Arsenal
History Repeats Itself For The Gunners
Arsenal picked up their first win at Emirates this season against Southampton with a 6-1 demolition over the visitors. A brace from Gervinho and a couple own goals between a peach of a free kick from Podolski, which was rounded off by former Saints man Theo Walcott. This is the first time that the Gunners have concede a goal this season under newly appointed first team coach Steve Bould.
The score line in which the Gunners won today is exactly the same as the last time when these two teams met in Premier league back in may 2003. It is the biggest defeat suffered by Southampton since that day. Arsenal went on to win the league without losing a game after this fixture 9 years ago and Arsenal fans will be happy if their team achieve half of that milestone now.
Wenger’s reaction of the game:
“We had a good combination of pace, speed in our passing, quick combinations, and the movement was excellent. We were a bit lucky as well because they conceded two own goals, but overall I think it was a level of continuity with what we have shown at Liverpool and today. The game was very interesting to watch. In the second half we lost a bit of urgency, that is human, but we controlled the game and remained serious.”
Speaking about his new recruits, Cazorla and Podolski, Wenger was full on praise for the pair as Podolski scored in the second game running and Cazorla once again had a brilliant game
“Cazorla is a player who is just a pleasure to watch. You want him to have the ball. He typifies what Spain’s midfielders are today – he is technically perfect, he has great vision and a great team attitude. Podolski is physically strong and he is a fantastic finisher. I had a little hesitation today to play him at centre forward because I had played him only once there. He gives us a balance on the left and I didn’t want to destroy that because he did well at Liverpool.”
The manager then continued to talk about Gervinho as he praised the Ivorian for his determination and the movement he showed in front of the goal.
“I liked what he did and it was in the back of my mind. It is interesting because he is such a great mover and he is so quick so when he is central, once he gets ahead of the central defender it is difficult to catch him back.”
And at the end of the interview, when asked about the big month ahead, Wenger replied that he is excited and looking to get the maximum points out of each game
“We have a big week coming up because we go on Tuesday now to Montpellier. On Sunday we play at Man City and we have two interesting weeks coming up because we play Chelsea as well. We will know more about our team then but there is a positive energy in this team, a desire to play well together, and real team play. It is very exciting.”
Player Ratings:
Szczesny – Its completely an off day for the normally reliable Szczesny, the keeper made a serious of poor clearances and thanks to the overall performance today the one goal he let in dint matter much. Has to work on his fitness. 6.5/10
Jenkison-Despite lacking that extra drive and the ability to look up before a cross,he was rock solid at the back. Dealt with the few number of threats he faced in a matured way. 9/10
Per Mertesacker – Doesn’t move around but he doesn’t need to. Starting ahead of Koscielny, Merteasker has not put a foot wrong this season. Initially a quick striker can get the better of him,but does come charging back and uses his long experience and legs to good use. 8/10
Vermaelen – Did not have much to do. But Played had a decent game. Threw his body whenever needed and carried the crew forward like a true captain. I just hope he is not injured. 8/10
Gibbs-Very different from Jenkinson. He might become a left winger in the future for Arsenal. His overlapping forward runs were excellent and the two crosses he made went on to become two own goals. Gibbs as improved a lot in his defensive side of the game as well. Had an excellent game, the best of the back line today. 9/10
Ox-anonymous.quick. disciplined.better than walcott.Looks a bit off though,maybe because of the International game and he wasn’t helped by the fact that he had to had to help out Jenkison. 7/10
Arteta– Maybe Arsenal have their own Pirlo. His experience and calmness could play a huge part in this new concept of Arsene not to have a Makelele type of player in the team.8/10
Santi – Calm.wonderful.intelligent.everything we have missed since cesc left. He din score today, neither created a goal but he once again had a brilliant game. It seems like he has all the time in the world to look up and pick whoever he wants with his passing range.9/10
Coquelin – Starting for the first time this season, the French man had a decent game. The 21 year old has miles to go before he can be the next Song. But the youngster has made a remarkable progress since his debut on the horrifying night at Old Trafford last year and the future is looking bright for Coquelin. 8/10
Podolski – didn’t have the ball much,but when he has the ball looks urgent and wants to make something happen. Scored a peach of a goal from the dead ball. His one touch movement combining with Cazorla is a treat to eyes. 9/10
Gervino – The Ivorian had an excellent game today and scored for the first time this season. His off the ball movement was excellent as he as on the right place at the right time for both the goals he scored. 9/10
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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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