Arsenal
Schalke Ready To Capitalize On Arsenal’s Liabilities
Not even half way through the season and it looks like Arsenal are set to go another trophy-less season or it is safe to say Arsenal will have a tough time getting their hands on a silverware this season. with 15 points on table after 10 league games, it is yet another disastrous start to the league campaign by Wenger and co.
Champions league form has also been faltering, as the Emirates Faithful witnessed a shock defeat at the hands of Schalke last time out. This time Arsenal travel to Germany to face Schalke 04 and the German side are looking to capitalize on Arsenal’s slump in form off late and 3 points over the Gunners will keep them at the top of Group B in the Champions League.
The loss of star striker Robin Van Persie to Manchester United has affected Arsenal’s potential attacking threat and the Gunners have been very poor in front of goal this season and having a shot on target is a miracle these days. Van Persie’s replacement, Girioud the Ligue 1 top scorer last season, is yet to find his feet in England and German International Podolski has gone silent after his initial impact.
The Gunners lost to Manchester United last saturday with a dismal performance and are low on confidence at the moment. Schalke on the other hand are in second position in the table, seven points behind leaders Bayern Munich and has been improving ever since their Ruhr derby victory over Borussia Dortmund with just one defeat over Hoffenheim.
The German side will be hoping to repeat their performance over a fortnight ago when they stunned Arsenal with goals from Huntelaar and Afellay late in the second half.
However both Schalke and Arsenal suffered away defeats on Saturday. The Royal Blues fell to a shock upset at struggling Hoffenheim ending their five-match losing streak, while the Gunners were beaten 2-1 at Old Trafford by Manchester United in the Premier League. Both the teams have a statement to make and Schalke’s captain Benedikt Hoewedes has said his side has everything to play for at the Veltins Arena.
Schalke will be hoping a repeat performance from Afellay and Huntelaar against Arsenal“We won in London, why shouldn’t we succeed in front of our own fans at the Veltins-Arena?” said the 24-year-old centre-back. I think we have every chance. We will not be thrown off by a defeat. We have to concentrate on the next task.”
“The result, of course, is a step back, but overall, we put in a good performance against Hoffenheim, dominated the game and we created a number of chances, so you can’t see everything as bad. We simply need to be more consistent in some situations, both going forwards and at the back.”
While Schalke fans are already dreaming of the knock-out phase, Peru wing Jefferson Farfan said the old cliche “one game at a time” must be adhered to.
“We can’t afford to look into the future and we have to take each game as it comes,” he said with Olympiacos and Montpellier also in the group. We were fully focued in London and we must do that again.”
The past month has been one to forget for the Arsenal fans, after that shocking defeat to Schalke with a forgettable match at Old Trafford, a scrambled victory at home to QPR and a breath taking 7-5 win over Reading in the Capital one cup and though it is a win, Arsenal should not have allowed 5 goals to slip past them.
Wenger’s men have shown too much inconsistency and are at rock bottom in confidence levels going into the match. It will be interesting to see Wenger’s line-up this time with three points a must for the North Londoners. And the injury list has not been helpful with Wenger having to deal with a host of injuries. Winger Gervinho will be out for around three weeks, while defender Kieran Gibbs, first-choice goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, midfielder Abou Diaby and Czech winger Tomas Rosicky all continue their rehabilitation.
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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