Connect with us

Arsenal

The Best From The Rest – A Mid Season Review On EPL’s Best XI

Published

on

Have you ever had a conversation with a football fan who watches a completely different league, and somehow just terms it as the best? If so, you should probably take a look at the eleven best EPL players listed below and tell them why the Premier League is the toughest in the world. They are selected on the basis of their position on the field and their performance this season! I’m pretty sure every EPL fan would just dream of managing such a team of all stars.

Goal Keeper : Asmir Begović

begovic

He is probably the best pick for the GK spot this season. Stoke City having scouted the young Bosnian lad, saw potential and signed him for a fee of £3.25m. Showcasing his talent even in front of the big clubs, his value is rumored to have risen to £13m. Begović holds the record for the most number of clean sheets – 9 in his 21 appearances so far and conceding the least number of goals at home – 7. His presence of mind and quick footing gives him the edge to stop even the inevitable.

Defenders

Right Back : Branislav Ivanović

Consistency has been the main factor which favors Ivanović. His impressive runs and defense tactics are completely unmatched. Awareness of the probable future moves from the other side, allows him to always be one step ahead. The Blues have profited from his outstanding display this season, conceding less number of goals and crosses from the deep end. Other than his faltering performance in the Capital One Cup match against Swansea earlier this season, he has less than 1% room for error.

Central Backs :

Martin Škrtel

You will be amazed at what this Slovakian footballer can do when he takes to the pitch. His huge stamina and physical aggression makes him the perfect CB. Often, mistimed errors from the Pepe Reina have given second chances to the opposition, only to be stopped by Škrtel. Recently, he committed his future to Liverpool and Brenden Rogers is absolutely delighted with Škrtel. He has beaten new found talent Joey O’Brien (West Ham) and Blues defender Cahill to make it into the EPL’s starting XI.

Ryan Shawcross

Standing tall at 6 ft 3 in, the worst one-on-one situation any player could experience. His perfect slide tackles and pace up front are defining lines for the English player. The Potters defense this season has been boosted by his display on the field. Top class players always have a certain move which distinguishes them from all others, his being the ‘Shawcross Tackle’. His style of play and zero defensive error record have earned him the spot on the team.

Left Back : Patrice Evra

Patrice-Evra_1

A left back who scores goals, creates chances and is a defensive hurdle for most teams to cross over. French veteran, Patrice Evra has beaten the likes of Ashley Cole to make it to the starting XI. He can run the entire length of the field for both the offense and defense, despite his increasing age. Almost 70% of average duels are won by him and on an average, he makes about 8 to 10 defensive actions to stop the opposition. His success this season has been a  major contribution to league leaders Manchester United.

Midfielders

Central Midfielders :

Frank Lampard

A tough choice between Lampard and Arteta. But who can ignore Lampard’s impact this season. With an uncertainty of his future at Chelsea, people expected his performances to dip. But this player just keeps getting better by the day. He has broken few more records this season and is on his way to breaking a more. He’s become Chelsea’s second highest goal scorer of all time and also the only player in the history of English football to score a minimum of 5 goals in 16 consecutive seasons. He is a handful goals away from becoming Chelsea’s highest scorer of all time and just 3 away from becoming the first player to score at least at least 10 goals in 10 consecutive seasons.

Chelsea will surely miss this legend if he leaves at the end of the season.

Santi Cazorla  

cazorla

After Michu, he is undoubtedly the best signing of the summer transfer window. Santi Cazorla has adapted to life in the Premier League quickly, and Van Persie’s departure has made him the center piece of the Arsenal attacking force, so much so that the Arsenal build-up play now seems to be revolving around him. With 7 goals and 6 assists already this season, Cazorla has been the man for Arsenal more than any other player in the team.

Attacking Midfielders :

Juan Mata

Mata has recovered from his summer exploits with Spain and is currently Chelsea’s most potent weapon – and that’s saying something given their summer spending spree.

The Spaniard claimed the Premier League player of the month for October. His movement and creativity are difficult for anyone to handle. Except for the league title, Mata has won almost every other major competition he took part in. And oh, he is just 24. With 13 goals and 18 assists so far this season, Mata single handedly held the reins of the Chelsea attack when things looked bleak with the departure of Drogba.

Miguel Pérez Cuesta

Michu the MAN !!

Nicknamed Michu, this Spaniard has been the driving force for Swansea City this season! In his 21 appearances, he has scored 13 goals, making one of the leading goal scorers this season. His knack of getting into the box with ease and his tremendous footy skills make a dangerous threat. He is a versatile player who can play from position to position, depending on how the game goes. He is definitely the best newcomer to Premier League

Strikers :

Robin Van Persie

The 29 year old Dutchman proved to be a great asset to Manchester United during the first half of the season! With as many as 17 goals and 6 assists thus far, he has put them in a good position overlooking the other clubs by nearly 10 points! The forward has gained so much of experience at Arsenal that it took him no time to settle down. The entire midfield works at providing chances to which Persie responds with a fantastic goal. Playing up front, he usually gets the brunt of good defenders at times, but with the help of the entire team, his presence is felt.

Luis Suárez

Target Man Suarez. He’s had his fair share of yellow cards and mistimed errors but as a striker, he’s simply brilliant. Liverpool just be a book without the pages if Suarez was never there. The support from his teammates has proven vital for the Uruguayan as most of his goals are scored with his amazing aerial ability provided from crosses from the likes of Steven Gerrard. Long range shots are also his plus point to be noted, most of them being on target. Currently trailing Van Persie, he has 15 goals to his name this season. An elite player in the making for sure. Figuratively speaking, he’s the cherry on the cake for the EPL XI.

Arsenal

Arsenal vs. Chelsea: Predicted Lineups + Match Preview

Published

on

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.

https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/2026973140216139924

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.

https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/2027662304674787575

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.

https://twitter.com/Lordvez77/status/2027706891493662783

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!

Continue Reading

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

Published

on

Arsenal fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Olivia Smith is discharged from the hospital after her injury scare during the FA Cup match against 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.

https://twitter.com/itsarsenaldaily/status/2025672713491136548

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.

https://twitter.com/BackyardArsenal/status/2025945833368363134

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.

https://twitter.com/ArsenalWFC/status/2025903465189286183

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.

https://twitter.com/ArsenalWFC/status/2025963863167176972

Also read: Arsenal Women March Schedule Set as Dates and Times Confirmed for Champions League Quarter Final Tie Against Chelsea Plus WSL Fixtures

Continue Reading

Arsenal

Arsenal Star Named WSL Player of the Month for January as Midfielder Continues Outstanding Form Following 400th Appearance Milestone

Published

on

Arsenal's Kim Little named WSL Player of the Month for January, celebrating outstanding form after her remarkable 400th appearance as Scotland midfielder.

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.

https://twitter.com/BarclaysWSL/status/2021902110090990041

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.

https://twitter.com/itsallpelova/status/2021671831854624872

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.

https://twitter.com/inconeyisland_/status/2021669914764095799

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.

Also read: Three Arsenal Women Players and Manager Renee Slegers Up for WSL Awards After Unbeaten January Includes Landmark Chelsea Victory at Stamford Bridge

Continue Reading

Home » Teams » Arsenal » The Best From The Rest – A Mid Season Review On EPL’s Best XI

Trending