Arsenal
The Belgium Force In The Premier League – Benteke Just Adds Credibility To It
Arsenal had a horrible first game day, by falling to a 1-3 loss at the hands of an inspired Aston Villa. Benteke scored twice from the penalty spot, after Villa defender Luna scored to come-back from an early Giroud goal.
What looked like a dream of a fantasy football manager, turned into reality at Stamford Bridge as well. Benteke had one shot at goal, and he took full advantage of it, to level the score right before half-time. Surprisingly, Chelsea had gone in front thanks to another Belgian, Eden Hazard. Another Belgian international, Romelu Lukaku came on in the second half to replace Senegalese, Demba Ba.
This is Belgium’s love affair with the English Premier League. 10 players ply their trade at an English club. Battling out against each other week in and week out, but coming together during their country’s training sessions.
No doubt, Belgium has talent in their hands. We have Eden Hazard, who many believe will become the best in the world eventually. Thibaut Courtois and Romelu Lukaku, his Chelsea team-mates are also very much capable of one day becoming the best in the world. Kevin De Bruyne who returns after an impressive loan appearance at Werder Bremen is set to cement a spot in the first team under Jose Mourinho. Much remains to be seen about how he plays a vital role in Chelsea’s hunt for silverware.
Then we have Moussa Dembele and Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham, who have become the crux of Andre Villas Boas’s philosophy at White Hart Lane. Down at the Merseyside we have Simon Mignolet , whose recent transfer to Liverpool has seen him given a fighting chance against current Belgium goalkeeper, Courtois himself.
Kevin Mirallas, was vital in Everton’s seventh place finish last-season, with David Moyes branding him an important player. His team-mate, Marouane Fellaini has transfer speculations surrounding him every-time he steps on to the Everton turf. Then we have captain fantastic’s in the form of Thomas Vermaelen of Arsenal and Vincent Kompany of Manchester City. The recent transfer of Nacer Chadli to Tottenham, is just another arrival to the Belgian contingent that often meets up and holds dinner parties.
This is however just the famous Belgians playing it out in England. There are players all across Europe , many of them having their talents hidden in the eyes of the public, and others being chases by European clubs. 17 year old, Zakaria Bakkali, whose infamous rise at PSV Eindhoven came after a sensational hat-trick on his debut, is being chased by a number of top-flight English clubs. He is born in a small town in Liege, Belgium.
Thorgan Hazard, the younger brother of Eden Hazard, who plays for Chelsea and is currently out on loan to Zulte Waregem, is another young player expected to shine for his country. How can one also forget Axel Witsel who plays for FC Zenit and Dries Mertens , who plays for Rafael Benitez’s Napoli.
Toby Alderweireld who currently plays for Ajax, can play both in the center and as a right-back. Clubs such as Leverkusen, Liverpool, Napoli and Norwich are monitoring his development after he refused to sign a new contract.
They have the right blend of youth and experience. That’s what makes them stand-out as one of the expected shocks of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Marc Wilmots, the manager of the current national team, has seen the country’s rise in prominence in the international scene, by being involved in the international setup since 1986.
One cannot clearly say how far Belgium will go. As of now, I would be surprised if they at-least didn’t reach the quarter finals. As we’ve seen with England’s golden generation, you can also fail miserably. However, the country that has a population of 11 million people, has a lot to look forward to.
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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