Source: Arsenal
Loan Watch: Traore shines at White Hart Lane
The January transfer window saw two more Arsenal starlets go out on loan. Jay Simpson moved to West Brom and Reserve team captain Gavin Hoyte has joined Watford, both until the end of the season. They join the existing loanees Armand Traore, Nacer Barazite, James Dunne, Kerrea Gilbert and Abu Ogogo away with other English clubs. Overseas, the Gunners have players in Italy, Spain and Holland. Philippe Senderos, who has made 115 appearances for the Gunners, is spending the season with Serie A giants AC Milan. Pedro Botelho is away with Spanish Segunda Division outfit UD Salamanca while Vincent van den Berg is out on his second loan spell in as many years, this time with FC Zwolle of the Eerste Divisie in Holland.
Armand TraoreTottenham 1-1 PortsmouthSunday, January 18.Armand Traore helped Portsmouth grab an important point at Tottenham on Sunday. Playing as usual on the left wing, the Frenchman was one of the visitors’ best attacking outlets in the first half. But his most important contribution in the 90 minutes was to create Portsmouth’s goal on the hour. Traore’s cross-field run set up David Nugent, whose long-range shot found the corner of the net via a deflection. Jermain Defoe equalised 10 minutes later but the draw helped Tony Adams’ side rise to 12th in the Premier League table.
Jay SimpsonWest Brom 3-0 MiddlesbroughSaturday, January 17.West Brom roared to a welcome 3-0 victory over Middlesbrough on Saturday. On-loan striker Jay Simpson did not get on the scoresheet but he was at the heart of the Baggies’ attack before being replaced on 77 minutes by Luke Moore. His best opportunity came in the 27th minute when Simpson was sent clear with only Ross Turnbull to beat. However the Boro keeper stood his ground and made a fine save as the West Brom striker tried to dart around him. West Brom’s goals came from Chris Brunt and a brace by Robert Koren. However they remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier League.
Gavin HoyteWatford 0-2 Sheffield UnitedSaturday, January 17.Gavin Hoyte featured for Watford in a disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to Sheffield United. The right back played the full game but could do little to prevent second–half goals Danny Webber and Claude Henderson ensuring all three points went north. Watford are one place above the drop zone in the Championship and have a fight on their hands to stay up.
Nacer BaraziteDerby County 0-2 QPRSaturday, January 17.Nacer Barazite came on for the last 20 minutes in Derby’s 2-0 defeat against QPR on Saturday. Nigel Clough’s reign at Pride Park start in ignominious fashion as they fell behind to goals from Wayne Routledge and Mikele Leigertwood inside the first 36 minutes. The on-loan Dutch striker could do little to change that. Derby are fifth from bottom in The Championship.
Philippe SenderosAC Milan 1-0 FiorentinaSaturday, January 17.Philippe Senderos replaced David Beckham for the final nine minutes of Milan’s 1-0 win over Fiorentina at the San Siro. It was the defender’s first appearance for the Rossoneri since December 17. Milan are third and now six points off leaders Inter after Jose Mourinho’s side surprisingly lost 3-1 at home to Atalanta on Sunday.
Pedro BotelhoUD Salamanca 2-3 MurciaSaturday, January 17.Pedro Botelho could not prevent Salamanca going down to a costly 3-2 defeat at home to struggling Murcia on Saturday. The Brazilian midfielder played a full 90 minutes as the Spanish Segunda Division team came from behind to lead 2-1 with an hour gone. But the visitors equalised five minutes later and won the game with three minutes left. Salamanca dropped to sixth as a result but are still just two points adrift of leaders Xerez.
Abu OgogoBarnet 1-1 Dagenham & RedbridgeSaturday, January 17.Abu Ogogo missed Barnet’s 1-1 draw with Dagenham due to a stomach muscle injury.