Arsenal
6 Surprising Players To Play In The Premier League This Season
So the transfer window has finally closed, but not without some late dramas (Yes am talking about Mesut Ozil to Arsena). While Fellaini secured a last minute deal to Manchester United, the deals for Fabio Coentrao and Ander Herrera could not be completed for lack of time. Surprisingly Chelsea off loaded striker Lukaku and he joined Everton on a season long loan. But throughout the transfer seasons we have seen a number of players to come into this league we could not have imagined before the window started. Let us take a look at few such players who were not expected to feature in Premier League, but whom we would see in action from this season onwards plying their trade in England.
Mesut Ozil
Definitely the surprise of the season. Arsenal fans still have to pinch themselves to believe that Ozil will play for them. A deal that was being processed for a long time, but was kept under the wraps very shrewdly, the first news of Ozil being linked to Arsenal came as a bolt from the blue as soon as Bale was unveiled at the Bernabeu. An extremely talented midfielder, at the prime of his career, no one expected Real to sell off Ozil so easily. But with Bale and Isco now in the team, Ozil was seen as surplus to the needs and Arsenal found their marquee signing in him. A record deal for the club, he is worth every penny of his £42.5m price. The fans would now like to believe that he has the same effect that he had on Real last season and again make Arsenal the team they were during the times of Henry and Bergkamp.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxK4cIrjsU0
Willian
Willian’s transfer to Chelsea can only be called drama at its best. When Anzhi decided to offload their star players for financial reasons, Willian initially attracted interests from Liverpool, which was unexpected even a month ago. But then Spurs threw all their weight and their Bale money behind Willian and hijacked Willian from under Liverpool’s noses, only to be given the taste of their own medicine by Chelsea. But much ado, Willian finally settled for Chelsea who paid as much as £30m for him. A decent deal for Chelsea, provided they utilize him well amid their galaxy of stars.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exo5oEy1uMw
Samuel Eto’o
Chelsea’s surprise package did not end with Willian only as they secured a deal for another of Anzhi star, Samuel Eto’o. The Cameroonian, who was one of the premier strikers during his time, had previously tasted success in other high profile leagues like Serie A and La Liga. But never had he considered playing in England, and if not for Chelsea, it would have been unthinkable of even now. The fact that he had served under Mourinho at Inter helped the cause and now Premier League fans can boast of a top striker playing in their league, albeit past his prime.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFxnacrCkeM
Mamadou Sakho
A brilliant transfer by Liverpool to say the least. Sakho is one of the most promising centre backs at the moment and when you have clubs like Barcelona wanting a player, you would hardly put your money on any clubs from Premier League, not to say the least fancied Liverpool. But Brendan Rodgers could successfully convince the PSG man to make a switch to Liverpool. The 23 year old will now feature for the Reds and hopefully render them services for a long time to come.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1csKtAOAT8
Pablo Osvaldo
No one would have imagined that Southampton could attract a top player from AS Roma, but then such has been the inconsistency of the transfer season. Osvaldo had finished last season with 16 goals behind his name, but this term the club had sold him to Southampton of all clubs for a fee of €15.1. Southampton have improved a lot under new manager Mauricio Pochettino from last season and their capability to bring in the 27 year old Italian striker validates that.
Maarten Stekelenburg
Fulham have certainly turned some heads when they announced that Stekelenburg would be joining them from Roma this season. One of the most consistent shot-stoppers, this deal was out of nowhere and the Fulham faithful could not mask their delight. Stekelenburg joining the Premier League would go on to improve the standard of goalkeeping in the league and thus this deal would have even further implications than perceived to be.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjXGbvPRdU8
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.
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