Arsenal
Arsenal Player Ratings vs Newcastle United + Match Highlights
Arsenal Player ratings against Newcastle United
Giroud helps Arsenal to go top again
Olivier Giroud’s crisp flicked header from a well taken Theo Walcott free kick ensured Arsenal to end the year on a high note and move to the top of the table. The encounter at Sports Direct Arena would always be a tough encounter for the Gunners but Arsene Wenger’s boys made sure they came back with full three points in their kitty. Here is Soccersouls’ very own player ratings for Arsenal from Tyneside
Wojciech Szczesny: Made a fantastic save from Sissoko’s pile-driver at the end of the first half. The Pole did make two saves in the last forty five minutes but could have so easily conceded from Debuchy’s looping header just before the first half ended. All in all he got what he perhaps warranted out of him, a massive clean sheet.
Rating: 2.5/5
Tyneside The young left back did great in going forward but was caught time and again by Debuchy’s and Sissoko’s incisive runs behind the back of the defence. Struggled throughout the second half before he was understandably substituted.
Rating: 2/5
Bacary Sagna: Not great but a determined performance from the Frenchman which didn’t allow Newcastle any space on the right. He must improve his crossing and balance on the ball to provide more attacking threat from his overall play.
Rating: 2.5/5
Laurent Koscielny: Spent most of the match being dragged on the left to help out Gibbs on the left, but was effective and instrumental for Arsenal’s full three points in a tough encounter.
Rating: 2.5/5
Per Mertesacker: Much like his central defensive team mate Koscielny was assured at the back at intercepting and tackling the Newcastle front line to keep Loic Remy quiet throughout the encounter.
Rating: 2.5/5
Mathieu Flamini: Did nothing great but made sure he assisted Gibbs on the left to deal with the home side’s threat from that flank. He later played in the left back role himself after Gibbs was substituted in the second half.
Rating: 2.5/5
Thomas Rosicky: Tremendous work rate from the Czech international. Not offensively, but he kept on pressing the home side throughout the game.
Rating: 3/5 (Man of the Match)
Jack Wilshere: Came back after a two match ban and was given the role to control the game from a deeper position than expected. Did okay but was out muscled by strong Newcastle midfield at times.
Rating: 2.5/5
Santi Cazorla: Not a great game for the Spaniard and lacked much of his cutting edge and running forays in the opposition half.
Rating: 2/5
The Walcott: Yet another assist for the Englishman for a clever and well taken free kick for Giroud to slot home. Walcott did look lost thanks to Davide Santon for much of the time but at the end did his job perhaps.
Rating: 2.5/5
Olivier Giroud: Scored the winner and ensured Arsenal returned home with three points in their kitty. I would say he had a mixed affair after being isolated time and again in the first half. Decent performance overall but as they say, football is a great leveller sometimes. Giroud will have a tight sleep tonight.
Rating: 2.5/5
Match Highlights
newhlt by arsenalist
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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