Arsenal
Arsenal FC – Do They Need A New Striker?
Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with victory at West Ham yesterday, playing some of the best football they’ve exhibited all season.
Mesut Özil and Santi Cazorla, arguably for the first time this year, dovetailed to devastating effect, swashbuckling their way across the Upton Park turf effortlessly, twisting, turning and exchanging the kind of creative passing with which they’ve both become synonymous. By full-time, if the West Ham defence were a component of your traditional Christmas dinner, they’d be the potatoes: roasted. Last lame seasonal pun, I promise.
It’s certainly a prospect for Gunners fans to savour in the remaining months of the campaign. In terms of aesthetics, they are undoubtedly two of the best players in the league – there are few more glorious sites than the German gliding past an opponent with a deceptive turn of pace, or his Spanish counterpart shifting the ball between those ambidextrous feet of his.
With Özil and Cazorla playing that well, it wasn’t surprising that Arsenal created dozens of chances, perhaps more so the fact that they only put three of them away. The finger of blame was largely pointed in the direction of Olivier Giroud, who is in the midst of whatever the opposite of a purple patch may be, having not scored in his last seven outings.
Giroud failed to get on the end of three menacing crosses from his various comrades and missed a one-on-one opportunity which was just as inviting as the chance he missed late on against Chelsea at the Emirates on Monday night. He seems to be completely unable to accurately strike the ball across goal, as strikers are told to do from a young age, and it won’t be long before his profligacy in such situations costs his side points.
That’s not to say he’s the archetypal footballing donkey. Giroud is a superb all-round player, and the target man Arsenal have lacked since heaven knows when. In the entire Arsène Wenger era, the Gunners have never possessed a forward as dominant in the air, good at holding the ball up or selfless in bringing his on-rushing teammates into play. The third goal against West Ham owed a lot to his work in the box and he seems to have some kind of impact in every game.
The general consensus seems to be that Giroud is ‘good,’ but not ‘title-winning good.’ He squandered good opportunities at crucial stages in his last two games. I’d put my shabby student house on Sergio Agüero, Luis Suárez and Robin van Persie absolutely gobbling up said chances without breaking so much as a sweat. That’s the difference between an above-average frontman, and a top-bracket striker that wins you trophies.
Lukas Podolski came off the bench and emphatically showed his teammate how finishing should be done, leathering a low strike into the far corner with his famous hammer of a left limb. Likewise, despite being effectively nullified by Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta, Theo Walcott has impressed since returning to the side, his brace yesterday coming on the back of two more goals at the Etihad a fortnight or so ago. With Giroud misfiring, there is unsurprisingly a clamour for both Podolski and Walcott to be given a go through the middle, in what they would probably describe as their preferred position.
However, Podolski has flattered to deceive when played in a central role. His movement is perhaps not sophisticated enough and he has often found himself completely cut out of the game. Walcott has fared a little better when deployed there, but anyone who watches him regularly enough knows that his runs from out-to-in are as good as those of any player in world football, and it would be a real shame to dispose of that asset to Arsenal’s, err arsenal, particularly with the aforementioned cultured likes of Cazorla and Özil delicately threading balls in behind the opposition defence.
That then leaves the option of either keeping faith in Giroud, or bringing in another striker in January. I think every man and his dog within a ten mile radius of Ashburton Grove would be in favour of the latter but that is of course far easier said than done. There will be precious few top class strikers on the market next month, let alone those that aren’t cup-tied for the Champions League or carrying a hefty price tag.
Diego Costa has been earmarked as a possible target, but, whilst I’d argue any striker would be licking their lips at the prospect of being supplied by Arsenal’s midfield, quite why would Costa leave Atlético, whose stock could hardly be any higher? Or indeed why would they sell?
I for one cannot see a striker coming in, despite the need for one. I’m sure Giroud’s shooting boots will be even harder to find amongst the inevitable post-Christmas tsunami of boxes and wrapping paper, but he’ll need to do so, as Arsenal’s fate could well indeed rest on him improving his efficiency in front of goal.
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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