Arsenal
NextGen Series Group Stage Wrap-up And Predictions Going Forward
Kids in action at the Nextgen Series
A wrap-up of this year’s Nextgen Series group stage matches. Technically the group stage is yet to finish as there is still one game to go and it’s a nothing game. Provided Ajax don’t beat Chelsea 12-0, these are the teams who’ve made it to the last 16.
Group 1: Barcelona, Anderlecht.
Group 2: Paris St. Germain, Juventus.
Group 3: CSKA, Ajax.
Group 4: Sporting Lisbon, Aston Villa.
Group 5: Inter Milan, Rosenborg.
Group 6: Olympiacos, Arsenal.
Best placed runners up: PSV, Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool.
The top scorers in the group stage were: Viktor Fischer (Ajax), Coulthirst and Pritchard (Tottenham) with 4 goals each.
Sporting Lisbon, Paris St. Germain and CSKA won more games than any other team. Though Sporting and PSG have won their groups it was rather not a convincing performance from them and going forward to the knock out stages they will surely find it difficult to overcome their opponents.
Inter Milan were already safely through to the next round before their final game against Liverpool so the Italians had a chance to rest their star players , most notably Garritano. And Liverpool grabbed the opportunity with both hands beating them 4-1 but still Inter look very strong. They are the current champions and have only lost a couple of games in all competitions this season. Even without Stramaccioni at the helm, Inter will be considered as strong contenders.
Barcelona will be another major contender. Though the Catalans were turned over by Tottenham earlier in the tournament, when on form they are incredibly tough to beat. With Samper holding the middle of the pitch and bags of pace on the attack, they will be an opponent feared by every side.
Juventus are the only team who went the entire group stage undefeated, picking up 3 wins and 3 draws, so it’s difficult to overlook them. They have three big talents in Magnusson, Bonatini and Padovan, so look out for the bianconeri in the knock out stages.
Ajax was considered as the main contenders to win this season’s NextGen Series but with striker Viktor Fischer making the step up to the first team I may have to reevaluate that. In fairness to Fischer, though, he’s far too good to be playing with the youths. Despite only playing 2 out of the 6 games, he’s still the tournament’s joint top scorer. Madness, yet Ajax looks may go all the way.
A surprise package this season could be Tottenham. The North London club has got bags of potential in attack with Pritchard, Coulthirst and Coulibaly and will give even the toughest of teams a real run for their money as Barcelona found out. If they do make it to the knock out stages, Spurs could be the under dogs to watch-out for.
Tottenham’s Coulthirst could be the next big thing
The format for the knockout stages:
Format: 16 teams from Group stage contest the winner in a knockout format.
8th Finals: 16 teams are drawn into 8 pairs. Winners are decided over one leg, with extra time and penalties if score is level after regular time. Hosting is determined by the draw.
Quarter-finals: 8 teams are drawn into 4 pairs. Winners are decided over one leg, with extra time and penalties if score is level after regular time. Hosting is determined by the draw.
Semi-finals: 4 teams are drawn into 2 pairs. Winners are decided over one leg, with extra time and penalties if score is level after regular time. The Semi-finals and Final matches are played at a neutral venues at a tournament in one of the countries of the participating teams.
Final: The two Semi-finals winners meet each other with the winner becoming 2012/2013 The NextGen Series winner. Winner is decided over one leg, with extra time and penalties if score is level after regular time.
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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