Arsenal Player Ratings vs Chivas de Guadalajara
Arsenal faced off against Chivas de Guadalajara in their pre-season friendly at the StubHub Center in Carson, California on Sunday, after their win over MLS All Stars. Arsene Wenger would have wanted that his side to keep the momentum going and that some of the new stars would settle into the starting eleven soon. The game started off well for the north London giants, who were in good form and scored three goals in just 56 minutes.
Rob Holding, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Chuba Akpom and were the scorers for the Premier League side. However, Wenger’s side failed to maintain the clean sheet once again, as a spot-kick scored by Angel Zaldivar reduced the deficit for the Mexican outfit, with just 16 minutes of play remaining, as the game eventually ended 3-1.
Player Ratings:
David Ospina: 3/5
Played a solid 67 minutes in front of goal and bailed out Holding from an embarrassing situation.
Hector Bellerin: 3/5
Did not produce anything special on the night and was taken off at the break.
Calum Chambers: 2.5/5
Uncomfortable at the back on various occasions, though he claimed a headed assist for the Holding goal.
Rob Holding: 3.5/5
Apart from a mistake that cost his side a goal, he looked good at the back and also registered his name on the score-sheet.
Nacho Monreal: 3/5
Looked impressive on the left-wing creating chances for Theo Walcott, though the Englishman wasted them. Taken off at the break.
Francis Coquelin: 2.5/5
Not at his very best in the game and made some rash challenges.
Granit Xhaka: 3.5/5
His distribution was quite good in the game right till the end, though he looked quite reckless at times with his tackling.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 3.5/5
Made some good runs with the ball at his feet, but there was no end product eventually in the first half. Could have done much more, yet he compensated in the second when he scored a brilliant goal, after a solo run.
Santi Cazorla: 3/5
Made some quick, accurate passes and showcased his skill on the ball to keep his side in charge and created some quick attacks.
Alex Iwobi: 2.5/5
Could not do much in the game but found himself in a lot of space at times.
Theo Walcott: 1.5/5
After a pathetic performance in the last game, Walcott once again showed Arsene Wenger why his place is on the bench or rather why he does not deserve an Arsenal shirt anymore.
Substitutes:
Emiliano Martinez: 3/5
Could not save the penalty kick and made a decent save or two apart from that.
Mathieu Debuchy: 2.5/5
Still needs to learn to defend once again, though he looks good when pushing forward.
Kieran Gibbs: 3/5
Looked really good at the back.
Mohamed Elneny: 3.5/5
Came on for Xhaka and added some energy to the attack which helped the Gunners push forward more quickly.
Joel Campbell: 2.5/5
Kept possession of the ball well in the match and looked decent in the game.
Krystian Bielik: 2.5/5
Looked solid in midfield and passed the ball around well after coming on as a sub.
Gedion Zelalem: 3/5
Looked neat on the ball and was impressive playing for Wenger’s first team on the night.
Chuba Akpom: 3.5/5
Looked eager to get the ball at his feet and was hungry for more goals. Was rewarded when he scored the third on the night.
Jeff Reine-Adelaide: 2.5/5
Added an outburst of energy to his side and looked good in the time that he got.
Chris Willock: N/A
Came on and had a decent run in the match.
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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