Arsenal
Chelsea FC: Galatasaray Talking Points And Arsenal Preview
Didier Drogba was given a hero’s welcome at Stamford Bridge but at the end Chelsea prevailed by what was a comfortable win. Samuel Eto’s early opener and Gary Cahill’s blast just before half time ensured the home side would be on their way to the quarter finals of this year’s Champions League after overcoming Galatasaray by 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.
Finally a complete performance for the entire 90 minutes from Blues, after their win at Etihad. Hazard was magnificent, Oscar seems to be coming back to form, good goals by Eto’o and Cahill, and fantastic defensive performance.
Eden Hazard and Chelsea’s defence key for the Blues:
As the ninety minutes showed, Eden Hazard was simply sumptuous, his close control, dazzling and direct running caused Galatasaray all sorts of problems. The Belgian’s brilliant lay off for Samuel Eto’o was the heart of the home side’s opener while he was sublime throughout the encounter.
As the game went on, the diminutive Chelsea star created a great opportunity for Frank Lampard but the Englishman squandered a chance on what might have been a picturesque goal.
On the other hand, Chelsea’s defensive discipline was also full on display as the centre back pairing of Cahill and Terry worked their socks off in the tie. The English duo were probably best at everything on the pitch against the away side’s attackers and they will be key if Chelsea are to go anywhere close to picking up a silverware this season.
Jose Mourinho’s influence on the squad is easily on view:
Not surprisingly the self proclaimed ‘Special One’ has lambasted every decision that has gone against Chelsea this season. The Portuguese incessantly tries to gain favour from referees pressurising them to get decisions for his team’s favour. Not only did he protest from the sidelines regarding the two yellow cards the referee flashed to Oscar and Ivanovic, Mourinho made sure he urged captain John Terry to give the official an earful. Typical Mourinho!
Cesar Azpilicueta will go miles:
Playing Azpilicueta as an inverted left back ahead of Ashley Cole is certainly earning dividends. The Spaniard has the relentless energy, the willingness and the desire to press high up the pitch against any opposition. Rarely is he caught out of position, his defensive organization has been stupendous while he follows his manager’s instructions right from the first whistle. A brilliant tackler who rarely gives away free-kicks or possession, being comfortable on the ball is a real asset for the Blues and even though they will definitely buy a specialist left back in the summer, Azpilicueta will certainly go miles in his career.
Chelsea Vs Arsenal Preview:
Now going forward, Chelsea host Arsenal this Saturday and as it stands, a win against the Gunners will effectively end their title chances but on the other hand, a lose (which going by the records is highly unlikely) or a draw could come back to haunt Jose Mourinho’s men.
Chelsea will lose Ramires and Willian through suspension but can welcome back Matic who was left out of the Champions League tie due to his involvements with Benfica earlier in the competition. However, injured Ashley Cole might return to bench and Brazilian David Luiz who recovered from his groin injury last week should be fully fit.
Read More: Chelsea’s strongest XI to start against Arsenal
For Arsenal however, there appears to be several injury woes with Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere continuing to work on their fitness while Aaron Ramsey’s supposed return from his hamstring injury has been further delayed by another days. The only positive news on the injury front is January signing Kim Kallstrom, who is fully fit now.
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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