Arsenal
Hull City vs Arsenal: Player Ratings – Sanchez Delivers Once Again
The Gunners travelled to the KC stadium knowing they had to match Manchester City’s result to have any chance of finishing second this season. That is exactly what they did. The 1-3 scoreline at the end was a body blow to Hull’s survival hopes, but a clear depiction of the bridge in quality at the two ends of the table. Arsenal were at it right from the beginning with Ramsey, Sanchez and Ozil tearing the defence apart with some exquisite one touch football. A brace from Alexis Sanchez and a goal from Aaron Ramsey, who also assisted Sanchez’s second, announced the return of the two midfielders to their best.
Hull City scored a controversial goal in the second half. Laurent Koscielny was fouled near the half line but all Arsenal appeals were overruled as El Mohamady picked up the ball and found Stephen Quinn in the box, who headed it past Ospina. The failure to keep a cleansheet was the only chink in an otherwise dominant Arsenal performance. We look at how the players performed individually.
Player Ratings
- David Ospina – 7.5/10
The Colombian did not have much to do in the night but displayed great command in the box when he needed to deal with aerial balls. In the first half, his bravado even took Coquelin out as the defensive midfielder found himself on the wrong end of an Ospina punch. Ospina though had absolutely no chance at stopping Stephen Quinn’s header in the second half. Not at fault for the goal conceded.
- Nacho Monreal – 7.5/10
Monreal was assigned to stop the threat of El Mohamady on the left side. The defender was successful in doing his job the entire game. Even though El Mohamady assisted the goal, he looked like the worst player on the pitch because Monreal kept his runs in check.
- Per Mertesacker – 6/10
The German center back had a relatively relaxed day at work. He was instrumental in keeping out a chance early on in the game, clearing a header from the 6-yard box. If Mertesacker failed to deal with that obvious goal-scoring chance, the game would have run a different course. It was his mistake though that lead to the goal after he was slow to check the Stephen Quinn’s run behind him, allowing a free header on Ospina’s goal.
- Laurent Koscielny – 7/10
The center back proved solid at the back yet again. A dominant presence in the air and an eye for tackles, Koscielny had an easy night’s work but did not allow himself any complacency. He was efficient throughout the game and should have been awarded a free kick for the foul which led to Hull City’s only goal of the tie.
- Hector Bellerin – 8/10
The right back has been the stand out performer in the back for Arsene Wenger this season and he outperformed the other defenders again. His pace and overlapping runs were the source of many clear cut chances. Bellerin was successful at penetration and short passes in the box too, both excellent qualities in a full back.
- Francis Coquelin – 8/10
Coquelin has been the first choice defensive midfielder after the demotion of an underperforming Flamini. Coquelin did his job superbly at the KC Stadium. He was responsible for thwarting many Hull attacks and cleverly played the ball out wide to start the counter attack. Even though he was punched in the head early in the game by Ospina, he looked mentally sound.
- Santi Cazorla – 8/10
The Spaniard started in a deep defensive midfield role along side Coquelin but did what he does best – create goal scoring chances. His pass set up Aaron Ramsey for Arsenal’s second goal. It is hard to keep Cazorla quiet and he more often than not found himself at the center of the attack.
- Mesut Ozil – 7/10
The German midfielder was not directly involved in any of the goals but exhibited some world class quality with some touches and passes which made fans gasp. He was key to the quick build play and set up Ramsey and Ozil who then carried the ball ahead.
- Aaron Ramsey – 8.5/10
Ramsey has been in exceptional form since his return to regular first team action. He was at it again scoring a goal and setting up Sanchez’s second. But it looked like the Welshman’s game would be cut short after a horrible tackle by Tom Huddlestone but Ramsey picked himself up, dusted himself off and continued playing in top gear. This is Aaron Ramsey we last witnessed at the beginning of the previous season
- Alexis Sanchez – 8.5/10
He was Arsenal best player for a big part of this season and seems to have regained his lost form after a brief lull in performances. He won the free kick which he subsequently scored for Arsenal’s opener. Sanchez had a few chances in the night, which tested Harper before he superbly ran through the defence to meet Aaron Ramsey’s ball and score his second of the night. If Sanchez continues to perform at his peak, Arsenal will finish runners up at the end of the season.
- Olivier Giroud – 6.5/10
In a game which was defined by Arsenal’s free-flowing attack, Giroud was surprisingly absent on the scoresheet. Unlike usual games, where he is the target man, Giroud kept menacing the Hull defence getting defenders out of position and holding the ball before playing it off for Ramsey and Sanchez.
- Jack Wilshere – 6/10
Wilshere came on for Aaron Ramsey in the 68th minute. Fans were mixed in reacting to the substitution as Ramsey was having a stellar game. Wilshere played after 5 months on the sidelines due to injury. He came on and immediately threatened the Hull defence with his pace, earning a freekick and creating chances. Considering the time away from the game, Wilshere had a good last few minutes of play.
- Theo Walcott – 5.5/10
Walcott was sent in place of Olivier Giroud for the last 5 minutes. Though the English striker did not have time to prove himself, he did not put in a performance which would have given Giroud a run for his money.
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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