Arsenal
Arsenal FC – Using The Squad Depth Is Crucial
Few would have predicted this start to Arsenal’s campaign, particularly after the farcical season opener against Aston Villa, where the Gunners were beaten 3-1 on their own turf.
A lot of fans will point to referee Anthony Taylor’s shocking performance, but clearly Arsenal were in disarray having offloaded multiple players and brought in nobody except rookie striker Yaya Sanogo, thus leaving the squad in a paper-thin state. Thankfully reinforcements were gradually brought in. Mathieu Flamini returned to the club on a free, goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano signed on loan and, of course, on deadline day, Arsenal obliterated their transfer record by bringing in German star Mesut Özil.
Whilst the Gunners had beaten Fulham and Tottenham, and seen off Fenerbahçe in the Champions League before the 25-year-old’s arrival from Real Madrid, it’s impossible to underestimate ‘the Özil effect.’ Not only is he the genuine match winner blessed with individual brilliance the club have lacked since the departures of Robin van Persie and Cesc Fàbregas, but he has an intangible impact on the team as a whole.
The most glaring difference between this Arsenal side and the ones of old – and by old I mean the last eight years, a sad indictment of the kind of short-termism that is prevalent in football nowadays – is simply confidence. Arsène Wenger’s side have almost become synonymous with being ‘mentally weak,’ despite the manager’s quips to the contrary, with the tendency of not fulfilling their true potential.
But players like Wojciech Szczesny, Per Mertesacker, Olivier Giroud and, most prominently of course, Aaron Ramsey, have emerged from the relative shadows of mainstream obscurity and turned in consistently brilliant performances. Whilst it would be excessive to apportion all praise to Özil, he has undeniably lifted the team with his presence and ensured his teammates raise their game to levels that looked far from feasible even 12 months ago.
They’ve beaten Liverpool, Napoli and Borussia Dortmund this season, so evidently their first XI is capable of being a match for anyone. But Gunners fans would have argued that was the case in previous years as well, with scalps over Barcelona and Bayern Munich suggesting Arsenal have always been able to be as good as they want. That aforementioned lack of belief, along with multiple injuries, has been the team’s Achilles heel for far too long.
However, this time around, there appears to be a bit more depth to the Arsenal squad. Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas Podolski have all missed large parts of this season, and whilst their direct play has often been missed, results haven’t suffered as a result of their absence. With three massive games approaching in the next fortnight, against Napoli, Manchester City and Chelsea, using the squad efficiently is the key to ensuring whether Arsenal really are in this for the long haul.
For the first time this year, really, Wenger tinkered with his squad against Hull City, bringing in Flamini, Tomas Rosicky, Nacho Monreal and Nicklas Bendtner for first-team regulars Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and Giroud. Truth be told, it was a comfortable win for Arsenal and whilst Hull are by no means going to be the toughest opponents they’ll face this season, it was a positive that rotation can take place without compromising results.
Bendtner, who, believe it or not, is actually a very competent footballer opened the scoring in that game, and whilst supporters will obviously be hoping for another striker to come in during the January transfer window, he represents a reasonable alternative to the impressive Giroud. His international record for Denmark pays testament to that and, as far as I’m concerned, the problem has always been his attitude. If he’s got his head screwed on, and gives nothing less than 100% when called upon, I see no reason why he can’t be an important asset to this Arsenal side.
Thomas Vermaelen, despite some critics, is still a very good defender and will probably be brought in at some point to give one of Mertesacker, or his partner in crime, Laurent Koscielny, a well-earned breather, whilst Gibbs and Monreal will continue to be rotated throughout the season. I’d struggle to name a team in the world that rivals Arsenal for depth in that left-back position.
It is of course crucial to find the balance between giving players a break, and disrupting the team too much, and it’s particularly delicate when playing teams like Manchester City and Chelsea, who Arsenal have struggled against in recent years. The respective returns of Walcott and Podolski will come as a huge boost as we enter a vital stage of the season. Whether Wenger can efficiently manage his squad during this period will be the real test of his side’s title credentials.
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.
Arsenal
Eni Aluko Responds to Laura Woods’ Damning Comments With Long Statement as Ian Wright Row Continues
Eni Aluko has responded to a lengthy social media thread from Laura Woods amid the ongoing controversy surrounding her feud with Ian Wright. Aluko caused outrage in 2025 when she accused Wright of blocking opportunities for female pundits, and she has reaffirmed her stance this week.
The former England international, who represented the Lionesses 105 times during her career, bemoaned the fact that two men, Wright and Nedum Onuoha, were on the punditry panel for the Women’s Euro 2025 final. This reignited a debate that many thought had been settled months ago.
Woods Pushes Back on Caps Argument
Woods took to social media on Monday morning to post a long thread explaining that caps don’t win automatic work. That comment came after Aluko pointed out she was sitting in the stands of last year’s final next to Fara Williams, who has 172 England caps.
The TNT Sports presenter added, “The women’s game should be by women for women is one of the most damaging phrases I’ve heard. It will not only drag women’s sport backwards, it will drag women’s punditry in all forms of the game backwards.” This is a fair point from Woods, who has built her career on merit rather than relying on playing credentials.
Aluko Stands Firm on Position
Responding to Woods, with whom she has worked previously, the 38 year old stated, “I respect Laura’s opinion as I have always done. I believe that women’s football should prioritise women as the faces of the sport. I think women should be the dominant force in the women’s game in the same way that men are the dominant force in the men’s game.”
Aluko also slammed Wright for declining her attempted apology last year. “When I apologised to Ian Wright publicly and privately, he had an opportunity to show grace. Unfortunately my sincerity, my humility, was met with disrespect.” This ongoing feud shows no signs of ending anytime soon.
Also read: London City Lionesses vs. Everton Women: Predicted Lineups + Match Preview
Arsenal‘s 2-1 win over Brighton on December 27 revealed three critical truths about their title challenge and season trajectory heading into the final stretch.
The Gunners showed resilience but exposed defensive vulnerabilities that could prove catastrophic against Manchester City. Martin Odegaard’s clinical finishing and Brighton’s own goal masked deeper problems within Arsenal’s structure. Mikel Arteta’s men survived because Brighton lacked quality, not because Arsenal dominated.
Arsenal’s Defensive Fragility Remains Their Achilles Heel
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s nervous display highlighted Arsenal’s defensive depth concerns. The young left-back was withdrawn after 67 minutes with Arteta forced to shift Piero Hincapie left and introduce Gabriel Magalhaes. Brighton created legitimate chances through Yasin Ayari and Yankuba Minteh, with the latter forcing a world-class David Raya save in the 89th minute.
Manchester City will punish these defensive lapses ruthlessly. William Saliba appeared uncomfortable throughout, and Lewis-Skelly’s inexperience showed repeatedly. Arsenal need Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori back to full fitness immediately. Without consistent defensive solidity, no amount of Odegaard brilliance secures the title.
Fortuitous Circumstances Carried Arsenal Rather Than Merit
Georginio Rutter’s own goal proved the difference in reality. Arsenal should have been 2 to 0 up at half-time with multiple clear chances. Martin Zubimendi had a guilt-edge header saved by Bart Verbruggen. Leandro Trossard fired wide from close range.
The hosts never played at optimum level despite dominating possession. Brighton grew into the game after half-time and genuinely threatened. The narrative of Arsenal’s unstoppable form crumbles when examining performance metrics. They’re winning tightly contested matches through individual moments rather than systematic dominance.
Gyokeres Still Needs Time to Adjust
Viktor Gyokeres had a sloppy opening 45 minutes according to GOAL’s ratings. The Swedish summer signing is struggling to find rhythm in Arsenal’s system. His involvement in link up play remains pedestrian.
Arsenal invested heavily in Gyokeres expecting elite performance immediately. Instead they’re watching a player adapting to new surroundings without consistent output. Against City’s defensive intensity, Gyokeres cannot afford settling in periods. Arsenal need him sharp now, not eventually.
Also read: Opta Supercomputer Predicts Arsenal’s Upcoming Fixture Against Brighton
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