Arsenal
Arsenal Player Ratings vs Fulham – Insurance At The Top
Santi Cazorla’s brace was enough to give Arsenal yet another win at home against Fulham as the Gunners overcame a sluggish first half performance to keep the pace at the top of the table. This was Arsenal’s fifth win in a row, as they now approach every game with more confidence and lay claim to their Championship credentials.
Here are Arsenal’s player ratings from the Emirates.
Wojciech Szczesny: The Polish Goalkeeper was absolutely outstanding in the first half. Szczesny was always alert to the danger and denied Sidwell a wonder goal to muster yet another clean sheet in his hundredth appearance for the Gunners.
Rating: 3/5
Nacho Monreal: Has improved a lot, this match was certainly a testament that the Spaniard will give Kieran Gibbs a run for his money in the coming weeks.
Rating: 3/5
Per Mertesacker: The German has certainly transformed into a true leader and once again demonstrated how he can lead the defence with Frenchman Laurent Koscielny. Mertesacker, at the heart of the Gunners defence played an integral part to keep up the pressure on the travelling Cottagers. Although, his pace has been targeted by few over head balls, the German makes up with his positioning and awareness around the box.
Rating: 3/5
Laurent Koscielny: The Frenchman has been immense for the last two campaigns and is certainly one of the best defenders in the Premier League. Nipped in time and again to deny Fulham any space and on countless occasions dealt with the dangers.
Rating: 3/5
Bacary Sagna: Barged forward time and again with his attacking instincts and was unlucky not to score as Stklenberg denied him from the edge of the box. Was good at the back as well demonstrating his recovering abilities.
Rating: 2.5/5
Mathieu Flamini: Steel like in front of his defence, acted as a screen to enable the home side another clean sheet. Was great in disrupting Fulham’s flow and his abilities of retaining the ball is beyond words.
Rating: 2.5/5
Jack Wilshere: The young Englishamn has now been directly involved in four goals in his last three premier league games with one goal and three assists. That’s some streak. However, Wilshere needs to track back as he unnecessarily puts his midfield partner in pressure in getting possession back for his side. Overall got an assist again and his maturity with each passing game is beyond his years.
Rating: 3/5
Mesut Ozil: Not a great game for the German who looked lost, passed sideways too much for his team’s liking. Was replaced by Oxlade Chamberlain late in the second half, which just sums up his match performance.
Rating: 2/5
Santi Cazorla: Brilliant throughout the game and dazzled throughout the entire ninety minutes. The Spaniard covered every blade of grass today and going by stats, created the most chances (5) and scored both goals. Moreover had a hundred percent successful passing range and take ons.
Rating: 4/5
Sergie Gnabry: Displayed remarkable on the ball skills, something which a teenager (18) should be proud of. Had a great game throughout and was equally good attacking and taking on the defenders. However, he has to improve his decision making abilities in the final third and should put his head down for a session of target shooting.
Rating: 3/5
Olivier Giroud: Not a great game for the Frenchman, had plenty of flaws and perhaps with Arsenal not signing a striker, Giroud has taken his starting place for granted, which is always dangerous when you are in the title race.
Rating: 2/5
Watch the highlights here:
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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