper, Shea is a big character in goal and has an acute sense of danger. This season he will look to continue his improvement and work to iron out some of the mistakes that have troubled him in the past.

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Name:	Jay Simpson
Nationality:	English
Date of Birth:	1 December 1988
Height:	5ft 11in
Weight:	13st 5lb
Previous Clubs:
Joined Arsenal:	1 August 2005
Position:	Striker
Squad Number:	50
Profile:	Jay Simpson is a fast striker who has represented England at U-17 and U-18 level. He has a good goal scoring record in these international youth set-ups with 7 goals in 20 appearances. He has been at Arsenal since he was 9 and first played in an U-18s game at the age of 13. He made history in February 2007 by becoming the first player to score a hat trick at the Emirates Stadium. Jay has never been afraid to test himself and after a season on loan to Millwall he moved to West Bromwich Albion on loan in January this year. The move proved a success as Jay made 16 appearances in total and bagged his first premiership goal for the Baggies. It remains to be seen whether Jay can carve out a future at the club but he will be up for the challenges he is set, even if it means another loan period.

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Name:	Gilles Sunu
Nationality:	French
Date of Birth:	30 March 1991
Height:	6ft
Weight:	12st 11lb
Previous Clubs:	Châteauroux
Joined Arsenal:	31 July 2007
Position:	Striker
Squad Number:	51
Profile:	Gilles is a fast and powerful forward with an excellent work ethic. He offers a good outlet on the flanks and has a direct style of attacking that always makes him look dangerous. Gilles shows his flexibility by switching flanks and floating around the front two when he plays from a more withdrawn role. Last season though, he led the line well in Murphy’s absence and finished the season with 11 goals.Gilles performances have seen him be linked with a move back to France and perhaps a loan move will materialise for the latter half of this season. Until then he will try and make an impression wherever he plays and will certainly be pushing for involvement in Carling Cup teams.

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Name:	Sanchez Watt
Nationality:	English
Date of Birth:	14 February 1991
Height:	5ft 8in
Weight:
Previous Clubs:
Joined Arsenal:	31 July 2007
Position:	Midfielder
Squad Number:	54
Profile:	Sanchez is a left sided attacker with lots of energy and great technique. He is quick footed and has a range of tricks to leave defenders in his wake. Last season he returned from a broken foot to score a brace that took Arsenal into the F.A. Youth Cup Final. He then scored goals in each leg of the final to help the team lift the cup. Watt is a levelheaded young man and a keen musician. His recent inclusion in the Emirates Cup will only have helped to boost his confidence as he made an important contribution against Rangers. Carling Cup appearances seem something of a must to further Sanchez’s development this season.