Arsenal
The Premier League Underrated XI Featuring Arsenal & Manchester United Stars
There are always players who are under appreciated for their abilities and performances or those who go unnoticed despite top drawer displays. There are those who are expected to do things that are too big and are unfairly judged, so the underrated players of the Premier League always make an interesting list.
Here are 11 players who need to be rated higher and must be given more chances than they have been getting or mere appreciation.
Goalkeeper: Adrian (West Ham)
Adrian was part of last year’s West Ham team that took their league position by the scruff of the neck and got them into mid table position with his saves. But unfortunately, he is a forgotten man in the young keepers’ scene.
Defender: Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal)
Consistently being the first choice for Arsenal, giving decent performances in the league and in the Champions League, Gibbs deserves to be in the English team. We can still expect Baines to be first choice and Gibbs as second choice. He may not be as effective in the final third as one would like, but he is solid when facing an attacker running down his flank. A little more effort from Gibbs should be enough to secure a permanent spot in the Gunners starting XI.
Defender: Jonny Evans (Man Utd)
The centre back performs well, may not be spectacular but has been effective. He has always been in the shadow of Vidic and Ferdinand. The preseason was testimony to why Evans actually, is going to be a key centre back for the club.
Defender: Rafael (Man Utd)
The Brazilian Right-Back was unlucky to miss out on a world cup berth. He is a decent defender and is a good attacker but someone who is constantly underrated. Under van Gaal’s new formation, Rafael would get opportunities at the wingback position and if he manages to stay away from injuries, this can be a fruitful season for him.
Defender: Jon Flanagan (Liverpool)
The young Liverpool fullback proved himself last season as probably the best defender in their back four. He has aggression and ability to defend and grabbed the left back spot with both hands even though he’s a natural right back. Deserves to play ahead of Glen Johnson both for club as well as country.
Midfield: Shinji Kagawa (Man Utd)
The Japanese playmaker entered the league with hopes of being one of the most important player for the club. He impressed heavily in the beginning showing clearly that he has the talent. Injuries stalled his Man Utd career and David Moyes just didn’t seem to have him in his plans when he replaced Sir Alex. A proven talent in Dortmund as one of their best players, Kagawa can do a lot more than just warm the benches.
Midfield: Tom Cleverley (Man Utd)
It is controversial to add underperforming star Cleverely here. But it only seems as if people are judging him too harshly. Talking of him as a player making the replacement of Scholes etc is really demanding especially when he is not that type of player. Cleverely is best suited to hold possession in the heart of the midfield, play with shorter passes and run the play with flair players. Arguably, Man Utd’s wingers are too functional and his shorter passes are a waste of time when the team likes to play longer.
Midfield: Moussa Sissokho (Newcastle Utd)
The French engine has really turned the fortunes of the club when they acquired him in the 12-13 season. A club which was languishing near the bottom was consistently mid table last season more because of loss of Cabaye. Sissokho is underrated as a technical player. Most see him as a workhorse for the team rather than someone whom can lead the line and score goals and assist others.
Midfield: Lucas Leiva (Liverpool)
The dominance of Gerrard in central midfield is so high that Lucas’ consistency is barely noticed. Performing in the Premier League since a long time, he at least deserved to have a chance for the national team. Lucas works very hard in defence, is a safe passer and a very important player for Liverpool along with him being a thorough professional.
Forward: Javier Hernandez (Man Utd)
He is a top quality goal poacher who was completely ignored by David Moyes last year. Most of the times his appearances have been from the bench and yet he has scored over 50 goals in all competitions for Man Utd in the last four seasons. Mostly judged as a penalty box striker, Hernandez is barely played.
Forward: Olivier Giroud (Arsenal)
Giroud has scored over 15 goals in both the seasons he has played in the league. From a penalty box poacher, he has adapted to holding the ball and allowing others time and space to move into positions. He has assists, key passes and goals to his name and he didn’t even cost a bomb. No, he isn’t Robin van Persie, but he does have the capability to lead the Arsenal lineup.
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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