http://www.arsenal.com/sportsappcon...e&type=com.sportapps.news.NewsItem&id=4198746 I think this was Karbassiyoon first start for the reserves "Howard, just 17, made his debut in goal for the second string while American striker Danny Karbassiyoon made his third appearance for the reserves. " ------------------------ "With Stathis Tavlaridis excelling in defence for Arsenal and the Saints captain stifling Karbassiyoon and Adam Birchall, chances were at a premium in the first half. John Spicer tried his luck from long range, Birchall shot over after good work from Bailey and Karbassiyoon saw his effort blocked by Williamson when goalkeeper Alan Blayney was stranded on the edge of the box." ------------------------- "Southampton pressed on and enjoyed their best period of the match in the early stages of the second half, but Tavlaridis and Frankie Simek snuffed out any real threat to the Arsenal goal. Paulinho, who sadly had mislaid his shooting boots, had another try just after the hour mark with a curling free-kick after Karbassiyoon had been tripped by Fitz Hall. Once again the Brazilian's effort was off target."
Paulinho sounds like a typical 17yo - misplacing his boots. Oh, are they saying his misplaced the ones he uses for taking shots?
I didn't start taking shots out of boots until college, when I lost my shot glass. That was horrible. I apologize.
From some Gooner fans who were at the game they said Simek played very well in central defense and Danny didn't get much service up front, but when he did have the ball was very impressive with his dribbling and at one point faked out a few defenders to get into the box, but passed off when most think he should have taken the shot himself. I don't know where they got it was Danny's 3rd game. It was his first game and his first start. He had previously made the bench twice, but didn't get any PT. No goals and he was subbed out of the game about the 73 minute. Simek on the other hand, first got in the second half of a game and then started and played the full 90 in his next 3 games. Then he missed a game to a slight knock, sat on the bench the game after that and returned to the starting full 90 for this most recent game.
Obviously it's nice to see these kids getting PT with the reserves. When evaluating them, we have remember that they are both just 19 and, in Karbassiyoon's case, have only been in the pro environment for a few months. I wonder what Simek's mood is these days and if he's miffed about missing the World Youth Championship or if he is happy his club wanted him enough to insist he stay.... or both.
Karbassiyoon Know the details. Danny was out for about six weeks with a groin injury and only two games later Niedzwiecki has got him on the roster. The reserves have an incredibly large pool and talent to choose from week in and week out. Meanwhile hes been on the roster for the past 3 out of 5 games and started one and played all ninety of that game. He has had a lot of success with the US national team sides u-18 and u-20s. It is only a matter of time before his hardwork, determination, and overwhelming skill pay off and he is playing day in and day out. Coach Niedzwiecki has used over forty different players during the season. The reserves are not going to have success until they get any type of chemistry going in the games and Karbassiyon up front leading the way.