Arsenal lost their top spot after drawing 2 – 2 with PSG in Wednesday’s Champions League penultimate round of group fixtures, and they have only themselves to blame having failed to hold on to the lead after completing a comeback in the 2nd half.
Cavani had put the visitors ahead after Matuidi squared him up nicely, but Giroud pulled Arsenal level from the spot following a foul on Sanchez in the box just a minute away from the break.
After the play resumed, an own goal from Veratti looked to have secured all 3 points for the hosts, only for Iwobi to deflect Lucas Moura’s header into his net.
Final matchday results will determine which of the 2 clubs emerge as winners of Group A.
Here is how the Gunners starting XI and substitutes performed against the Ligue 1 heavyweights.
Ospina
Could do nothing to stop both goals from entering his net but was on alert to calmly collect Cavani’s chip in a one-on-one situation.
To a large extent, he had little to do generally.
Has he done enough to retain his spot for the next rounds?
Rating : 7/10
Jenkinson
A nervy showing from the 24-year-old who had poor crosses into the box and failed to close-mark Moura during the corner that resulted in Iwobi’s goal.
Had a hand in Arsenal’s 2nd goal, though, and did well to deflect a Moura’s cross to Matuidi who was quietly lurking at the back post away.
Rating : 6/10
Mustafi
Not the best night from the German as he couldn’t keep up with Matuidi’s pace in the build-up to the first goal of the night.
Was about the only time he had to do any form of defending, but he couldn’t put in his best.
Rating : 5/10
Koscielny
A solid display at the back as he made timely tackles and interceptions to keep Arsenal in the game.
Did well to limit Cavani’s threat too.
Rating : 7/10
Gibbs
Was preferred to Monreal at the left of the defence and he put in quite an impressive and assuring display at the back.
Prevented a PSG corner from going in earlier in the game with a calm clearance, and also made a block from Jese’s goal-bound low shot late on in the game.
Rating : 7/10
Coquelin
A great cover for the backline as he helped keep the midfield brilliancies of Veratti and Motta somewhat in check.
Got a booking later on and is set to miss the Basel clash.
Rating : 6/10
Ramsey
No Arsenal player divides opinion amongst the Gunners faithful like the Welsh, but he didn’t quite do much to prove the section that doubts his abilities wrong.
Put in a lot of hard work, but was particularly below average with his attacking contributions.
Rating : 6/10
Sanchez
Dropped to the right wing as Giroud returned to lead the line. The Chilean as usual put in a lot of hard work and won a penalty for Arsenal after he appeared to have been tripped, albeit slightly by Krychowiak.
Rating : 7/10
Ozil
Apart from his buildup to Alexis’ controversial penalty call, the German had somewhat of a quiet night.
Rating : 6/10
Iwobi
The youngster’s confidence could just have been dented a huge blow after his header in an attempt to defend Moura’s header deflected beyond a helpless Ospina.
Didn’t have the best of games and was replaced with Xhaka 12 minutes to time.
Rating : 5/10
Giroud
Put Arsenal back into the game with a calmly taken penalty that sent Areola the wrong way.
Didn’t really do much apart from that to convince the gaffer of deserving a permanent recall to the starting lineup.
Rating : 6/10
SUBSTITUTES
Xhaka
Come on for Iwobi shortly after PSG’s equaliser.
Rating : Not Available
Walcott
Replaced Coquelin with 10 minutes to go.
Rating : Not Available
Oxlade-Chamberlain
Replaced Jenkinson at right back at the closing stages of the game.
Rating : Not Available
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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