Arsenal
Impressive Iheanacho, Brilliant Diabate – The best and the worst rated Leicester players vs Arsenal
Final Result: Leicester City 3 – 1 Arsenal
Arsene Wenger’s emotional egress cannot deny the fact that the Gunners had one of their worst campaigns in recent years where they are not only finishing outside top-4 but also failed to clinch any cup title, unlike previous seasons.
Arsenal are having a bizarre away run in the league in 2018 where they have lost all of their outings on the road but had a glorious opportunity to alter the fate on Wednesday night against Leicester City who were having a losing streak under Claude Puel.
Things, however, did not alter much as the Gunners delivered yet another dismal display on the road and suffered a 3-1 humiliation to stretch their away run to seven consecutive defeats in the league.
Wenger made a few changes to the line-up that faced the Clarets but witnessed yet another disastrous inception away from home when Fousseni Diabaté placed the ball perfectly for Kelechi Iheanacho. The Nigerian made no mistake to put his side ahead in the early minutes. Things went from bad to worse for the Gunners when youngster Konstantinos Mavropanos pulled down Iheanacho seconds later, who was clear on goal following a defensive howler from the Greece youth international. The referee had no option but to show a straight red for the infringement.
Wenger subbed off Danny Welbeck and fielded Shkodran Mustafi to restore the defensive set-up but kept on facing Leicester attacks one after another. Veteran Petr Cech denied Jamie Vardy, Iheanacho, and Adrien Silva whereas the Gunners offered pretty little in the attacking third. They, however, did not concede again in the first half as it ended 1-0 at the break.
Arsenal, nevertheless, started off the second half brightly and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang earned them an equaliser against the run of play. But Leicester restored the lead late in the game when substitute Demarai Gray was caught from behind by Mkhitaryan inside the box. Jamie Vardy made no mistake from the spot to take his Premier League goal tally to 18.
The North Londoners, with nothing to lose, were desperate to seek a late equaliser but were hit on the counter when Riyad Mahrez registered an exquisite finish to take the game beyond the Gunners’ reach in the closing minutes.
Leicester City Player Ratings
Eldin Jakupovic (7.5)
The opponents were down to ten men and yet, the custodian had to stay alert between the sticks and made a few routine stops barring the one that ended up in the back of the net early in the second half.
Danny Simpson (6)
An average outing from the right-back as he lacked accuracy in his passes and long balls. Going forward, he was spot on with tackles and interceptions. Was a little rusty at times and lost a few duels dangerously. Was replaced by Aleksandar Dragovic late in the game.
Wes Morgan (7)
The skipper was solid defensively and the dismissal of Mavropanos made it easy for the veteran centre-back to contain an isolated Aubameyang up front.
Harry Maguire (7.5)
The Englishman has been a shrewd piece of summer business for the Foxes and has performed persistently in central defence, delivering another towering display.
Christian Fuchs (6.5)
Started back to back games and had a much-improved outing in his usual left-back role. Defended well but should have offered more high up the pitch.
Riyad Mahrez (8)
Has not been in his finest of forms of late but scored a late goal to seal the deal for the hosts at the King Power Stadium.
Kelechi Iheanacho
Hamza Choudhury (8)
The academy prodigy is having a run of games for the senior side and left an impression once again as he worked tirelessly in mi
Kelechi Iheanacho
dfield, also assisting Mahrez for Leicester’s 3rd goal.
Adrien Silva (6.5)
The Portuguese international saw his effort denied by Petr Cech in the first half. Did well to retain possession in the middle of the park but lost a few duels and got dispossessed on a few occasions.
Fousseni Diabate (8.5)
Assisted Iheanacho to break the deadlock in the early minutes and saw his effort cleared off the line early in the second half. Was lively, causing problems with tricky runs and earned appreciation from the fans when he was replaced by Demarai Gray with 20 minutes remaining.
Jamie Vardy (8)
His pace and movement were causing problems in the Gunners backline. Tested Cech once and missed a few chances but restored the lead from the spot with a cracking strike.
Kelechi Iheanacho (8.5)
Has had a disappointing season since his high-profile summer move from Man City but certainly lived up to the expectations on Wednesday night with an early opener. Was subbed off in the closing minutes and was replaced by youngster Harvey Barnes.
Subs
Demarai Gray (7.5)
Made an immediate impact by winning a spot-kick that was converted by Jamie Vardy.
Aleksandar Dragovic (N/A)
Was introduced in the 82nd minute in place of Danny Simpson.
Harvey Barnes (N/A)
Was introduced in the 88th minute in place of Kelechi Iheanacho.
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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