English Premier League is in its second international break, we have already seen some scintillating performances from top stars across the division, in stark contrast, some players have struggled to get their season started till now. Defending champions Chelsea are languishing in 16th spot right now while Manchester City are leading the title race with 18 points from 8 games. Brendan Rodgers got sacked last weekend after a one all draw against their bitter rivals Everton following which Klopp was given the task of reviving Liverpool’s season.
Here is our 11 worst performers in the top-flight this season.
Goalkeeper: Tim Krul
Tim Krul has generally been a reliable presence between the sticks for Newcastle, even in times of desperation, but this season he has struggled against top teams. He has already conceded the joint second highest number of goals, just one less than Sunderland keeper Pantilimon. Unfortunately, the Dutch goalkeeper was ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering an injury on international duty this week.
Defense: Ivanovic, Terry, Coloccini and Kaboul
John Terry
One of the biggest disappointment this season has been the form of Ivanovic, he has been torn apart by the speed of the opposition. Mourinho doesn’t seem to keen to drop him but with no sign of Ivanovic’s form improving, he might just be forced to do the unthinkable. Joining him in the backline is his team-mate John Terry, who was one of just two outfielders to feature in every single minute of league action last term, but after just eight league games he has already missed 350 minutes of action after being cast to the sidelines following a severe slump in form. Newcastle’s Coloccini has seen a downward spiral in his form this season. The Argentine defender, despite his experience, has struggled to rally those around him, as his side sit bottom of the table. Kaboul was snapped up from Tottenham Hotspur this summer, but he has been woeful for the Black Cats this season. He is definitely one of the top candidates for the worst signing of the season.
Midfield: Firmino, Shaqiri, Depay, Fabregas and Hazard
Eden Hazard
The midfield consists of two Chelsea players who have been a shadow of themselves in comparison to last season. Both Fabregas and Hazard have scored one goal each this season, but it is their inability to provide the creative spark that is more of a worry. Liverpool’s summer signing Firmino is injured now but prior to that he had struggled to find any real rhythm since his mega move from Hoffenheim. Klopp will be hoping that his star players regain his form that convinced the Liverpool hierarchy to spend so much money on him. Shaqiri has been a major disappointment since his arrival at Stoke City, the fans wanted to see the best of the former Bayern Munich man but, at the moment, are having to wait. United star summer signing Depay has started every league game since his arrival from PSV, though it’s telling that he has completed 90 minutes just three times and has been withdrawn at half-time in crucial matches against Liverpool and Arsenal. His flicks and tricks aren’t coming off at present and his link-up play has also been found wanting at times given the fact that he has only created four chances in the Premier League.
Striker: Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney has struggled to impose himself on the pitch this season. Though the United striker became England’s all-time leading scorer last month, there is no doubt that he is struggling for form this season. He has only scored one goal in the league this season and Van Gaal will be praying that his captain regains his form especially after the humiliating defeat against 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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