Arsenal
Underrated, Skilful And Intelligent: Why Arsenal Should Extend This Maestro’s Contract
Arsenal have long been a team synonymous with football that’s easy on the eye. Whilst Liverpool and Manchester City have probably both usurped them as ‘the great entertainers,’ the Gunners are still capable of breath-taking moments of brilliance, as was apparent last Saturday against Sunderland.
On the back of a disappointing and energy-sapping defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, one could have forgiven Arsenal for a sluggish and despondent display. On the contrary, they came flying out of the blocks and exhibited some of the best football they’ve played all season. 2-0 up and cruising, Tomas Rosicky then finished an outrageous move of one-touch passing, eerily similar to Jack Wilshere’s against Norwich earlier in the campaign.
The goal was indicative of exactly what Rosicky brings to this Arsenal team; neat and tidy on the ball, with the determination and ability to drive into the box and run in behind enemy lines. He certainly fits the Arsenal stereotype of being a short and creative midfielder – of which the Gunners have had dozens over the years – but it would be lazy to class them all as exactly the same player. Rosicky, in particular, brings a whole other dimension to the side, which is why news of a new contract being agreed is so encouraging.
Tactically, Mesut Özil has struggled since the loss of Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey to injury. Their absence coinciding with his dip in form is, well, not coincidence at all. Özil, as we know, is a player that picks up the ball between the lines, glides forward into space and looks to slide passes through for on-rushing players into the box to finish. He, Ramsey and Walcott had begun to show glimpses of the kind of chemistry Walter White would envy, and it’s difficult for him to thrive when Olivier Giroud, for example, appears to be someone who prefers receiving the ball with his back to goal, rather than running in behind like his currently-crocked comrades.
In Özil’s absence, Rosicky took on the role as ‘the runner,’ leaving the likes of Wilshere and Santi Cazorla to link with Giroud and create opportunities for him behind the opposition defence. With neither Ramsey nor Walcott looking like returning any time soon, this makes Rosicky an invaluable asset to this Arsenal side.
But he’s an important player at the best of times, too. When available, Arsène Wenger almost always starts Rosicky in the big games, particularly at home. This year alone at the Emirates Stadium, he has started against Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Napoli which suggests his regular appearances against top opposition is no coincidence.
So why is this the case? What does Rosicky bring to the team that perhaps some of his other teammates don’t? Well, experience for one. Whilst it’s something of a minor tragedy that injuries robbed Arsenal of Rosicky in his supposed peak years, at 33, he still possesses a wealth of experience at both club and international level, which can only be helpful for the younger players in the squad. But it’s not only intangible qualities that make him a crucial member of the Arsenal squad – the nature of his play on the pitch is unique and fabulous to watch.
He presses and hounds his opponents when they’ve got the ball like a caged lion, which has been the cornerstone of the recent successes of Bayern and Barcelona, and something Arsenal simply don’t do enough. Whilst I appreciate the immense levels of stamina needed to employ such a tactic, when it’s done to them on such a regular occurrence, you wonder why the Gunners don’t do it themselves every week. Arsenal monopolise the ball, so surely should have more energy to chase and press than their opponents when possession is turned over.
Rosicky certainly appears to have no qualms in selflessly chasing down seemingly lost causes – his goal against Tottenham in the FA Cup being Exhibit A, here. The more pressure he applies, the more territorial advantage Arsenal gain, thus making him a crucial tactical asset. His surprisingly effective sliding tackles make him something of a fan’s favourite, too, such is his willingness to do the so-called dirty work.
Of course, Rosicky is not merely a glorified cross-country runner, he is arguably one of the most technically-gifted players in Europe. The Czech is renowned by fans and teammates alike for his unique ability to pass with the outside of his foot, a skill which apparently is dubbed ‘The Rosicky’ in Arsenal training sessions.
His critics will argue that he probably doesn’t score enough goals, which certainly isn’t unreasonable, but he’s unquestionably skilful, intelligent and adaptable, being able to play high up the pitch as a number ten, in a deeper-lying playmaking role, or indeed on either flank where he roams into dangerous attacking positions. It seems Rosicky is looking to make up for lost time and clearly Arsenal are keen to hold onto one of their most underrated assets.
Arsenal Dragon
Experienced Vet Wins Arsenal Women’s October Player of the Month After Breaking Goal Drought
Beth Mead has been named Arsenal Women’s Player of the Month for October after ending her goalless run with a crucial strike in the Champions League victory over Benfica. The England winger secured 56% of supporter votes, comfortably ahead of Mariona Caldentey in second place and Kim Little in third.
First Goal of the Season Breaks the Deadlock
Mead’s drought-ending goal arrived in Arsenal’s 2-0 Champions League victory at Benfica, pouncing on defensive hesitation inside the penalty area to open scoring and set the Gunners on course for their first win in the competition this season. The strike came at a crucial moment as Arsenal sought to bounce back from their opening defeat to Lyon.
Her goal demonstrated the predatory instincts that made her one of England’s most dangerous attackers, capitalizing on mistakes with razor-sharp reactions inside the box. While she hadn’t found the net earlier in the campaign, her overall contributions remained valuable through work rate and creative output.
Read More: 3 Reasons Arsenal Should Sign Rodrygo
Rotation Role Continues Under Slegers
Mead featured in all four Arsenal matches during October, starting twice and coming off the bench twice against Brighton and Manchester City in WSL action. Renee Slegers has managed her minutes carefully, balancing Mead’s experience with the need to rotate attacking options across multiple competitions.
The 29-year-old’s return to form arrives at the perfect time as Arsenal prepare for their Champions League clash with Bayern Munich on Wednesday. Her ability to deliver in Europe’s premier competition could prove decisive as Arsenal chase qualification for the knockout rounds while maintaining their domestic title challenge.
Winning October’s award provides momentum heading into a congested November schedule that includes crucial fixtures against Chelsea and Bayern Munich, where Mead’s big-game experience will be vital for Arsenal’s ambitions on multiple fronts.
Read More: Katie Reid Injury Explained: How Long Will The Teenage Sensation Be Out for Arsenal Women?
Arsenal Dragon
Katie Reid Injury Explained: How Long Will The Teenage Sensation Be Out for Arsenal Women?
Arsenal Women have confirmed their worst fears—Katie Reid has ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament during training, ending the 19-year-old defender’s breakthrough season just months after earning her first England senior call-up. The injury represents a devastating blow for both Reid personally and Arsenal’s title ambitions.
The Injury Timeline and Recovery Process
Reid sustained the ACL rupture in training last week, forcing Arsenal to confirm the news publicly after initial scans revealed the extent of the damage. She’s expected to miss the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign, with Arsenal targeting a return for the 2026-27 season.
ACL injuries typically require 9-12 months of rehabilitation before players can return to competitive action. Reid faces surgery first, followed by extensive physiotherapy focusing on regaining knee stability, strength, and confidence performing the explosive movements central to elite football. Arsenal’s medical staff will monitor her progress closely, though rushing recovery risks re-injury or long-term complications.
Her absence creates immediate defensive problems. Reid had displaced Lotte Wubben-Moy and Laia Codina in the pecking order following Leah Williamson’s knee surgery earlier this season, earning widespread praise for her composure and maturity beyond her teenage years. Losing Reid forces Arsenal to rely on depth options who haven’t matched her consistency.
Arsenal’s Growing ACL Crisis
Reid becomes Arsenal’s third ACL casualty this season, highlighting a concerning pattern that demands investigation. Goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger suffered the same injury in training earlier in the campaign, ruling her out for the remainder of the season. Michelle Agyemang ruptured her ACL while on England international duty, completing an unprecedented injury crisis affecting Arsenal’s squad depth.
Three ACL injuries to one squad within months suggests potential issues with training loads, pitch conditions, or strength-and-conditioning protocols that Arsenal must address urgently. While ACL ruptures can occur randomly, the clustering raises legitimate questions about whether preventable factors contributed to this epidemic.
Reid had withdrawn from England duty last month with a groin issue before making a late substitute appearance in Arsenal’s 4-1 victory over Leicester. Days later, training brought the devastating knee injury that’s now derailed her momentum. Her rapid rise from academy prospect to first-team regular and England international has been halted cruelly just as she established herself among Europe’s most promising young defenders.
Read More: 3 Reasons Arsenal Should Sign Rodrygo
Arsenal Dragon
Arsenal Legend Slams “Phantom Handball” Decision: WSL Not Ready for VAR Until Referees Go Professional
Ian Wright delivered a scathing assessment of officiating standards during Arsenal Women’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, calling Stina Blackstenius’ disallowed goal a “phantom handball” and “the hand of god that only the referee saw.” The Arsenal legend argued that the WSL must prioritize professionalizing referees before introducing VAR technology.
Read More: 3 Things We Learned From Arsenal’s 2-2 Draw Against Sunderland
Professional Referees First, VAR Second
Speaking on the Crossways podcast with Steph Houghton, Wright rejected immediate VAR implementation despite both managers demanding its introduction. “Firstly, instead of bringing in VAR, we need to get referees professional before we go anywhere near VAR so they can ref the game and have confidence in what they are doing. Then, VAR helps them,” Wright stated.
His criticism centered on the referee’s inexplicable decision to chalk off Blackstenius’ goal for handball when replays showed no contact whatsoever. Houghton noted Lucy Bronze’s reaction was telling—”nobody flinched” when the ball hit the net, suggesting even Chelsea players recognized the goal’s legitimacy before the referee intervened.
Wright suggested Italian football’s trial of manager VAR challenges could provide a solution. “If I got to see that incident with just a television screen and a different angle, I would be able to say to the referee in 30 seconds, she didn’t touch it with her hand. That game is too big for the referees and officials to be that definite about an incident.”
Infrastructure Barriers Block VAR Implementation
Both Wright and Houghton agreed the WSL lacks necessary infrastructure for VAR rollout. Wright highlighted practical obstacles: “You can’t be putting VAR equipment at Tottenham at Brisbane Road. You have also got West Ham playing at Dagenham and Brighton at Crawley. The infrastructure is not there for it.”
Arsenal were denied three legitimate goals during Saturday’s draw—Blackstenius’ phantom handball, Frida Maanum’s questionable offside, and Alessia Russo’s strike that stood despite offside debates. Sky Sports pundit Izzy Christiansen claimed Arsenal were “robbed,” while Wright insisted Chelsea were fortunate not to lose 3-1.
The controversy could prove decisive in the title race, with Arsenal remaining five points behind Chelsea after dropping two points through officiating incompetence.
Read More: Arsenal in the Hunt for 18-year-old Teenage Sensation from RB Leipzig
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