Arsenal
The Remarkable Story Of Alexander Hleb From A Hero To Zero
Alexander Hleb was born in 1 March 1981 in Minsk and was very bright during his youth. From 2000 he began to make a mark in European top flight football as he started with Stuttgart who believed in his talent and bought him from BATE, Belarus champions.
5 years in VFB and he changed his image from “unknown person from mysterious country” to a great deal of authority in Bundesliga. During this 5 year tenure he played under several coaches including Felix Magat and Mattias Sammer and Hleb was able to prove his talent under each one and the media certainly helped with their part to bring the player into line light. In total he played in approximately 170 games in Bundesliga and scored 30 times. At his last season in Germany he had the most number of assist in the league.
And who else other than Arsene Wenger to spot the youth prodigy. Hleb became a Gunner at the start of the 2005-06 season after a €15 million transfer move. His first year in London was not very productive as the Belarusian spent half the season to adapt himself to life at England and the hard tackles that come in his way. As predicted he was branded as a flop and the money spent on him was a waste and there was even talks Hleb returning back to Bundesliga. Hamburg made one such attempt to lure the player, but Wenger persuaded Hleb to remain at the Emirates and wanted him to show his worth.
And what we saw in the 2nd half of the season was just a miracle. Hleb along with Fabregas started a new partnership at the heart of the Arsenal midfield and it was working brilliantly for them. Their magic saw Arsenal reach the final of the UEFA Champions League, beating Juventus at the quarterfinals and Villarreal in the semi-finals. Hleb together with Cesc Fabregas were lethal against the likes of Viera and Emerson. But in the final Arsenal met Barcelona and an early red card for Lehmann meant the Londoners were at the back foot from the beginning of the game and two late strikes from the Catalans left the Gunners heart broker at the Stade de France.
A small proof of what he was back at Arsenal:
[youtube width=”500″ height=”300″]TEtaNKo0E6U[/youtube]
Next jump – season 2007-08. Therry Henry’s departure raised a few eye brows and Arsenal were doubted if they will be able to survive without him. Hleb became leader of the team and again brought everything which was his label at Bundesliga. But as there were some limitations for experienced players, which Wenger showed no interest in signing, also the willingness not to increase salary, made Hleb one of worst mistakes in his life, the midfielder moved to Barcelona for the same amount of money, which Arsenal spent on him.
Barcelona, a very specific team, seemed very close to Arsenal’s playing strategy. But the problem of mentality creeped in Catalonia. For first half of the season, Hleb started most of the games from the bench. His transfer was the last one for the season and combing back from a forgettable season, Barca pinned their hopes on the midfielder to add a new flair to their attacking potentials and a sense of strongness to the midfield.
Meanwhile, from Barcelona Cantera were some internal transfers. Busquets and Pedro became first team members further hampering Hleb’s first team opportunities. Barcelona under Pep Guardiola changed thier playing style and were involved in either a 4-3-3 or 4-1-2-1-2) formation which had no place for Hleb to prove himself. The partnership of Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets had a greater impact than any other combination and Pep refused to change his style which automatically led to frustrations.
In the season when the Catalans scored a total of 156 goals, Hleb scored none of them and was involved in a meagre 19 games throughout the season. He started to get himself into trouble soon and was involved in several training session bust-ups with fellow players.
After that period, his career started to decline as predicted and the player spent three successive seasons on loan at several clubs including his former club VfB Stuttgart and a year each in Birmingham City and VfL Wolfsburg.
For a man who was called as “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” during his time in the Bundesliga, a nickname derived from his famous mazy runs and impeccable balance even amidst the most stringent defensive pressure he went on to play for a mid table Russian team FC Krylia Sovetov Samara before finally ending up at BATE Borisov where he started almost a decade ago.
Looking back at his career, Hleb’s story can be deemed as the perfect example of a man who climbed the higgest possible ladder in the footballing world only to crumble at the very last step. He was a hero in 2008, he is a zero now!
Finally I will end it with this video, It’s hard to see him these days so have a look at this:
[youtube width=”500″ height=”300″]681E8ShAYc0[/youtube]
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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