Arsenal
Where are they now: Arsene Wenger’s final Arsenal XI?
It’s been over 6 years since Arsene Wenger left Arsenal after over two decades – with an everlasting legacy. However, the team he managed towards the end of his managerial career was nowhere near how strong it was in the early 2000s. Having dropped out of the top 4 for the first time in almost 20 years in 2017, Wenger’s final season, 2017/18 was a misery as well.
Arsenal finished 6th, their worst finish in the century, having struggled almost like a relegation-threatened team away from home. While they were nearly as strong as the centurions – Manchester City at home, they were utterly dismal on the road.
On the 13th of May, 2018, Wenger walked out for the final time in his Arsenal and eventually his managerial career. Here is a look into the team he fielded and where those players are now.
Goalkeeper – David Ospina
David Ospina left the club the same year to Napoli, although on loan. He then joined the Italian side in 2019 for a three-year contract, and was quite a regular starter for them. Ospina then joined Saudi side Al Nassr, before moving to Colombian club Atletico Nacional in 2024, where he currently plays.
RB – Hector Bellerin
The loyal Hector Bellerin was a part of the side until 2021, before leaving to Real Betis on loan for the 2021-22 season. He finally left Arsenal in 2022, and joined Barcelona, where he played for a year, hardly getting any appearances. He now plays for Real Betis, whom he joined in 2023 after a short stint at Sporting CP.
CB – Shkodran Mustafi
The not-so fan-favorite Shkodran Mustafi never really got going after leaving Arsenal in 2021. The German left for Schalke 04 in 2021, before moving to Levante the same year, where he played for 2 years. Finally, in June 2024, Mustafi announced his retirement, at only 32 years of age.
CB – Rob Holding
Rob Holding was a part of Arsenal until 2023. In fact, he even started quite a lot of games under current manager Mikel Arteta. He now plays for Crystal Palace.
LB – Sead Kolasinac
The burly Bosnian played for the club until 2021, before leaving to Schalke 04 on loan. His full exit from the club came only in 2022 when he moved to Marseille. He currently plays for Atalanta.
CM – Granit Xhaka
The ever-reliable Granit Xhaka was one of the most active players for Arsenal until his departure in 2023. A regular starter under every manager after Wenger, Xhaka is now one of the best midfielders in the world, currently playing for Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso. In 2024, he was nominated in the Ballon d’Or top 30.
CM – Aaron Ramsey
Another Arsenal stalwart. The Welshman stayed at the club only for a year more after Wenger’s departure. He left for Juventus in 2019, and had quite an average time there. He’s then featured for Rangers, Nice and now plays for Cardiff City.
CM – Alex Iwobi
Alex Iwobi is still in the Premier League. However, he’s played for two EPL clubs since his departure in 2019. After a four-year tenure with Everton, the Nigerian joined Fulham, where he is a regular starter like he was for the Toffees.
RW – Henrikh Mkhitaryan
The Armenian attacker left Arsenal for Roma in 2019 on loan. He then completed the move the next year to the Italian club. After 2 seasons with Roma, Mkhitaryan joined Inter Milan in 2022, where he now plays.
LW – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
The Gabonese skipper was one of the best strikers ever for Arsenal in the Emirates era. Banging in goals year-in-year-out, he fell out of favor with Mikel Arteta in 2021. He left for Barcelona in January 2022, and did notch up some vital strikes for the Catalunian side.
And shockingly, that year, Aubameyang moved to Chelsea, Arsenal’s fierce rivals. However, he never really got going at the London club. He then moved to Marseille and became their best striker in recent years. He now plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah.
ST – Alexandre Lacazette
Alexandre Lacazette was a vital part of all the managers who succeeded Wenger at Arsenal. After his contract at Arsenal was done in 2022, the Frenchman left to the club from where he joined Arsenal – Lyon. He has now been in sublime form for them.
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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