Of recent, Arsene Wenger has been faced with a selection dilemma regarding who should be his first choice option upfront among makeshift centre-forward Alexis Sanchez, and the club’s primary and main striker of the last 4 seasons Olivier Giroud.
With the European Championships having finished on July 10th, a month prior to the start of the 2016-17 Premier League which kicked off on August 13th, Wenger gave a deserved extended break to Giroud who had led France to a disappointing 2nd placed finish in the continental competition.
In his absence, Sanchez got drafted into the vacant position, and he immediately hit the ground running in his new role, scoring 4 goals and assisting 2 others in his first 6 league games as the club’s new number 9.
During that time, Giroud made his return to the squad only to get sidelined almost immediately with a toe injury after seeing EPL action just twice. That kept him out of action until matchday 6 when he made his 3rd league appearance off the bench against Chelsea.
Since then, he has come on as a substitute in his last 3 EPL games against United, Tottenham and Sunderland. During that time, the 30-year-old found the back of the net thrice – scoring 1 more goal than Sanchez in the process.
On the back of the form he has displayed in just the 1 hour of action afforded him within matchday 10 to 12, should he be returned to the starting XI? And Sanchez redeployed to the left wing, or should he continue as Wenger’s plan B and continue making appearances off the substitute bench?
For starters, no other squad player in the EPL has scored more goals (3) than the French international, and considering the urgency he brings into play, and the team’s ability to turn to other sources of getting goals by loading aerial crosses into the box mainly for him, he could be on his way to becoming the latest EPL super sub in history.
Should plan B Giroud be Wenger’s weapon of choice against PSG? – article by @BenMcAleer1 – https://t.co/pEMuFDWbGx #AFCvPSG pic.twitter.com/vsxcRExQin
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) November 23, 2016
Giroud is all about goals. Sanchez is all about goals, and the assists. Flexibility and versatility are the factors which make the Chilean not just a goal scorer but a goal creator as well. Being able to constantly drop deep to collect passes and also locate others in the box while he is temporarily out of position, the 27-year-old gets to create chances for himself and his teammates. His French mate waits for everything to be delivered on a platter.
While that is what most strikers often do and are required to most of the time, what makes the few special ones stand out is their ability to do more of fighting for the ball and contributing to play in the final third. And it’s why Sanchez has been more productive in the makeshift centre-forward role.
So, regardless of Giroud’s special ability to contribute to Arsenal’s goals with his headers – a very strong weapon of his having scored the most headed Premier League goals since his arrival in 2012, he is better off coming on in games to decide or put them to bed as he doesn’t have that all-round killer instinct in the final third as Sanchez.
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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