Arsenal
Arsenal vs Malaysia All Stars – Match Report
Arsenal score two late goals with Thomas Eisfield and Chukwuemeka Aneke scoring a brace each to help Arsenal avoid a defeat against a Malaysia All Stars team as they won 2-1.
Arsene Wenger felt the opening match of Arsenal’s tour was a “good workout” after watching his side come from behind to beat a Malaysia XI 2-1 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Mohd Azmi Muslim had fired the hosts ahead with a fine 30-yard strike in first-half stoppage time. Wenger made the expected sweeping changes for the second half and, after missing several chances, the Gunners leveled with just four minutes left through 19-year-old German midfielder Thomas Eisfeld, then snatched victory when Benik Afobe’s shot was deflected in.
“We played two sides and I felt both did well. The first half was played at a high pace and overall it was a good workout for us against a good Malaysian team”, Wenger told a post-match press conference, published on www.arsenal.com. “Every year they play faster, quicker and stronger. We had to be patient to win the game, but the result was less important than the workout.”, he said.
“We got the quality of the game we wanted and that is very positive, and we got through it without any injuries.”
Positives
For all the criticism thrown at him, Diaby showed he is not all washed up and is ready to fight for a place in the team. Abou Diaby and Gervinho combined together well in periods during the first half, as did Kieran Gibbs and Andre Santos. And in the second period with Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, Miyaichi and Walcott in the pitch, there was a change in things and walcott looked rough.
The future as always looks bright for Arsenal. Youngsters like Eisfield, Aneke, Nico Yennaris, and Ryo Miyaichi all were lively and are ready to fight for a place in the Arsenal first team. Defensively Vermaelen as always looked good and sharp, Djourou had a decent run in and Gibbs showed some decent form.
Negatives
Arsenal did not really create many chances as Arsene Wenger would have liked. It can be accepted that the young team still needs to adjust but there was a spark that was missing which would have made the difference.
Even though Gervinho showed some good touch up front, Chamakh was disappointing. He is surely not what Arsenal need and has to be replaced. With Rvp’s situation still not cleared which would leave Giroud as the only recognized center forward.
Overall Verdict
This Arsenal side cannot be assessed for the season until it begins but the future seems to be promising with the youngsters performing admirably. As far as this match goes, it was a little disappointing. We will have to wait till the end of the transfer market to look who Wenger brings in. There are a few positions that still need new players who can make some difference in Arsenal.
Arsenal now head to Beijing, where they will play Barclays Premier League champions Manchester City in the Bird’s Nest Stadium on Friday. Wenger admits there is still “some work to do” as pre-season steps up into full gear.
He concluded, “Overall we still have some tactical work to do and some physical training too, but don’t forget that some players have only had two or three days training. Some others have only had a maximum of seven or eight so physically we are far from what we can produce.”
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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