Arsenal
The Premier League Underrated XI Featuring Arsenal, Chelsea & Southampton Stars
As the 5th week of the Premier League ends, some players have stolen all the limelight with their impressive performances. At the same time, there has been a different lot of players, who despite their good performances have been kept in the shadows of the better or more popular players.
We take a look at the Premier League’s Underrated XI so far:
- GOALKEEPER: WOJCIECH SZCZESNY (ARSENAL)
Even as the Arsenal backline has received quite some flak for its sloppiness so far, it has been Szczesny that has saved them from further blushes. Even though he might have had to make lesser saves than many goalkeepers in the League, he has made some critical saves already- his effort to deny Jamie Vardy in the dying minutes against Leicester helped them hold onto a draw, while a brilliant save to deny Edin Dzeko’s shot against Manchester City in the last minute of injury time saved Arsenal from a heartbreak. Most recently, Szczesny made a point-blank save to deny Ciaran Clark an opener for Aston Villa when the game was still goalless.
With Columbian goalkeeper David Ospina challenging him for the glove, Szczesny has looked really sharp and been Arsenal’s best man at the back. Yet, his good work has been barely noticed due to the glaring issues in the Arsenal defense.
- RIGHT BACK: ALAN HUTTON (ASTON VILLA)
Alan Hutton has made a fantastic turnaround to his career being an integral part of Aston Villa’s fantastic start to the season. Having been an outcast for Villa over the years, Hutton has returned strongly and established himself as first choice right-back.
Even in the absence of Ron Vlaar, Villa has been really solid at the back this season, and the credit goes to the two full backs Hutton and Aly Cissokho who has used their physicality to provide enough cover to the centre-backs. In comparison with the likes of Brainslav Ivanovic, Eric Dier and Nathaniel Clyne, who have all been grabbing the headlines, Hutton’s defensive stats have been much better. And even when going upfront, Hutton has higher chance creation and key pass rates than Dier and Clyne which shows how he has been flying under the radar.
- CENTRE BACK: JASON SHACKELL (BURNLEY)
After gaining promotion to the Premier League on an extremely tight budget, Burnley are battling hard to remain in the top flight. With just one goal scored in 5 matches, Burnley are struggling for goals; yet they have managed three points credits to three goalless draws on the trot. Burnley has defended pretty well in all matches since conceding 3 against the unstoppable Chelsea and their captain Shackell has been leading from the front.
At 6’4, Shackell has put his imposing figure to good use inside the box and in aerial duels. He has also organized his backline well and has made sure his goalkeeper Tom Heaton is not tested often. With sterner tests yet to come, Burnley will really need their captain and his backline to keep up the good form to continue in the League.
- CENTRE BACK: JOSE FONTE (SOUTHAMPTON)
The mass exodus at Southampton at the beginning of the season created an initial feeling that Southampton would struggle to keep up their good work from last term. But despite the offers to move from various clubs, Jose Fonte penned a new deal with Southampton and was made their captain.
After 5 matches, Southampton sits at second place ahead of heavyweights like Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool, with 3 clean sheets already. Fonte has had 3 different partners at centre back this season- Maya Yoshida, Toby Alderweireld and Florin Gardos- yet, Southampton has not looked shaky at the back and the credit goes to Fonte’s calm demeanor. He has shown incredible vision to make crucial interceptions and blocks to nip the opposition attacks in the bud and have also impressed with his distribution of the ball, with his long balls often being instrumental in the Saints’ quick moves upfront.
- LEFT BACK: ANDREW ROBERTSON (HULL CITY)
Signed from Scottish club Dundee United in the summer, the 20-year old has impressed for Steve Bruce’s side at left-back. Robertson was Hull’s savior alongside Allan McGregor in their first game of the season with a goal-line save against QPR. He has provided Bruce’s side with genuine width on the left and has impressed at both ends of the pitch.
Even though Hull are still struggling to get the victories despite scoring goals and controlling games, Hulls’ combination of youth and experience in all areas of the pitch is likely to see them improve over the season. And Robertson looks destined to play a major part in Hull’s quick playing style and its attempt to rise into the top half of the table.
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Arsenal and the Rwanda Development Board have mutually agreed to terminate their controversial sleeve sponsorship when the current season concludes in June 2026. The partnership, which made Visit Rwanda Arsenal’s first-ever sleeve partner in 2018, will end after eight seasons amid ongoing criticism about Rwanda spending millions on Premier League advertising while facing poverty challenges domestically.
Financial Success Justifies Rwandan Investment
Rwanda’s tourism revenues increased 47% since the partnership began, reaching $650 million in 2024 with visitor arrivals hitting 1.3 million. These figures vindicate the Rwanda Development Board’s decision to invest heavily in Arsenal’s global platform despite fierce backlash when the deal was initially announced.
Jean-Guy Afrika, Rwanda Development Board CEO, acknowledged the partnership’s groundbreaking impact. “It broke new ground for tourism boards around the world, driving awareness and visitation for Rwandan tourism at a pace traditional campaigns could never match.”
The collaboration included Arsenal Heritage Day at Emirates Stadium and visits from club legends including Alex Scott, Mathieu Flamini, and Bacary Sagna, alongside current players Jurrien Timber, Caitlin Foord, and Katie McCabe. They experienced Rwanda’s mountain gorilla trekking, Big Five safaris in Akagera, and participated in the annual Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony.
Strategic Pivot to LA Rams and SoFi Stadium
Rwanda’s decision reflects broader strategy to diversify sports partnerships beyond football. The nation recently partnered with LA Rams and SoFi Stadium through the Kroenke Sports & Entertainment Group, signaling expansion into American markets.
Arsenal CEO Richard Garlick emphasized the partnership’s financial importance. “The commitment and support of Visit Rwanda throughout our partnership has played an important role in driving forward our ambitions – helping us invest in our long-term vision to win major trophies, in a financially sustainable way.”
Rwanda remains committed through the remainder of the 2025-26 season, with Visit Rwanda continuing as sleeve sponsor for Arsenal’s men’s and women’s teams until June 2026.
Read More: Bukayo Saka Names Former Arsenal Star as Best Player He’s Played With Despite Kane and Rice Options
Arsenal Dragon
Double Injury Blow: Arsenal Attacker Suffers Setback as Gabriel Magalhaes Faces Potential Two-Month Absence
Arsenal have been dealt a devastating double injury blow during the international break, with Kai Havertz suffering a minor relapse and Gabriel Magalhaes potentially sidelined for two months with a thigh injury sustained representing Brazil.
Havertz’s Return Delayed Until Year’s End
Julian Nagelsmann confirmed Havertz has experienced complications in his recovery from August’s knee surgery. “Kai had a minor relapse on his injury, but overall, he’s doing well. He is expected to return towards the end of the year,” the Germany manager stated after his side’s 6-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Slovakia.
The setback eliminates any possibility of Havertz featuring in Sunday’s North London derby against Tottenham. The 26-year-old has been restricted to just one appearance this season, playing 30 minutes in Arsenal’s opening-day victory over Manchester United before undergoing a “minor surgical procedure” on his knee.
Havertz initially targeted mid-November for his comeback after spending three months on the treatment table. This latest relapse extends his absence through December, forcing Arsenal to continue relying on Mikel Merino as an auxiliary striker option.
Gabriel’s Thigh Injury Compounds Crisis
Gabriel Magalhaes suffered a thigh injury during Brazil’s friendly against Senegal, with early indications suggesting a one-to-two month absence. The Brazilian defender has arguably been Arsenal’s most important performer this season, making his potential absence devastating for Mikel Arteta’s title ambitions.
Arsenal face a congested fixture schedule through the festive period without two crucial first-team players. Viktor Gyokeres remains doubtful for the derby with his own hamstring problem, while Riccardo Calafiori has been ruled out of Italy’s World Cup qualifier against Norway with a thigh issue.
The injury crisis leaves Arsenal dangerously thin across multiple positions heading into the busiest period of the season. Arteta must navigate crucial matches against Tottenham, Manchester City, and Liverpool while managing an increasingly depleted squad.
Read More: (Video and Photos) Watch Mikel Merino’s Impressive Choices as he Goes Jersey Shopping
Arsenal Women will be looking to end a three-game winless run when they welcome Real Madrid Women to Meadow Park for Wednesday’s Women’s Champions League contest. As for Las Blancas, they will be desperate to bounce back from Saturday’s heavy defeat to Barcelona in El Clasico.
Arsenal Women vs. Real Madrid Women: Predicted Lineups
Arsenal Women (4-2-3-1): Van Domselaar; Fox, Wubben-Moy, Catley, Hinds; Pelova, Cooney-Cross; Mead, Caldentey, Foord; Russo
Real Madrid Femenino (4-2-3-1): Misa; Navarro, Mendez, Lakrar, Holmgaard; Angeldal, Dabritz; Feller, Weir, Caicedo; Redondo
Also read: Ailing Katie Reid Receives Words of Consolation From Arsenal Loanee Suffering From Same Injury
Match Preview
Arsenal have struggled for consistency this season, recording five wins, four draws and three defeats in 12 competitive matches. The Gunners have gone three games without a win since their 4-1 victory over Leicester City at the start of the month.
They played out draws against Chelsea and Tottenham, either side of a disappointing 3-2 defeat against Bayern Munich on matchday three. Renee Slegers’s side gave up a two-goal lead in Germany, representing their second European defeat after losing 2-1 to Lyon in their first outing.
The reigning European champions sit in 11th place and just a point ahead of teams outside the top 12. Arsenal can take confidence from already beating Real Madrid on home soil this year, claiming a 3-0 victory to overturn a two-goal first-leg deficit in March’s quarter-final clash.
Fifth-placed Real Madrid are comfortably inside the top 12 and eyeing a top-four spot. Las Blancas started with a 6-2 victory over Roma, before edging out PSG 2-1 in France. Pau Quesada’s side looked set to fall to their first European defeat against Paris FC, before Caroline Weir rescued her side with a 98th-minute equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw.
Weir saw her penalty saved in Saturday’s El Clasico against Barcelona. The Blaugrana went on to score two late goals to wrap up a 4-0 victory, dropping Real Madrid to fourth position in the Liga F table.
Team News
Arsenal remain without Manuela Zinsberger, Katie Reid, Leah Williamson and Kim Little. Victoria Pelova could earn a recall after dropping to the bench against Tottenham.
Real Madrid travel without Merle Frohms, Antonia, Sandie Toletti and Signe Bruun. Sara Holmgaard could return at left-back, while Alba Redondo is pushing for a recall.
Kick-off: 8:00 PM Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Venue: Meadow Park, Borehamwood
TV: Disney+ (UK) | Paramount+ (USA)
Also read: 3 Things We Learned From Arsenal Women’s Frustrating 0-0 Draw Against Tottenham Women
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