Arsenal
Tactics Zone: What’s Wrong With Arsenal? Part 1
Few weeks back, many pundits and fans claimed that Arsenal had the most balanced squad in premier league along with Manchester City. Now it’s time for a reality check. With already ten points behind the league leaders Chelsea, Arsenal’s moment of truth looks like they will be just fighting for the champions league spot again this year. Yesterday’s game against Norwich is probably one of the worst games ever in the Wenger era. Norwich not only constrained them, they strangled Arsenal into an invisible vacuum and they never allowed them to breathe.
Arsenal’s mind blowing strike force! Really?
Gone are those days when only midfielders are responsible for creating chances. If you look at some of the present dominant teams in the world – Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and others, their wingers and strikers are not only capable of producing goals they also help bringing their team mates into the game and assist them. But what about Arsenal? Let’s analyze their strikers’ and wingers’ creative abilities,
Gervinho:
Chris Waddle made a controversial comment about Theo Walcott couple of years back when he said “Theo doesn’t have a footballing brain.” In fact he got that totally wrong. Theo definitely has a football brain. But this quote will perfectly fit Gervinho. The Ivorian is the top scorer for Arsenal this season but stats don’t speak the true story. One of the basic elements of being a winger is his ability to cross. But I never remember Gervinho crossing the ball in air (not even once) against Norwich. That’s terrible. I am not sure whether he knows how to cross (in air) in first place. What is the point of buying Giroud (who scored recently against Spain with his head) if they are not using his Aeriel abilities. Only support Gervinho can offer to his team mates is some random low passes after some blind dribbles.
Gervinho’s cross attempts against Norwich
Gervinho just had two crosses in the entire game and those two also failed to reach their destination.
Podolski:
Lucas Podolski is not a super duper finisher but he is a kind of a raw finisher like Walcott (ability to finish from certain angles and areas). Is he consistent? Yes he is. Is he consistently world class? No is the answer. Some Arsenal fans may argue but that is the hard truth. He is just short of world class in all attacking areas. If RVP had stayed with the gunners, story would have been different. With two raw finishers in the wings and RVP pulling strings together from the center would have been epic. Lucas is a great team player but he will never change the fortunes of his club single handedly like RVP did. In yesterday’s game he spent his most of his time wandering in no man’s land. He was totally invisible throughout the game. At least he should have used his direct dribbles against the two bank Norwich defense.
Podolski in no man’s landThe pic above is the heat map of Podolski against Norwich. If you look at it carefully, you can see that he instead of getting into positions in the deep wing areas, he spent most of the game out side of the box. And just like Gervinho he too just had two crosses in the whole game.
Giroud:
He is a typical English striker of olden days with good physical strength and shows good movement inside the penalty box. In short, he is a “Fox in the Box” type of player. Most of the goals he scored last season was from rebounds or being in right place in right time or headers. He will be effective in teams which has excellent wingers and play makers like Ribery. Arsenal already spoiled one striker called “Chamack”, hope the same does not happen to Giroud. He is definitely a better player than Chamack, but why buy him if you are not going provide him with good crosses. In the present squad, only Jenkinson (and Sagna) can cross the ball well. Will Giroud replace RVP? No! Will Giroud & Podolski together replace RVP? Still No! Will Giroud, Gervinho and Podolski replace RVP? Not sure still! This shows how good they are.
Verdict:
This is poor buying from Arsenal. They don’t know what their wants and needs are. Podolski and Walcott need players like RVP to influence them. And Giroud needs good wingers like Ribery or at least like Valencia to make him more effective. And for Gervinho, even Messis and Ronaldos cannot influence him. Ladies and gentlemen, this is what Arsenal Strike force is all about.
In part two, the main talking point will be about Arsenal’s defensive tactics – so called zonal marking.
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”