Premier League season is well and truly under way. We are only a few weeks from the rigorous Christmas schedule and more than one team are embattled in the race to the championship come May.
While Liverpool are having a stellar season under Klopp, Antonio Conte’s Chelsea have gained a great momentum over the last few weeks. Manchester City under new boss Pep Guardiola are there and thereabouts along with Arsenal. Rivals Tottenham seem to be struggling for momentum while Mourinho’s United are still a long way away from title contention.
Almost one-third of the season through, and there have been some magnificent performances by players for their teams. Coutinho has led from the front for the Reds, along with the likes of Adam Lallana and Sadio Mane. Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling are hitting good form along with Kevin De Bruyne for Man City while Mesut Ozil is working his magic in North London along with Alexis Sanchez who has surprised one and all in his new role as a striker.
Here we take a look at five early contenders for the prestigious PFA Player of the Year Award based on the performances till date:
Phillipe Coutinho
The Brazilian playmaker has been at his imperious best for Liverpool this season, with five goals and five assists so far in 12 appearances in the Premier League. His inter-link play with fellow Brazilian Firmino and new signing Sadio Mane has been a feast to watch for everyone. The Liverpool No.10 has shown time and again that he possesses the ability to change the course of the game with a single moment of brilliance.
His performances have resulted in rumours linking him with a move to Barcelona, but for now, Coutinho remains a Kop favourite and judging by his form, he will be right up there when the season ends.
If he continues playing in this manner, there’s no doubt the 24-year old playmaker will be challenging for the PFA award.
Eden Hazard
The 2014-15 PFA Player of the Year is back and how. Eden Hazard is back to his best for Chelsea this season after an ill-fated season last year where he struggled endlessly.
Under the new management of Antonio Conte, the Belgian has looked unstoppable. Given a free reign by the coach in his 3-4-3 system, Hazard is making the best of it and has had a major contribution in Chelsea’s top of the table position.
Hazard has already eclipsed his goal tally from 2015-16, having already racked up 7 goals and a sole assist in 12 appearances in the League and if Chelsea wants to be anywhere near the top come May, he will have a huge role to play.
On his current form, the 25-year old will be a major contender for the prestigious accolade at the end of the season.
Kevin De Bruyne
Another Belgian on the list, Kevin De Bruyne has had a great start to life under new boss Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. The former Chelsea player has been City’s most impressive player in attack already racking up a very high 8 assists along with 2 goals of his own in 11 Premier League games.
His range of passing, excellent vision and the turn of pace he possesses make the 25-year old a great asset for the Citizens and if Guardiola is to taste success in his first year at the Etihad, De Bruyne will need to be at his best.
No doubt that KDB is another player who will be a challenger for the PFA award.
Alexis Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez has adapted brilliantly to the role of the leading striker for Arsenal this season taking many by surprise. He has led the line admirably for the Gunners, contributing with 6 goals and 4 assists so far having played all 12 games.
The Chilean’s emergence as a striker has also brought out the best in fellow Gunner Theo Walcott who has started the season very well. Their link-up play along with Ozil and Iwobi has more often than not left opponents dumbstruck.
Alexis has gone on record in the past claiming he is no less to Messi or Ronaldo and judging by his performances this season, he is not far off with his comments. And come the end of the season, he will be another serious competitor for the PFA award.
Sergio Aguero
It would not be wrong to say that Sergio Kun Aguero is currently the best striker in the whole of the Premier League. The Argentine after moving from Atletico has achieved legend status at the Etihad having scored 150 goals in 224 appearances for the Citizens.
And he has started this season on a similar note, already amassing 14 goals in all competitions, 8 of which have come in the Premier League. On his day, the 28-year old makes goal-scoring look as easy as child’s play.
If Aguero manages to stay injury free for the length of the season and continues in this rich vein of form, both he and City will be at the top of the goals chart and the Premier League table respectively, making him another major player in the PFA awards race.
Other Notable Mentions:
Apart from the above-listed players, there are several other players that stand a chance to win the prestigious award. Sadio Mane for Liverpool, Mesut Ozil for Arsenal, Romelu Lukaku for Everton have all had a strong beginning to the season along with the likes of Juan Mata, Diego Costa and Fernandinho and will all be in serious consideration for the big prize at the end of the 2016-17 season.
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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