Arsenal
The Premier League Rookie XI Features 1 Star From Each Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool & Man City
This season we saw quite a few players playing their first season in England’s top division and there were plenty of rookies who were very impressive. There were a few unfortunate players who could not get going this season as well. Here is a team that consists of players playing their first season in the Premier League and have shone for their clubs. The key criterion here is that the debut players will be judged on the relative importance to their teams.
Goalkeeper: Adrian (West Ham United)
Adrian was a real snatch by West Ham as they continued their quest to strengthen their team. Sam Allardyce successfully managed to steer West Ham to a very good mid-table position especially when they looked done and dusted for relegation in the winter months. Adrian has played a key part in his first season making 20 appearances in the league and mustering 6 clean sheets with an impressive record of 2.56 saves per goal. His performance against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was one of his bests as West Ham held the Blues 0-0 to invigorate their campaign, following which they formulated a winning streak.
Defender: John Stones (Everton)
Young England defender John Stones has been a revelation for Everton. He stepped up at a time when Phil Jagielka, their captain got injured. Stones has been very solid and mentally strong for a 19 year old lad. He has made an impressive 21 appearances in the league. His main characteristic which was easily noted was his brave defending. He has made 19 blocks in his 15 starts and 6 substitute appearances which matches the figures for most other established stars like John Terry(20) and Gary Cahill(21). He is a disciplined defender and relies on his ability to contain opponents rather than tackle hard. He has an impressive tally of committing only 3 fouls in the league. He is a very good passer.
Defender: Martin Demichelis (Manchester City)
The Argentine has had a roller coaster first season in the Premier League. He made his debut against rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge where he was severely tested by a revived Fernando Torres and Andre Schurrle. Since then he was heavily criticised as being the weak link in the squad. Most people saw Demichelis as someone being beyond his prime as he was slow against dribblers and speedsters and made a few defensive errors during the campaign. But the experienced centre back lifted his game when it mattered the most, when City lost their captain early to a red card against Hull City.
Demichelis single handedly marshalled the defence and managed to keep a clean sheet. Ever since that match, his performances have been strong and by the time the league was won, he had played his part fairly well. During the course of the season, Demichelis’ aerial ability was very important as he did lay-offs using his head during set pieces. He has also had 69 interceptions to his credit.
Defender: Dejan Lovren (Southampton)
The Croatian centre back has had a very fruitful first season as he was the vital cog of Southampton’s early season surge. The Saints punched above their weight as they managed some very key results in the first half of the season. In the matches Dejan Lovren has featured, the Saints have managed to keep an impressive 10 clean sheets. Lovren has impressed with his aggression and tactical reading of the game as he has managed 84 interceptions this season. He has had an impressive tally of 239 clearances as well.
Overall he manages an average of 11 defensive actions per game which is incredible. He plays in a team that doesn’t consist of world class players, hence the need for passion for the game is more important to succeed and Lovren has really stepped up. His best performances have been against Merseyside teams Liverpool away and Everton at home. He scored a memorable winner against the Reds in the early part of the season when Brendan Rodgers’ team was looking menacing and were on a win streak.
Defender: Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool)
Sakho has been the no nonsense defender for Liverpool. He has probably been the only Liverpool defender who has looked to defend cautiously without committing many errors. Injuries limited his first season to only 17 appearances but the French centre back was responsible for displacing one of the Reds’ fan favourites Daniel Agger from the starting line-up. He has managed a great tally of 136 clearances in his limited appearances. He managed an average of 10 defensive actions per game.
Sakho has always helped the back-line with his aerial ability as he stops almost any aerial pass. His marking has also been commendable as only 5 times have players dribbled past him, one being when he injured his hamstring when Fernando Torres dribbled past him when Liverpool visited Chelsea. His best moment was when he scored his first goal for Liverpool against West Ham in a 4-1 win, where star man Luis Suarez stole the show.
Click on the next button to continue
Arsenal Dragon
Arsenal Star Katie McCabe Attracting NWSL Interest as Contract Expires This Summer With High Impact Player Rule Making Move Financially Viable
Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe is being closely monitored by National Women’s Soccer League clubs ahead of a pivotal summer for Arsenal. Several NWSL sides have shown ongoing interest for the past 18 months, fully aware that McCabe’s Arsenal deal expires at the end of the season.
The situation places McCabe at an important crossroads in her career. Having tasted Champions League triumph last summer, she wants to compete at the top level and that ambition will inevitably shape any decision she makes. Arsenal face losing one of their most recognizable figures unless they act quickly.
Ten Arsenal Stars Out of Contract
McCabe is not the only high profile name at Arsenal approaching the end of her current deal. The club has a staggering number of senior players out of contract this summer including Stina Blackstenius, Kim Little, Leah Williamson, Caitlin Foord, Beth Mead, Laia Codina, Steph Catley, Victoria Pelova and Manuela Zinsberger.
This list is frankly ridiculous for a club of Arsenal’s stature. Several of these players form the core of the team and have played key roles in recent domestic and European success. Decisions made by the club and by the players themselves will shape the direction of the squad moving forward, and Arsenal cannot afford to lose multiple stars simultaneously.
High Impact Player Rule Changes Game
The introduction of the NWSL High Impact Player rule in July is already influencing how clubs view potential signings from Europe. The rule allows NWSL clubs to exceed the league’s salary cap by up to $1 million for high impact players, making moves for European stars like McCabe financially viable.
For now, McCabe remains focused on finishing the season strongly with Arsenal. Whether her future lies in north London or across the Atlantic will be one of the biggest stories to watch as summer approaches.
Also read: What Is The NWSL High Impact Player Rule and Who Could Be The First To Benefit From It?
Arsenal captain Leah Williamson has been announced as a National Year of Reading ambassador following the official launch of the 2026 campaign at Emirates Stadium.
The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson unveiled the Go All In initiative on January 13, positioning reading as a gateway to enhancing passions across all walks of life.
Williamson joined a stellar lineup of ambassadors including author Julia Donaldson, illustrator Axel Scheffler, poet Jackie Kay, and several other prominent figures from literature and public life. The event marked a significant moment for literacy promotion in the country, with the campaign centred on the message that reading can deepen enjoyment of whatever people already love.
A Message From the Pitch
Speaking at the launch, Williamson drew parallels between football and reading. She said the National Year of Reading represents a chance to fully commit to personal passions through literature in all its forms. The Arsenal skipper encouraged people to seize the opportunity by picking up books, listening to audiobooks, or diving into articles related to their interests. Her involvement underscores how sports figures can champion reading beyond their professional domains.
Resetting Reading Culture
Joanna Prior, chief executive of Pan Macmillan and chair of The National Literacy Trust, described the launch as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform how Britain views books.
The ambition extends beyond traditional reading spaces, aiming to make literature accessible in communities, schools, and even on football pitches. Prior emphasized stripping away pressure and stigma around reading, making it relevant and enjoyable rather than obligatory.
The campaign represents a coordinated national effort to boost literacy rates and foster a genuine love of reading across all demographics and age groups throughout 2026.
Also read: Jodie Taylor Appointed Arsenal Women’s First Ever Technical Director
Arsenal Women host Manchester United on Saturday in a crucial six pointer for Champions League qualification. The Gunners sit just one point above United in the WSL table and victory at Emirates Stadium would give them a strong buffer, while defeat leaves them playing catch up in the race for Europe.
The match marks Arsenal’s return from the winter break following a busy week that saw Renee Slegers sign a new contract and Jodie Taylor promoted to Technical Director. However, the immediate focus is on securing three points against Marc Skinner’s side in what promises to be a tense encounter.
Kick-off: 12:30 GMT, Saturday, January 11, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
TV: Sky Sports (UK)
Cooney Cross Absent For Personal Reasons
Arsenal will be without Kyra Cooney Cross who has returned to Australia for personal reasons. Daphne van Domselaar is not quite ready to return from a quad injury while Chloe Kelly remains out with a knee problem. Jenna Nighswonger will not be in the matchday squad as she negotiates a loan move.
New signing Smilla Holmberg from Hammarby will be in the squad alongside recalled goalkeeper Naomi Williams. Manu Zinsberger and Katie Reid are out with ACL injuries. The absence of Cooney Cross means Mariona will likely drop into the deeper midfield role she has occupied for much of the last year.
United Strengthened in January
Manchester United have been busy in the transfer window, adding full back Hanna Lundkvist from San Diego Wave and centre forward Lea Schuller from Bayern Munich. Skinner was dealt a poor hand over the summer with a very small squad handling Champions League qualifiers and the group phase.
Predicted Lineup:
Arsenal (4-3-3): Borbe; Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe; Little, Mariona, Maanum; Mead, Russo, Smith
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Tullis Joyce; Lundkvist, Le Tissier, Janssen, Sandberg; Miyazawa, Zigiotti; Park, Malard, Awujo; Schuller
Also read: Arsenal Women disable social media comments after sexist backlash to new signing
- Liverpool13 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”