Arsenal
Could Michael Laudrup Be The Man To Lead A New Era At Arsenal?
Wherever Arsenal finish in the league this season, there would likely be a majority of their fans who would agree that they are approaching the end of Arsene Wenger’s time at the club. Destined to finish without a trophy once again, a record that now stretches to eight years, people have tired of Wenger’s methods and tactics, as the results they have led to are no longer deemed acceptable.
Michael Laudrup – A perfect replacement for Arsene Wenger?
Last summer might have seemed like more of the same, as two of their best players left – Alex Song to Barcelona, and Robin van Persie to Manchester United, but there did seems to be a change in their own approach to signing players, as Wenger shelled out big money on three men who had shone in their respective leagues the previous year.
Santi Cazorla, Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski represented a departure from the rough diamond mould that Wenger is so often associated with, and perhaps indicated that the manager realised he needed a substantial injection of experience and quality into his squad. However this still hasn’t been enough to turnaround Arsenal’s fortunes, and worse still, it could be suggested that in bringing in these players, Wenger has demonstrated that he himself has lost faith in the system of nurturing talent at the club.
If it is time to move on, then Michael Laudrup could be an excellent choice to replace Wenger. Although he hasn’t even completed a season in the Premier League yet, and has a questionable record in his management career prior to coming to Swansea, Laudrup has shown plenty of qualities that could make him well suited to Arsenal.
One of these is his knowledge of the transfer market. Looking at Swansea’s summer clearly Michu stands out as an incredible piece of business, but he was far from being the only well-judged purchase Laudrup made. Jonathan de Guzman, Pablo Hernandez, Sun-Yeung Ki and Chico Flores were all brought in for relatively small fees, with each impressing on the pitch this season. Laudrup has also shown nous in the way he has promoted talent from the Swansea youth system, with Ben Davies now established in the club’s first team.
Both of these qualities are very much reminiscent of Arsene Wenger during his finest years at Arsenal, when he was a major factor in changing the face of how scouting networks were used and young talent was developed in the Premier League. It might be that other sides have caught up and overhauled Arsenal in this regard, but there might also be an element of Wenger losing his edge. The transfers he made last summer were not rough diamonds perhaps because he doesn’t have the knowledge of European football to find those kinds of players anymore after so long in the English game.
Whenever Wenger leaves, it will be a huge gamble for Arsenal whoever they appoint at the club. Drafting in a big name might seem like the way to go, but Arsenal enjoyed a huge amount of success under Wenger because they allowed him the time and opportunity to build his squad, and they should take a similar approach with their next manager. Michael Laudrup’s approach to the job at Swansea City, and the success he has enjoyed as a result, mark him out as a man who could succeed at Arsenal.
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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