Arsenal
The Premier League XI: Featuring 4 Chelsea And 2 Liverpool Stars, None From Arsenal
With the Premier League drawing to a close in the coming few weeks, we look at the players who dazzled on the field with consistent displays. There have been quite a lot of players this year because of the unprecedented level of competition in this season’s Premier League. The team would be lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation which is the most used formation in the league.
Many players miss out on the first team of the Best Eleven on very fine arguable margins. Players who miss out are Laurent Koscielny, Vincent Kompany, Martin Skrtel, Per Mertesacker, Cesar Azpilicueta, Branislav Ivanovic, Sergio Aguero, Daniel Sturridge, Aaron Ramsey, Oscar, Jay Rodriguez, Tim Howard, Szczesny and Wayne Rooney. Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic has been one of the best performers since January, but since he hasn’t played the full season, he misses out on the Premier League First XI.
- GOALKEEPER: Petr Cech (Chelsea)
Petr Cech has been in fine fettle this season having kept the maximum number of clean sheets and helping Chelsea become one of the strongest defences in Europe while being uncontested leaders in defence in the Premier League. Having kept 16 clean sheets, Cech also has the merit of keeping a clean sheet at the Etihad Stadium where Manchester City have butchered the visiting teams. Chelsea have also kept clean sheets in some very big games courtesy to top saves from the Czech goalkeeper.
- RIGHT BACK: Seamus Coleman (Everton)
Seamus Coleman has been in devastating form this season playing as the marauding right-back under new manager Roberto Martinez. With adequate defensive support from holding midfielders Gareth Barry and James McCartney, Coleman has got the license to venture forward and contribute to the attack. With 6 premier league goals for the Irishman along with his team holding the second best defensive record in the league, Coleman is the automatic first choice.
- CENTRE BACK: Gary Cahill (Chelsea)
Gary Cahill has really stepped up this season teaming up with rejuvenated skipper John Terry. The England International has played the role of being John Terry’s “legs”. The ageing skipper needed a reliable centre back partner, unlike the attack minded David Luiz, to move about and do things that he could not. Cahill improved on his defensive work-rate and has added to the steely resilience that epitomizes Chelsea’s defence today.
- CENTRE BACK: John Terry (Chelsea)
It is Cahill’s centre-back partner John Terry. Terry has by far been the best leader on the pitch and has led his defense to the best defensive record in the league. The age factor has not helped the Chelsea skipper as he has lost almost all of his agility on the pitch and doesn’t have the legs to close down counter attackers. Despite that, Terry has used his immense tactical defending skills by marshalling his troops Cahill, Azpilicueta and Ivanovic into building a rock solid defense. He and Cahill have put their hearts out in order to defend, as the Chelsea first choice centre-back pairing holds the maximum number of blocks (39) in the Premier League.
- LEFT BACK: Leighton Baines (Everton)
A perfect example of a marauding full back, he has racked up 4 goals, 2 assists and has created 39 chances for his team. Leighton Baines is also among Everton’s key set piece takers. Baines has also had an impressive tackling rate, as he wins 63% of his attempted tackles and winning 61%of his duels, more than Ivanovic, Azpilicueta, Evra and Coleman.
He has been fouled 51 times, the maximum number of fouls suffered in comparison to his counter parts. He has also conceded the least number of fouls (20) than his competitors for this spot. He has a strong disciplinary record and tackling rate which makes him edge slightly ahead of newly-formed left back Cesar Azpilicueta who has by far the best defensive stats yet absolutely minimum attacking contributions. Baines has managed to help his team have the second best defensive record in the league.
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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