Arsenal
“King of tactics”, “Nailed it”: Some Arsenal fans thoroughly in praise of key man after brilliant 2-0 win vs Napoli + Match report
Arsenal FC vs Napoli report: Arsenal FC Match report
Arsenal comfortably brushed aside Serie A side Napoli in the first leg of the Europa League quarterfinals. The Gunners take a 2-0 lead into the away leg, thanks to goals from Aaron Ramsey and Lucas Torreira in the first half.
The Gunners started off the game as the better side, with the visitors failing to get on the ball in the first few minutes of the game. The first chance of the game fell to the hosts as Kolasinac stormed down the left flank to cross it into the box but Aaron Ramsey’s shot was blocked by Koulibaly.
However, the Welshman didn’t have to wait too long as the Gunners beautifully sliced Napoli apart to take the lead. A wonderful move started and finished by Aaron Ramsey involved as many as 3 other players, as Arsenal deservedly went one up.
Arsenal’s constant pressure off the ball really troubled Napoli as the visitors misplaced a number of passes in the first half. Petr Cech remained a spectator for most of the first half as Napoli failed to even get into the Gunners’ half.
Lucas Torreira doubled Arsenal’s lead in the 25th minute after a brilliant piece of skill to shift the ball onto his left foot before firing a shot at goal. The Uruguayan’s strike took a massive deflection off Koulibaly but Unai Emery’s side couldn’t care less.
Arsenal quickly had another chance after Torreira found Kolasinac outside the box from his corner and the Bosnian’s cushioned to pass to Aubameyang whose shot was smartly saved by Meret.
Chances came quick and fast for the Gunners as Aubameyang cut inside from the left flank but his pass was made a meal of by Lacazette from the edge of the box.
Arsenal should have been out of sight by this point but Carlo Ancelotti’s side will consider themselves incredibly lucky as the teams went in at the break with the Gunners deservedly 2-0 up.
Ancelotti’s half-time team talk certainly looked to have a positive impact as Napoli started off the second half brightly. Lorenzo Insigne was set free on the left flank but his cross was well blocked by Koscielny.
Ruiz was the next to try his luck as his driving run followed by a shot found Insigne in the back, who finished from close range. But the flag went up and the goal was disallowed.
After 10 minutes of pressure from Napoli, the Gunners regained control of the game as Mesut Ozil brilliantly brought a lob down before setting Aubameyang free but the forward’s shot was blocked by Allan.
The Gunners played the following corner short and the ball fell into the path of Aaron Ramsey, whose fierce strike was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Meret.
Nacho Monreal was the next Arsenal player to have a chance as his header from a corner went inches over the bar. Napoli, just like in the first half, struggled massively with Arsenal’s constant pressing and Ancelotti was left fuming on the touchline.
Napoli’s first chance of the game fell to Zielinski after a brilliant cross by Insigne but the Pole failed to tap in from close range. Arsenal were incredibly lucky to not concede in that move.
Alex Iwobi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were introduced by Unai Emery to provide more width to the Gunners’ front line and the move had a positive impact as the Armenian kept bursting through the middle.
Arsenal’s last good chance fell to Aaron Ramsey after some good work from Mkhitaryan and Maitland-Niles on the right flank but the Welshman fired his shot over the box.
Arsenal withstood a final flurry of attack from the visitors to take a deserved victory but the Gunners could regret the chances that they missed.
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Here’s how some Arsenal fans reacted to the victory:
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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