Arsenal
Should Arsenal Rescue This Manchester City’s Striking Prisoner?
Can Stevan Jovetic still improve Arsenal?
Well, after a crushing 6-0 defeat at the hands of their fierce rivals Chelsea, the Gunners have added to their abysmal record of heavy defeats against title rivals this season. There is always room for improvement and Arsenal would do with any extra quality that adds on to the squad depth.
Stevan Jovetic was one major target for Arsenal last summer but the Montenegran striker was bought by fellow rivals Manchester City. Unfortunately for Jovetic, a string of injuries and illnesses meant that he had a really tough time settling down. He hardly played in his first season and it was felt that Man City would have greatly benefitted with his presence in certain games. But with Manchester City having prolific hitmen in Negredo and Dzeko with a creative centre forward in Aguero, it can be hard for Jovetic to displace these already established players from the starting line-up.
Jovetic
This can be a good opportunity for Arsenal, who can swoop up the talented striker next season if they have the luxury of about 25-30 million to spend on a striker. Jovetic would have fetched more money in the transfer market had he not been injured and unfit for the first season. A talented dribbler and a clinical shooter, Jovetic is among those types of strikers that are really hard to find. A striker like Jovetic would add a lot of depth to an Arsenal side that cries out for more quality and variation while going forward. After Robin van Persie’s departure in 2012, Arsenal have heavily relied on Olivier Giroud to provide prolific numbers, but the Frenchmen has not been the consistent 20-goals-a-season striker that Arsenal had hoped for. In a bid to adapt to Arsenal’s style of play Giroud has tried his level best to change his style of a poacher and has given some brilliant performances this season by improving his link-up play. But the Frenchman looks his lethal best especially when he enters the game as a substitute. A hitman/poacher by nature, Giroud lacks the extra yard of pace that most strikers possess, but he has the strength to hold on to the ball and allow others some space.
The problem with Arsenal here is the lack of depth. Stevan Jovetic has all the features that one may ask in a striker. He won’t hold the ball trying to bring others into play, something which Arsenal don’t actually need. Jovetic is well capable of beating defenders and launching a powerful shot into the net, a striker that can improve any squad with such attributes. With Jovetic and Giroud in the team, Wenger would get that depth going forward, with the Montenegran international playing for the first 70 minutes while his French counterpart can chip in with his usually good super-sub performances.
It is not always about having a prolific striker in the team, it is all about depth and quality overall. Arsenal showed how brilliant Giroud and Ramsey are when played together as the Welsh midfielder was one of the few Arsenal midfielders who had that ambition and an eye for a goal. All of Arsenal midfielders are classic providers, the play makers. With Arteta, Cazorla, Ozil, Rosicky and Wilshere among others being those who like to pass to strikers, Ramsey’s presence was very important to Giroud, who could pass to another player who was most likely to finish. Walcott was one player who would regularly make those pacy runs into space giving Giroud an opportunity to pass to him, but the absence of the England international and Ramsey meant that the goals dried up. With Jovetic in this squad, he would be a goal threat whenever the ball is at his feet. But again, you also need someone decent to replace him if he is injured.
Arsenal need to build their squad in such a way that there is more than one finisher on the pitch. Currently Giroud’s lack of pace is always against him when he tries beating defenders. Arsenal in this season are relying heavily on goals from midfield whereas Arsenal midfielders are not accustomed to scoring goals. Hence, we have seen the 1-0 shut downs by Arsenal against quite a few teams this season which has given them praise from many analysts for their willingness to hold on to a 1-0 lead.
According to me, a player of the quality of Jovetic will definitely improve Arsenal, but they do need to build on squad depth in midfield as well as another first team quality striker to add depth along with Giroud and Jovetic. We all know Jovetic has been injured for longer than what was thought, and Arsenal’s interest in flair players also means taking injuries with a pinch of salt, and if Jovetic gets injured like the way Ramsey, Walcott, Chamberlain or Ozil were among many others, Arsenal will have yet another tough season if they don’t build on depth.
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.
- Liverpool14 years ago
Raheem Sterling Age 17 Kids 3 Women 2
- Arsenal13 years ago
Etienne Capoue To Become An Arsenal Player In Summer
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Defender Nacho Monreal Doesn’t Agree The Direction The Club Is Going.
- Arsenal13 years ago
Robin van Persie wants to move back to Arsenal
- Arsenal13 years ago
Report: Arsenal Could Sign A Striker Next Week
- Headlines13 years ago
Manchester United Preparing A (Javier Hernandez + De Gea + 55 Million) Bid For Ronaldo
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Planning To Bring In ‘Next Fabregas’
- Headlines13 years ago
Three Reasons Why Manchester United Must Sign This “Next Vidic”