Arsene Wenger and Arsenal’s misery has been fuelled by the Sunderland team last time out as the black cats held the gunners for a goalless draw in the stadium of light.
Well, the titles has been lost but, look at the bright side. Arsenal got a star in making; I’m talking about the Nigerian wonderboy Alex Iwobi who was seen at the latter part of the league and boy, he took the league by storm. Apart from Iwobi, Arsenal’s fans witnessed some great performances of the Egyptian star Elneny. No one would have thought that the player would adapt to the nature of the premier league, but look how he is performing alongside Francis Coquelin.
Well, Sir Alex Ferguson had some doubts over Coquelin after his horrendous debut match against Manchester United in the team’s 8-2 defeat and he also had a tough time to settle down in the team but he came back well and now he is the main holding force in the Arsenal’s midfield.
He has brought balance to the team and I can’t be wrong saying that Arsenal plays well when he is in the team. He is not the trickiest player on the field but, he knows how to struggle for the ball to win it back and hence, he is way above his compatriots (Flamini and Arteta) in terms of the tackles per 90 minutes.
On the other hand, we have the Swiss international Granit Xhaka who has been constantly linked with Arsenal for a potential transfer. He is not a marquee but, he is a star for the future. His ability to deliver pinpoint long diagonals is amazing and the 23-year-old will soon be replacing Gokhan Inler to become the captain of the Swiss side. He is improving overtimes but he needs to work on his temper as he already has 3 red cards to his name this season. Just like Coquelin, he is not the fastest player on the pitch but, teaming him up with Coquelin will give Arsenal a new defensive dimension.
Both the players are important to their teams and here, we will be trying to figure it out that who amongst both had a better season-
Xhaka vs Coquelin-
For the starters, Xhaka has 25 league appearances to his name while Coquelin has 23. In their number of appearances, Xhaka has played 21 full games and has been substituted in 4. Coquelin, on the other hand, has played just 12 full games and has been substituted in 8, and came on as a substitute in 3 games.
In their respective number of appearances, Xhaka has scored 3 goals this term for the club while, Coquelin hasn’t scored any. Xhaka has created 16 chances but has no assist to his name. Furthermore, The French star has created 4 chances and has no assist either.
Looking at their performance, Xhaka has been named as the man of the match twice this season and been named as the top man in the team for 4 times. Coquelin, on the other hand, has also been named as the man of the match twice and the top man in the team thrice.
Xhaka possesses an average passing accuracy of 85% which is an impressive number and has completed 1673 numbers of passes in which 81% were the forward passes. Furthermore, Coquelin has an average passing accuracy of 89% and has completed 908 passes in which 69% were the forward passes.
Now, talking about the defensive aspect of the game, Coquelin is easily ahead of Xhaka as he has won 56% of his duels. The French star has succeeded in 28 out of his 33 take ons. He has committed 46 fouls but, has won 18 out of his 33 headed duels. The Swiss star, on the other hand, has won 49% of his duels. He has succeeded in his 23 out of 28 take ons. He has committed 110 fouls this season and has won 84 out of his 151 headed duels.
Xhaka averages 5 defensive actions per game including blocks, interceptions and clearances while, Coquelin averages 4 defensive actions. Xhaka possesses a great passing length as he averages a passing length of 20m and has delivered 42 long balls this season. Coquelin, on the other hand, has an average passing length of 16m and has delivered 41 long balls.
That was a tough call to make but, as I’ve to announce a winner; I’d say Xhaka will take the all three points this time.
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
Arsenal Dragon
Update Given Following Arsenal Injury Scare as Olivia Smith Discharged From Hospital After Being Stretchered Off During FA Cup Win Over Bristol City
Arsenal star Olivia Smith has been discharged from hospital after being stretchered off the field during their Women’s FA Cup game against Bristol City. The forward, who joined the Gunners in the summer, played just under an hour before being forced off with pictures showing a neck brace around the 21 year old at Meadow Park.
This was a worrying moment for Arsenal supporters watching on Sunday afternoon. The Canadian international went down, receiving lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher as a precaution. Thankfully, the injury appears to be far less serious than initially feared.
Left Hospital Yesterday Evening
According to Arsenal reporter Tim Stillman, Olivia Smith left the hospital yesterday evening after tests were run and will return to be assessed this week ahead of the March international break. This is brilliant news for Arsenal, who cannot afford to lose Smith for any length of time, given her importance to the team.
It is believed that her involvement with Canada is still up in the air, with the Canucks facing a triple header of friendlies against Colombia, Argentina, and the United States over the coming two weeks. Arsenal’s next match sees them face London City Lionesses in mid March.
Big Boost for Champions League Hopes
With no video available for Arsenal’s cup game against Bristol City, there was huge concern surrounding Smith’s condition for those unable to attend the game at Meadow Park. Thankfully, what seemed initially to be a severe injury has turned out to be a fairly minor incident.
While Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo are both more than capable options to lead the line, it has been Smith who has been Renee Slegers’ favoured choice and proven to be a brilliant signing since her arrival from Liverpool. Having Smith likely available for both legs of the Chelsea Champions League quarter final is a massive boost for Arsenal’s hopes of retaining their European crown.
Arsenal
Arsenal Star Named WSL Player of the Month for January as Midfielder Continues Outstanding Form Following 400th Appearance Milestone
Kim Little has been named January’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month, recognition that follows her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The captain has made an outstanding start to 2026, completing every minute in the WSL and helping secure two clean sheets and four points from fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Little drove the midfield against United in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium and was again pivotal in the disciplined defensive display at Stamford Bridge that delivered that historic 2-0 win over the Blues. This is absolutely deserved recognition for one of Arsenal’s most influential players, who continues to perform at the highest level despite being 35 years old.
400th Appearance Came in Belgium
Little’s landmark 400th appearance came in Belgium as Arsenal won 4-0 at OH Leuven to close in on a Champions League London derby with Chelsea. The Scottish playmaker came on as a second half substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Olivia Smith, to reach 400 appearances.
This achievement is even more notable given the time she spent playing in the USA and Australia during her career. Little has become one of the defining figures of the modern Arsenal era, establishing herself as an absolute legend at the club.
Chelsea Awaits in Champions League Quarterfinals
Provided nothing dramatic unfolds at Meadow Park next week, Chelsea awaits in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and are overwhelming favorites to progress to a mouth watering London derby in the last eight.
Little will be central to Arsenal’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown, with the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities proving invaluable during the knockout stages of major competitions. Her consistent performances continue to set the standard for everyone around her.
- Liverpool14 years ago
Raheem Sterling Age 17 Kids 3 Women 2
- Arsenal13 years ago
Etienne Capoue To Become An Arsenal Player In Summer
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Defender Nacho Monreal Doesn’t Agree The Direction The Club Is Going.
- Arsenal13 years ago
Robin van Persie wants to move back to Arsenal
- Arsenal13 years ago
Report: Arsenal Could Sign A Striker Next Week
- Headlines13 years ago
Manchester United Preparing A (Javier Hernandez + De Gea + 55 Million) Bid For Ronaldo
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Planning To Bring In ‘Next Fabregas’
- Headlines13 years ago
Three Reasons Why Manchester United Must Sign This “Next Vidic”