Latest news with #HaleEnd
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I refused Arsenal captain's order at training camp – he banned me from nights out for months'
David Bentley has opened up on the punishment he received from Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira after he sat in the skipper's seat while the squad were away at a training camp David Bentley has shared a hilarious anecdote about how Patrick Vieira banned him from nights out for months after the captain was teased at a training camp. Bentley – once tipped to be Arsenal's next big star – emerged in the first team set-up from the Gunners' academy back in 2001. Arsene Wenger 's tenure in north London is remembered as one of the most iconic in the club's history, including their unbeaten Premier League-winning season in 2003/04. While raw talent and exceptional teamwork were key to Arsenal's triumphs in the early noughties. However, the squad's no-nonsense approach both on and off the pitch – epitomised by Vieira's stern presence – also played a significant role. This was something Bentley quickly discovered after graduating from the Hale End youth system, finding himself in hot water with Vieira during his first training camp away with the senior stars. Speaking on the Undr The Cosh podcast, the now 40-year-old recalled his cheeky-chap antics as a teen at Arsenal, saying: "We used to go to Austria to this training camp where they always wanted to go up in the mountains, out the way. And I had no idea, it was my first time. "We've come down for breakfast, and what happened at Arsenal – it probably happens everywhere – was you had a French table, the English table, everybody used to kind of sit with people they get on with. "I've come down, me being me, I'm just wanting to be friends with everyone. I think I'm mates with everyone. French tables there, I think there's [Sylvain] Wiltord, [Robert] Pires and whoever. And there's a seat and I went, 'I'm sitting there.' So I've stepped in, and I've sat down and I went, 'Morning lads, you alright?' You know, 'What you up to last night? Have a good w***?' And all that, trying to be their mate. "And cause I don't like silence as well, I thought they can do that can't they? Be all calm. And as I've sat there, I've looked around and these lot are smirking. I'm going, 'They're on me here, I'm going to have to back myself up. They're mugging me off.' "And I just got a big slap, and I'm sat and I've looked up and Patrick, club captain... 'Get out my seat. You're in my seat.' And do you know when you're like, 'Ah f***, I'm red.' "In that moment, I thought, 'If I say yes, I'm going to look like a right mug, and if I say no, I'm going to look like a right mug. I can't win.' So I went with the option of, 'No.'" Bentley then revealed how he instantly wished he'd backed down, with Vieira stopping him from going out with his team-mates for months afterwards. He added (via Football London): "I mean, me and him are good mates now, and we were after and he quite liked it. "But for three, four months, I wasn't allowed to go on lads' nights out. I was kicked... honestly, every training session he'd snap me. I used to love it, I used to play with it. I used to go, 'Patrick, where we going tonight son?!' I think I turned up a couple of times, 'I know I'm not invited, but shut up!'" Sadly for Bentley, his time at Arsenal didn't quite pan out as expected, with only nine appearances to his name before being transferred to Blackburn Rovers in 2006. After netting 21 goals and providing an equal number of assists for Rovers, Bentley made his way back to north London to join Tottenham Hotspur. His career also included loan stints with Birmingham City, West Ham, Rostov and Blackburn before he decided to hang up his boots in July 2014, aged just 29.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Why Arsenal have tied down one of Europe's most talented teens
The youngest player in Premier League history. Arsenal's youngest English league scorer since youngest player in the club's history to score on his first two second youngest Englishman to score in the Champions League. Ethan Nwaneri is a special player - and now is tied down at Arsenal until season, the Hale End graduate was required to step up after Bukayo Saka succumbed to injury and made 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring nine goals and registering two assists. "He never [looks nervous], he's so composed, calm and confident in his ability," said Gunners boss Mikel Arteta after Nwaneri found the net in a 2-1 win at Girona in January. "At 17, scoring a really important goal in the Champions League is not very common."Nwaneri celebrated his 18th birthday in March and of attack-minded players under the age of 19 in Europe's big five leagues only Barcelona's Lamine Yamal ranks higher in terms of has been producing exceptional numbers since his first La Liga start as a 16-year-old in 2023 and the Spanish winger was on the pitch for almost 2,000 more top-flight minutes during the season just gone.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Arsenal handed Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman transfer warning ahead of Mikel Arteta decision
Mikel Arteta has two Hale End gems at his disposal this season in Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman, with Rio Ferdinand lauding both teenagers as prodigious talents Rio Ferdinand has warned Mikel Arteta to play Arsenal wonderkids Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman or risk losing them. Among the plethora of forward talents the club's Hale End academy has produced recently, Nwaneri and Dowman are the two most impressive youngsters. Nwaneri, who aged 15 became the youngest player in Premier League history back in 2022, enjoyed a breakout season last term for the Gunners. The 18-year-old scored nine times in all competitions despite playing just 1,378 minutes of football, including two goals in the Champions League and one against Manchester City. A section of Arsenal fans were even left disgruntled with manager Arteta, believing the Englishman deserved more game time, especially when captain Martin Odegaard was injured at the start of the campaign. Now, another prodigious Hale Ender - 15-year-old Dowman - has emerged onto the scene boasting arguably even greater potential. Dowman, who was not allowed to be called up last season due to his age, lit up Arsenal's pre-season tour of Asia despite limited minutes last month, becoming one of the most-talked about talents in the country. Manchester United legend Ferdinand has been a vocal supporter of Dowman and Nwaneri in recent weeks, claiming the teenagers are ready to make a serious impact this season. And he believes their ability warrants game time, suggesting they could leave if Arteta doesn't allow them to flourish. He said on Rio Ferdinand Presents: 'Ethan Nwaneri, I think he's a ridiculous talent. The only thing I'm worried about is that these two boys play in the same position as Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka. The problem Arsenal have is that if these two young boys don't get enough minutes, they could start getting itchy feet. 'Maybe people around them start getting into their head and patience wears thin - you risk losing them. I think they're ready to be dipped in a lot more than we saw last season, especially Nwaneri because he's had that year of adaptation to the first team. 'I think he's got great talent but Dowman excites me on another level. This kid is different.' Ferdinand went on to say he is the best English teenager since his own former team-mate Wayne Rooney. He continued: 'Dowman's more subtle, he's more tekky, he's going to have people on ice skates. He gets you off your feet.' Dowman, who still hasn't finished his GCSEs, got his first taste of training with the senior squad at just 14. Despite Arteta's tendency to protect youngsters from the spotlight, the Spaniard saw enough potential to include him in the winter trip to Dubai, suggesting he is open to providing opportunities at the right time. Dowman is unable to sign a professional contract until he's 17 in December 2026. There is no doubt that there will be a clamour from other top clubs to poach him, having caught the eye by dominating youth team games for England and Arsenal in the No. 10 position, which has earned him comparisons to Brazilian legend Kaka. Nwaneri, meanwhile, recently signed a five-year contract with his boyhood club. That was despite some concern over the youngster entering the last 12 months of his contract and reports of interest from Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund.
Metro
24-07-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Ferdinand backs Arsenal star to have 'breakout year' and drools over Dowman
Rio Ferdinand is 'begging' Mikel Arteta to give Ethan Nwaneri a greater role next season and believes it could be a 'proper breakout year' for the midfielder if he is handed more opportunities. Nwaneri announced himself as one of English football's most exciting talents last term, rising from Arsenal's academy ranks to establish himself as a genuine first-team option for Arteta, along with fellow Hale End product Myles Lewis-Skelly. The 18-year-old made a total of 37 appearances across the campaign, while chipping in with nine goals in all competitions – numbers he will no doubt be looking to improve on going forward. However, as Arsenal approached the business end of the season in both the Premier League and Champions League, Arteta tended to lean on his more experienced players, with the teenager starting just one of the Gunners' final nine matches. Competition for places in Arsenal's attacking areas means Nwaneri may have to be patient for a regular starting berth. He will, though, be encouraged to have been given the nod for the side's pre-season clash with AC Milan on Wednesday. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. But while Nwaneri shone in Singapore before coming off for Martin Odegaard, it was another wonderkid, Max Dowman, 15, who stole the show with a sublime cameo performance in the second half. After watching Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Milan, Ferdinand drooled over the club's wealth of young talent, with Dowman just the latest prospect to make his mark in the first-team. 'Everyone who watched the podcast knows that there's a different energy about me when I'm talking about young players,' the legendary ex-Manchester United and England defender said on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel. 'I was the same with Kobbie Mainoo in the Euros, Phil Foden when he first burst onto the scene, Cole Palmer, Lamine Yamal, obviously, Desire Doue, great young players who just get you off your seat. You watch them and go, 'Oh, yeah! Give me some more of that!' 'This player played one pre-season game. I spoke about him in November and I've probably spoken about him a bit before that as well because I've seen him before as a young kid. Max Dowman, don't forget that name. Arsenal have produced another young gem.' Ferdinand added: 'They've got Nwaneri coming through, too, and I think this season could be his proper breakout year. I hope it will be. 'They've already had [Bukayo] Saka for a few years now who seems like an elder statesman in this changing room and there are 15-year-olds knocking about like Max Dowman. 'He's become one of the youngest Arsenal players to play at the club in a pre-season friendly in Singapore, against AC Milan by the way. Not minnows… AC Milan. 'It's early days but it looks like Declan Rice has taken him under his wing, he posted a picture of him on the coach travelling about.' Having kept tabs on Dowman's progress with interest, Ferdinand believes Arsenal may well have the finest 15-year-old talent in world football on their hands. 'He's definitely the best 15-year-old in the country, probably in Europe right now, maybe the world,' he continued. 'I keep seeing people say, 'Don't hype him!'… what are we in football for? What are we here for? We're here to be entertained, to get excited about young talent. We're here to talk about it, love it, appreciate it. 'We're not putting expectations on his name or saying he's got to play ten games or he's got to score five, ten goals. I'm just saying I love him! 'I want to see this, I want to see these young players coming out. He is a joke.' After Arsenal's defeat of Milan, Mikel Arteta admitted Dowman would have to raise his 'physical levels' if he is to become a first-team regular down the line. But according to Ferdinand, coaches and team-mates at Arsenal have been stunned by what the teen has been producing on a daily basis at the training ground. 'What I'm hearing from some of the people I know in the Arsenal camp is that he is transferring his 15-year-old ability that he showed with the Under-18s with Arsenal, with England,' he explained. 'He's playing years up, with the Under-21s, and shifting that into the first-team when he's training with them. More Trending 'The players and the coaching staff are going, 'We ain't really seen this', and transferring that into the first-team is ridiculous so long may this continue and I hope we're talking more and more about Max Dowman as the season goes on. 'Special shoutout to Ethan Nwaneri as well. I want to see him getting more game-time. Please, Mikel Arteta, play these kids because I think they're good enough. 'He's going to know them because he sees them more than me, but I'm just begging that he can give these kids more game-time while trying to win the Premier League which I know is difficult. 'But when there's talent, it's undeniable sometimes and I think these two boys are undeniable talents.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Rio Ferdinand urges Man Utd to 'break the bank' with surprise move for Premier League midfielder MORE: Virgil van Dijk reveals the first thing he said to Liverpool signing Hugo Ekitike MORE: Benjamin Sesko 'gentleman's agreement' revealed after transfer interest from Premier League club
Straits Times
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Bukayo Saka the difference as Arsenal beat AC Milan at National Stadium
Arsenal's Bukayo Saka (in blue) scored the only goal in his side's win over Italian side AC Milan at the National Stadium on July 23. SINGAPORE – Much of the pre-season buzz surrounding Arsenal has centered on their activity in the transfer market and pursuit of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres as the final piece of the jigsaw in their hunt for major honours. At the National Stadium on July 23, though, a graduate of the club's Hale End academy again underscored his status as Arsenal's talisman. England star Bukayo Saka showcased his flair and finesse in front of a crowd of 22,813 fans, and scored the only goal as Arsenal began their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 win over Italian giants AC Milan. The victory saw them handed the Tridentity Cup. Fans were also able to witness a penalty shoot-out at the end of the game – a regular feature of Arsenal's pre-season matches under Mikel Arteta – which Milan won 6-5. Saka – who received the loudest cheers of the night when the team sheet was announced before kickoff – was handed the captain's armband until club skipper Martin Odegaard was introduced as a half-time substitute. After a goalless first half, Saka was on hand at the right place and right time in the 52nd minute – just as he has on numerous occasions since he debuted for Arsenal in 2018 – to find the net. A whipped in cross from defender Jakub Kiwior picked out Saka, who escaped his marker at the back post before applying a scuffed finish that found its way into the net. The strike drew the loudest decibels of the night from the Arsenal fans – who made up a majority of those in attendance – who got up on their feet to rejoice as Saka celebrated with his teammates. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Judge asks prosecution for more information on Kpods in first case involving etomidate-laced vapes Singapore Male victim of fatal Toa Payoh fire was known to keep many things, say residents Singapore 5 teens arrested for threatening boy with knife, 2 charged with causing hurt Singapore HDB launches 10,209 BTO and balance flats, as priority scheme for singles kicks in Singapore Cyclist charged after allegedly hitting elderly pedestrian, killing him Singapore Over 1.15 million Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 have claimed SG60 vouchers Singapore Singapore Oceanarium will enhance tourism while supporting sustainability: Grace Fu In the post match conference, Arteta said that he was pleased with his teams' performance. 'A lot of them showed that they are already at a really good level. Bukayo is one of pushed him through the summer as well to catch up... to give himself the best chance to explore his qualities,' added Arteta on Saka who netted 12 goals in the 2024-25 campaign where he missed 12 games in the Premier League after suffering a hamstring injury in December 2024. He returned to action at the start of April when Arsenal's title bid was already on life support as the Gunners sputtered to the finishing line, winning just five of their final 13 league games. Saka who in 66 minutes produced a man-of-the-match worthy performance was then brought off for 15-year-old Max Dowman – another Hale End product – whom Arsenal fans and Arteta will hope can be the next gem to emerge from the club's academy. Another 15-year-old Marli Salmon was also introduced in the 66th minute for William Saliba. Arteta said: 'It is a moment to give opportunities and reward them. And they took that chance today in difficult cirumcstances against a very good team. Incredible how at 15 years, they can perform at that level.' Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri despite the loss, described the affair as a good test for his team. 'It's only 20 days into the preparation work, and against one of the strongest teams in Europe,' added the Italian tactician. The Milan-Arsenal clash – both sides' first official match of their pre-season – is part of the 2025 Singapore Festival of Football, which is the first instalment in a five-year partnership between promoters TEG Sport and the Singapore Tourism Board that will see top European clubs play in Singapore in 2025, 2027 and 2029. Arsenal's Kai Havertz (left) tussles with AC Milan's Davide Bartesaghi during a pre-season friendly at the National Stadium on July 23. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM The crowd figures are believed to be the second lowest for a pre-season fixture held here with the 0-0 stalemate between Everton and Stoke City in 2015 drawing an estimated 15,000 crowd. The Gunners faithful will next be able to catch their heroes in the flesh when Arsenal conduct an open training session on July 25, before they face English League Cup champions Newcastle United two days later, both at the National Stadium. The Singapore Festival of Football was last held in July 2023, when Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City and German giants Bayern Munich played a series of friendlies at the National Stadium. Bayern beat Liverpool 4-3 in front of a 49,983 crowd then, while 25,095 spectators witnessed Spurs' 5-1 win over Singapore Premier League outfit Lion City Sailors. This is Milan's first visit to Singapore, while Arsenal last came in 2018 for the International Champions Cup, where they faced Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid in front of a 23,095 crowd. Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta named a strong starting line-up that featured German forward Kai Havertz, Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli, French centre-back William Saliba and debutant Christian Norgaard, a summer signing from Brentford. Another new signing Martin Zubimendi made his debut when he came on at half-time. On rumoured signing Gyokeres, Arteta kept mum and said he would not speak about a player that is not with the group. Milan meanwhile had their stars on show too with Portugal winger Rafael Leao captaining a side that included American winger Christian Pulisic and former Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori. The opening 45 minutes, however, offered little excitement apart from fleeting moments of brilliance from Saka and the silky footwork of teenage midfielder Ethan Nwaneri. Arteta then made six changes at half-time with Arsenal finding the eventual winner seven minutes after the break. Despite the low scoring affair, those in attendance still had a night out to remember. Husband and wife Muhammad Shaharudeen, 28, and Aminah Beevi, 23, were in matching Arsenal jerseys and high spirits. The duo chose to watch Arsenal's match up against the Italian side, and will be giving their game against Newcastle United on Sunday a miss. Shaharudeen said: 'As much as Arsenal has a legacy, AC Milan has one too, so it's a privilege to see these two big giants going against each other. 'We're most excited to see Declan Rice, and of course we hope to see Kai Havertz score a goal and perform his signature celebration,' he added, referring to how the forward often sticks his thumbs to his temples while he waves his hands. Many fans flew from neighbouring countries to catch the match, including about 400 Indonesia AC Milan diehards who made their presence felt throughout the stadium with thunderous cheers and drumming. Among them was Rio Habibi, 38, who flew to Singapore for a four-day trip just to watch the team he has supported for 13 years. 'AC Milan is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and we have had legendary players like Kaka and Paolo Maldini,' said Rio, who added that favourite player is now winger Christian Pulisic due to his skill.
