Arsenal
Premier League Best XI – Part 3 – The Strikers and Manager
Welcome to the last part of my best premier league XI of 2012/2013, and I hope you read the previous two parts, with the defence and the midfield. In this part I will be detailing my front 3 and my manager of the season.
Left wing: Gareth Bale (Spurs)
Gareth Bale – Tottenham’s main man
What is there to say about Bale this year that hasn’t already been said? His performances this year for Spurs have been outstanding, and if they qualify for Champions League football next season, then they owe a great deal to the Welshman. In the past he has been criticised by some for not being consistent enough, or not scoring enough goals. But this year that has changed, and he is on to score 20 goals in the Premier League this year, an outstanding achievement from a non-striker. It is still to be seen where his best position is, whether it is out wide or in behind a striker, but with his blistering pace and wand of a left foot, he really is a huge talent and one that the Lily-whites will be absolutely desperate to hang on to in the summer. Exciting.
Honourable mentions here go to Hazard, who has shown in his first season in this league what a talent he is, and at such a young age he is only going to get better, and also Weimann, who has shown how good a player he is, even in a team that is struggling as much as Villa are. Expect him to be in the Premier League next season, whether Villa are or not.
Right wing: Luis Suarez (Liverpool)
This man truly is the definition of a marmite footballer. Every single football fan in the country has an opinion, and most of them either love him, or hate him. His antics and some of the things he does on the field are wrong, like diving, and biting Ivanovic, and I’m sure he is trying to rectify that. But say whatever you like about Suarez as a person, there is no doubting that as a footballer he is one of the best players in the league, if not the world. His technique, dribbling skill, pace and directness must terrify defenders, and this year he has added that clinical finishing that people felt was missing from his game last season. If he can sort out his discipline, then expect him to lead the line for Liverpool for a long time to come. The Uruguayan looks a bargain at just over £20 million given his age. Flawed genius.
Honourable mentions to Lallana, who is a terrific young prospect at Southampton and who I tip to get a call up for the international team if he continues his performances, and Michu, who is definitely the bargain of the season for 2 million, and who can play up front or behind a striker.
Striker: Robin Van Persie (Manchester United)
The Dutchman has been probably the best striker in the league this season, with his outstanding goal record for United being one of the main reasons they have won the league this season. Van Persie has scored all types of goals this season, with free kicks, tap ins, headers, wonderful volleys (think 2nd goal against Villa) and has incredible composure in the box to find that half a yard he needs to put the chance away, right or left footed. This season he has also managed to create goals for his team mates as well, and his budding partnership with Rooney has grown as the season has gone on. If I was any of the other teams I would be worried about him next season, as he has said he is disappointed with his form this season and feels he can do better and score more. With his first Premier League medal around his neck and United sure to strengthen in the summer, who would bet against him? Exceptional.
Honourable mentions to Benteke, who is an absolute beast and who can terrorise any centre-backs in the league, and whose goals have given Villa some crumb of hope of escaping relegation, and Lukaku, who looks a terrifying prospect given his age.
Manager: Steve Clarke (West Brom)
This was by far the most difficult decision for me, with many other candidates such as Laudrup, Allardyce, Villas-Boas, and of course Sir Alex. But Clarke just edged out the rest for me because he has taken what is honestly an average mid-table Premier League team, and played exciting attacking football that got them up into the top half, and if not for some bad luck and poor end of season form, they could have been right up there challenging for Europa League football. For an inexperienced manager to do that in his first season at the club is incredible, and expect them to push on next season, especially if they can keep hold of Lukaku in the summer. The Boss.
So there it is, my full Premier League XI. Im sure you all disagree with at least one pick, so feel free to comment and give me feedback and we can get a discussion going about it.
My XI:
Keeper: Begovic
Right Back: Zabaleta
Centre Back: Williams (c)
Centre Back: Vertonghen
Left Back: Baines
Centre Mid: Carrick
Centre Mid: Yaya Toure
Right wing: Suarez
Central Attacking Mid: Mata
Left wing: Bale
Striker: Van Persie
And manager: Steve Clarke
Also follow me on twitter @danielyeates1 for my other articles.
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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