Arsenal
[Image] 2 Ways in which Arsenal could line up with this £25m midfield powerhouse in the team
New Arsenal manager, Unai Emery, has quite a task ahead of him. With the summer transfer window up and running, he will be a busy man. His second signing is expected to be Steven N’Zonzi, who reportedly has a release clause of £25m.
It goes without saying that Arsenal have lacked a midfield powerhouse since Patrick Viera’s departure. As far as the current set of players are concerned, the Gunners have Mohammed Elneny who is decent enough, but he is not the world-class midfield enforcer the club are in dire need of.
Meanwhile, the likes of Granit Xhaka, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere all suited to playing attacking roles. Thus, due to a significant shortage of depth and quality, a player like N’Zonzi could be a great signing for the Gunners.
Here are two ways the Gunners can lineup with N’Zonzi.
4-3-3
This formation would suit Arsenal in the big games. There will be plenty of pace on the counter-attack and the team will be well-balanced.
Steven N’Zonzi (CDM)
N’Zonzi will be at the base of the midfield in a holding role. His duty will be to collect the ball from the centre-backs and play it forward to either of the midfielders beside him. More than anything else, the player will be key from a defensive point of view.
Steven N’Zonzi
Aaron Ramsey (RCM)
Ramsey will play his usual role, which will involve making late runs into the box and finding spaces to exploit. His passing, movement and finishing will be key.
Granit Xhaka (LCM)
Xhaka is probably the best passer of the ball at Arsenal right now. He will be the creative midfielder as his vision and technique could help the attackers up front.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (LW)
Aubameyang could play on the left-wing and drift inside. His pace and movement will be crucial in the final third.
Alexandre Lacazette (ST)
Lacazette’s job will be pretty simple. He will have to hold the ball, make runs, position himself well and get on the end of passes and crosses to score. He came into his own during the second half of last season and a big campaign is expected from the Frenchman next term.
Mesut Ozil/Henrikh Mkhitaryan (RW)
Either Ozil or Mkhitaryan could be deployed on the right-wing. Both players are capable of dropping deep to build up play alongside the likes of Ramsey and Xhaka. In addition to that, Ozil and Mkhitaryan have excellent vision and are well-known for their deadly assists.
4-2-3-1
This formation will allow Mesut Ozil to play in his preferred No. 10 role and it will be useful when Arsenal aim to dominate possession.
Steven N’Zonzi (CDM)
N’Zonzi’s role will be fairly similar. He will have to stay back and protect the centre-backs and distribute the ball to the more creative midfielders.
Granit Xhaka (CDM)
Xhaka will play alongside N’Zonzi and in doing so, the player will be able to make use of his long-range passing abilities.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (RW)
Mkhitaryan will be useful with his pace and penchant for scoring goals. He is great in one-on-one situations against defenders and his crossing skills are quite impressive.
Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Mesut Ozil (CAM)
Ozil is the creative fulcrum for Arsenal right now. He will thrive with runners ahead of him and it will also help him unleash his creative side.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (LW)
Aubameyang is a potent goalscorer and his dribbling skills are top-notch as well.
Alexandre Lacazette (ST)
In a formation like this, Lacazette is bound to thrive. With the likes of Aubameyang making forward runs, he can drop deep to link up the play too. Moreover, the likes of Ozil and Mkhitaryan will create plenty of chances for him to score.
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.
- Liverpool14 years ago
Raheem Sterling Age 17 Kids 3 Women 2
- Arsenal13 years ago
Etienne Capoue To Become An Arsenal Player In Summer
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Defender Nacho Monreal Doesn’t Agree The Direction The Club Is Going.
- Arsenal13 years ago
Robin van Persie wants to move back to Arsenal
- Arsenal13 years ago
Report: Arsenal Could Sign A Striker Next Week
- Headlines13 years ago
Manchester United Preparing A (Javier Hernandez + De Gea + 55 Million) Bid For Ronaldo
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Planning To Bring In ‘Next Fabregas’
- Headlines13 years ago
Three Reasons Why Manchester United Must Sign This “Next Vidic”