Arsenal, having already lost one game to a city rival, West Ham last weekend wanted to avoid another slip as they travelled to take on Crystal Palace. Palace looked in great touch as they had started the Premier League campaign with a win and were looking to get one over their more illustrious rivals. The game started with a bang as both teams tried to assert themselves, Arsenal were attacking constantly while Palace were more than happy to hit them on the break.
Francis Coquelin
The deadlock was broken in the first half when Mesut Ozil whizzed in a cross which was acrobatically turned in by Olivier Giroud. The lead did not last long though as Joel Ward scored a sumptuous goal just outside the box to level the scores. It took a bit of luck for Arsenal to get the lead as Alexis Sanchez headed the ball but the final touch game off a Palace defender and Arsenal held onto the win, just about.
Arsenal might not have looked at their best but there were many talking points from an excellent attack filled game, we point out a few things from this London derby.
Cech doesn’t look like the real deal
Arsenal conceded 3 goals from 6 shots in the last two games, that is a damning stat for any team, let alone one which is expected to challenge for the title. Petr Cech was seen as the saviour to all of Arsenal’s defensive problems but truth be told, he does not look the invincible Cech we had seen in the Blue of Chelsea. This time again, he was beaten by a well-placed shot but he could and should have done better to keep it out. Cech needs to spend more time in training to understand how his central defenders play, as he seemed to be unsighted for the goal scored by Ward.
Sanchez saves Arsenal, again
Alexis Sanchez- Arsenal
What Sanchez did last season, he seems to be doing it again. The Chilean looked like a player on a mission to get Arsenal the three points, he was a thorn all afternoon for Crystal Palace and duly played a role for the winning goal that gave Arsenal the victory. The big question remains, how many times will he bail Arsenal out this season?
Coquelin was lucky to stay on the pitch
One major talking point was the referee not sending off Coquelin when he already was booked and made two cynical challenges which should have seen him get a second yellow. Alan Pardew must feel hard-done by the referee’s decision as Palace could have had a better chance of defeating the Gunners, had Arsenal been reduced to 10. The more infuriating thing that stands out is that Daryl Janmaat was sent off for two similar offences yesterday but nothing was done about that tonight. Consistency in decision making has to be there.
Palace look set to have another great season
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace have come a long way, they don’t play like a Championship side anymore and look set to have another brilliant season in the Premier League. There really wasn’t much to differentiate the two teams in the first half and with wingers like Zaha and Bolasie, Palace are set to make life tough for a lot of clubs that visit them. Alan Pardew deserves credit but just how high can he take them this season?
Arsenal need to be clinical
Arsenal, at one stage in the Wenger era were tearing teams apart, now they seem a little hesitant to do the scoring, that could be due to the fact that they are so heavily reliant on Alexis Sanchez but they need to be more clinical in front of goal. The requirement to score the perfect goal seems to be back for Arsenal and until they can get that out of their head and shoot before they get closed down, they might never be close enough to get that Premier League crown back.
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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