Arsenal
Arsenal FC – A Disappointing Week
Last week I talked about the importance of Arsenal using the depth in their squad, and Arsène Wenger was clearly reading as he shuffled his pack in two of the biggest games in his side’s season.
The loss to Napoli was disappointing but not hugely surprising – Arsenal are somewhat notorious for taking their foot off the gas in the sixth group game, even when there is plenty to play for, like there was on Wednesday night. To be fair to the players, it’s difficult to be 100% focused mentally in games like these when you’re almost certainly through, as teams like Bayern Munich and AC Milan have discovered, when they very nearly let commanding first leg leads against the Gunners slip.
But the manner of the defeat was desperately poor, as was the sending off of Mikel Arteta, which of course means he will miss the first leg of their next Champions League game. Arsenal fans probably would have ripped your arm off for 12 points and second place in that group when the draw was made, but it’s hard not to feel frustrated when a draw in Italy, or another goal for Marseille against Borussia Dortmund, would have been enough to finish top.
As a result, the Gunners faced a pretty horrible list of possible draws for the knockout round, and were eventually pit against Bayern again on Monday. A look at Chelsea and Manchester United, who drew Galatasaray and Olympiacos respectively, is all the proof that’s needed to appreciate how important it is to top your group.
As relentlessly brilliant as the Germans are, however, there’s no reason why Arsenal can’t give them a proper game, or even progress themselves. The Gunners were knocked out merely on goal difference last time around, and the addition of Mesut Özil alone means they’re a far more dangerous side than they were 12 months ago.
I still expect Arsenal to be eliminated and, as much as you want to stay in the Champions League, being knocked out may well be a blessing. The suggestion that the competition is something of a distraction from domestic duties is not so much a myth, as a genuine argument. The two things often are mutually exclusive. Of course Manchester United have shown that you can win both but it’s exceptionally difficult. Chelsea’s glory in 2012 was massively to the detriment of their league form as they finished 6th in the table. Similarly, I doubt it’s coincidence that Arsenal’s form in the two campaigns prior to this only really picked up once they were knocked out of the Champions League.
The difference between this season and those of course, is that Arsenal have not had a woeful start that has ruled them out of the title race, but instead, they’re top and looking to be contenders in the long haul. The lack of a continental distraction, especially if fellow title rivals Chelsea and Manchester City are engaged in energy-sapping European games, could prove to be crucial.
Jumping from the future, back to the past, on Saturday, perhaps Wenger’s biggest change to the line-up was bringing in Nacho Monreal. The decision looked to have been a good one before the game, as the Spanish full-back had impressed when called upon in recent weeks, but, truth be told, Monreal had something of a nightmare, particularly when Jesús Navas came on and gave him a very seasonal roasting.
Not to apportion all blame in his direction of course. Jack Wilshere, deployed ahead of Monreal on the left flank, was woeful, and Mathieu Flamini was not much better as he was completely overrun by the sensational power of City’s Fernandinho and Yaya Touré. After initially being heralded by press and fans alike as Arsenal’s great defensive saviour, his limitations are becoming a tad more apparent and criticism is increasing with each passing game. For a lot of supporters though, the City game seemed to be something of a watershed moment. Flamini should definitely start packing away those Hawaiian shirts and board his plane out of the Maldives because it seems the Honeymoon period is well and truly over.
Some of the comments I’ve seen about Flamini in the last few days, however, have been extraordinarily excessive, and it’s symptomatic of this reactionary, hyperbolic attitude around football nowadays that just won’t seem to go away. Is Flamini Claude Makelele reincarnated? No. Is he a terrible player that should be nowhere near the Arsenal line-up? No. The truth, as always, is somewhere in between.
Despite those poor individual performances and the harrowing scoreline, though, there were positives to be taken from the City game. Özil, whilst generally fairly quiet, always seems to make some sort of impact, and he’s going to be so crucial for Arsenal in these big matches. Theo Walcott is back and firing and will also have a huge part to play in the second half of the season if he stays fit. And I don’t think anyone will go to the Etihad and put the ball in their net five times for a very long time.
The weekend’s results put a lot of pressure on Monday’s game against Chelsea, though. Calling it must-win would be excessive, but we really will have a far greater idea of Arsenal’s title credentials by about 10pm that evening.
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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