Arsenal faced off against the MLS All-Stars at the Avaya Stadium in San Jose in a pre-season match as manager Arsene Wenger wanted his side to perform well together, prior to the start of the new season. The Gunners were keen on putting in a solid showing on their travels, as they still look to add more stars to their squad in the current transfer window. The north London outfit finished second in the top flight of English football and failed to impress in the cup competitions, which the French manager will now want to change.
It was the visitors who started the game off more positively, when Joel Campbell earned a penalty for his side and scored, which was eventually cancelled out by former Chelsea man Didier Drogba. It was 1-1 as full time was fast approaching, when 20 year old substitute striker Chuba Akpom made it 2-1 to give his side a narrow win on the night.
Petr Cech made some good saves in the match and Granit Xhaka made his debut for the Premier League giants, since signing for the club at the start of the transfer window.
Player Ratings:
Petr Cech: 4/5
Made some great saves to deny Giovani dos Santos at the start of the match and Sebastian Giovinco after the restart. The best Arsenal player on the pitch, though he could not keep former teammate Didier Drogba out.
Mathieu Debuchy: 3/5
After a horrific last season, the Frenchman made his return to the first team and put in a decent performance. Replaced by Hector Bellerin at the break.
Rob Holding: 3/5
Made his first start and impressed everyone with the battle against Drogba and made a couple of crucial blocks. Wasted a good chance to score from a Xhaka corner late on.
Krystian Bielik: 3/5
Involved in an intense battle against Drogba in the first half, though was beaten as the former Ivory Coast international rushed through to score.
Kieran Gibbs: 2.5/5
Beaten by a pass by Pirlo in the match to play Giovani in, though Cech made a good save to deny the opposition a goal scoring opportunity.
Mohamed Elneny: 3.5/5
Covered a good amount of ground and his shot from long range was saved by All-Star keeper Andre Blake. Looked really composed in the match.
Francis Coquelin: 3/5
A solid performance at the center of the midfield. Generally, what is expected of the Frenchman.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 3/5
Looked good on the ball with his tricks which got the crowd rolling. Took a few shots at times, though they did not trouble the scores.
Jack Wilshere: 3.5/5
Made a slow start though eventually grew into the game and looked good on the ball at times. Hopefully remains fit as the season is about to start. Good performance against Kaka and Pirlo.
Joel Campbell: 3/5
Brought down by Laurent Ciman for an early penalty, with the Costa Rican converted from the spot. Did not do much in the game apart from that.
Theo Walcott: 2.5/5
Had a few chances here and there in the game, as he took some shots and a set-piece or two, though there was no end product and it was a poor performance to say the least.
Substitutes:
Hector Bellerin: 3/5
Looked more of a threat than Debuchy, whom he replaced at the break.
Calum Chambers: 3/5
Came on to play alongside Holding in the second period and was up against Sebastian Giovinco, who gave him a run for his money.
Alex Iwobi: 2.5/5
Did not look too impressive in the game and was rather poor on the night.
Chuba Akpom: 3.5/5
Came on to score the crucial goal towards the end of the game that eventually proved to be the winner.
Nacho Monreal: 3/5
Looked a bit weak with his distribution of the ball in the match, though it was his pass that helped secure the win.
Granit Xhaka: 3/5
Looked quite composed in the match and seems to be a good signing. However, a shot that he took from a free-kick was directly at David Bingham.
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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