Arsenal
English Premier League With A Hint Of Waffles
The time has come for a change in the way tea is served in England. For centuries, tea has been the number one drink in Britain (non-alcoholic, we all know how much the British love our friends Ale and Lager). Yet, like all good things in our contemporary technological era, tea needs an update. I propose: tea with Belgian waffles and French aged cheese, from this point forward. Why matching the soothing, sometimes almost spiritual experience of drinking tea, with something as self-indulgent as waffles and aged cheese? Well, the answer to such proposition lies in the feet competing each week for the Barclay’s Premier League (BPL).
It has been well documented in the media, including this site, of the Spanish born players’ influx to the BPL in recent years; more so with the continuing success achieved by the Spanish National team at all levels. From the current season, 70 percent of the teams have at least one Spaniard in its ranks, with Swansea and Manchester City resembling many La Liga’s teams by taking 4+ players from the Iberian country. However, there is a more potent foreign contingent driving the chase for the English Title: the Francophone nation (FRAN).
Every single team within the BPL has at least a French speaking player in its roster. From the unknown lands of Benin to the metropolitan lights of Paris, the FRAN is omnipresent around the league. Thus, the FRAN’ scope includes mainly African nations plus Belgium and France. These last two countries are the flag bearers for the FRAN in the Premier League.
On one hand, the French have always played a major part in the BPL, even further since the arrival of Arsène Werner and his early success with Arsenal (what non-Arsenal fan doesn’t hate the insufferable 2003-04 undefeated season with a sublime Thierry Henry), who has brought every single Frenchman that he could bring during his tenure with the Londoner team. Yet, nobody can stand toe to toe in bringing French men to Britain when we bring Alan Pardew to the conversation. His version of Newcastle includes enough French players to assemble a France national team (a field player would have to don the keeper’s gloves but still); maybe one of the reasons the Magpies were almost relegated last season is that the French platoon wanted more time to enjoy cheese.
Belgium, Hazard Benteke Fellaini
On the other hand, the Belgians are the new wave coming from the Francophone nation. Waffle-land’s national team consists of mostly BPL players; the majority playing as undisputed starters in England’s title contenders. With outstanding goalkeepers in Courtois, Mignolet, colossal defenders like Vincent Kompany and Vertonghen; dutiful and tricky midfielders in Fellaini, Dembélé, Hazard; and powerful strikers in Benteke, Lukaku, there is a promising future for the Belgians beyond the Premier League.
Hence, is it unquestionable that the FRAN has more weight in the English game than the so called “Spanish invasion”, how many points would have many of the BPL’s teams at this point, without for instance, the saves of Mignolet, and the performances of Belgians from the Chelsea, Tottenham, and Aston Villa Headquarters? Even more, can Manchester City or Newcastle survive without any francophone? I doubt it. So, the time has come to make room in our teams and our stomachs for the invasion of the Francophone Nation
PD: The beautiful goal scored on Wednesday, plus the two bagged against Arsenal last Saturday by Benteke should have more than one manager wondering: Why we did not pursue him harder or made a better offer? I think the young Belgian is going to cement his name this season as a prolific goal scorer and Aston Villa will sell him for three times the price of the once coveted Darren Bent.
Arsenal captain Leah Williamson has been announced as a National Year of Reading ambassador following the official launch of the 2026 campaign at Emirates Stadium.
The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson unveiled the Go All In initiative on January 13, positioning reading as a gateway to enhancing passions across all walks of life.
Williamson joined a stellar lineup of ambassadors including author Julia Donaldson, illustrator Axel Scheffler, poet Jackie Kay, and several other prominent figures from literature and public life. The event marked a significant moment for literacy promotion in the country, with the campaign centred on the message that reading can deepen enjoyment of whatever people already love.
A Message From the Pitch
Speaking at the launch, Williamson drew parallels between football and reading. She said the National Year of Reading represents a chance to fully commit to personal passions through literature in all its forms. The Arsenal skipper encouraged people to seize the opportunity by picking up books, listening to audiobooks, or diving into articles related to their interests. Her involvement underscores how sports figures can champion reading beyond their professional domains.
Resetting Reading Culture
Joanna Prior, chief executive of Pan Macmillan and chair of The National Literacy Trust, described the launch as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform how Britain views books.
The ambition extends beyond traditional reading spaces, aiming to make literature accessible in communities, schools, and even on football pitches. Prior emphasized stripping away pressure and stigma around reading, making it relevant and enjoyable rather than obligatory.
The campaign represents a coordinated national effort to boost literacy rates and foster a genuine love of reading across all demographics and age groups throughout 2026.
Also read: Jodie Taylor Appointed Arsenal Women’s First Ever Technical Director
Arsenal Women host Manchester United on Saturday in a crucial six pointer for Champions League qualification. The Gunners sit just one point above United in the WSL table and victory at Emirates Stadium would give them a strong buffer, while defeat leaves them playing catch up in the race for Europe.
The match marks Arsenal’s return from the winter break following a busy week that saw Renee Slegers sign a new contract and Jodie Taylor promoted to Technical Director. However, the immediate focus is on securing three points against Marc Skinner’s side in what promises to be a tense encounter.
Kick-off: 12:30 GMT, Saturday, January 11, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
TV: Sky Sports (UK)
Cooney Cross Absent For Personal Reasons
Arsenal will be without Kyra Cooney Cross who has returned to Australia for personal reasons. Daphne van Domselaar is not quite ready to return from a quad injury while Chloe Kelly remains out with a knee problem. Jenna Nighswonger will not be in the matchday squad as she negotiates a loan move.
New signing Smilla Holmberg from Hammarby will be in the squad alongside recalled goalkeeper Naomi Williams. Manu Zinsberger and Katie Reid are out with ACL injuries. The absence of Cooney Cross means Mariona will likely drop into the deeper midfield role she has occupied for much of the last year.
United Strengthened in January
Manchester United have been busy in the transfer window, adding full back Hanna Lundkvist from San Diego Wave and centre forward Lea Schuller from Bayern Munich. Skinner was dealt a poor hand over the summer with a very small squad handling Champions League qualifiers and the group phase.
Predicted Lineup:
Arsenal (4-3-3): Borbe; Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe; Little, Mariona, Maanum; Mead, Russo, Smith
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Tullis Joyce; Lundkvist, Le Tissier, Janssen, Sandberg; Miyazawa, Zigiotti; Park, Malard, Awujo; Schuller
Also read: Arsenal Women disable social media comments after sexist backlash to new signing
Arsenal confirmed on January 9, 2026 that Jodie Taylor has been appointed as the club’s first ever Technical Director.
The 39-year-old former England striker moves up from her existing role as Technical Services Manager, a position she has held since September 2023 following her retirement from professional football.
Taylor’s promotion comes on the same day Arsenal announced Renee Slegers’ new contract extension through 2029, creating a strategic restructuring of the women’s football department.
A Decade Long Arsenal Connection
Taylor’s relationship with Arsenal spans ten years since first joining as a player in 2016. She scored 10 goals in 17 appearances during her initial spell before returning on a short-term deal in March 2023. Taylor earned 50 plus England caps during her international career and won the Golden Boot at Euro 2017.
She represented her country at the 2015 Women’s World Cup finishing third and played for multiple elite clubs including Lyon, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns and San Diego Wave throughout her career.
Strategic Structural Development
Taylor’s new role bridges critical areas of football operations including recruitment, analysis, coaching and performance support. She will work closely with Renee Slegers on a daily basis as the Technical Director, providing structural support for coaching decisions and squad development.
Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley praised Taylor’s appointment as integral to continued development of the program as Arsenal challenges for major trophies consistently. Wheatley will now focus on upward management across UEFA, FIFA and domestic boards while Taylor handles day to day operations.
Building a High Performance Environment
Taylor expressed immense pride stepping into her new position, emphasizing Arsenal’s remarkable growth over the past decade. She committed to nurturing a high-performance environment where players, coaching staff and support teams have the right tools to deliver at the highest level.
Her appointment represents investment in female leadership within Arsenal’s technical infrastructure, aligning with the club’s commitment to developing their women’s program systematically and strategically moving forward into their next phase.
Also read: Arsenal Women disable social media comments after sexist backlash to new signing
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