Arsenal
Wenger Pre-Match Press Conference + Southampton Preview
Arsenal vs Southampton
Venue: The Emirates Stadium, North London
Time: September 15, 2012. 15:00 Hrs BST
Arsenal last 5 games: DWDDW
Southampton last 5 games: WLLWL
The Premier league resumes this Saturday after the International break last weekend and Arsenal face a tricky Southampton at home. The Gunners will be looking to continue their impressive defensive display this season and to build on the hard fought victory at Anfield. Arsenal are having a normal start to the campaign with a couple of draws before and a win but its their defense which has been impressive. Newly appointed first team coach Steve Bould is doing wonders with the Arsenal back line, which is normally a fragile one. With wingers tracking back to help their defensive colleagues, it really looks like Bould is drilling the every bit of sweat from the squad.
Southampton on the other hand, are at rock bottom. Having lost all the 3 league games they have played, Southampton will be hoping for better results in the coming weeks. But despite losing all the three games, the Saints can take some positives to the match against Arsenal as they almost pulled off a miracle against Manchester United, only to lose out at the end thanks to a brace from former Arsenal man Robin Van Persie.
The last time the two teams met at Arsenal was back in October 2004, over five years ago, where the two teams cancelled each other out in an entertaining 2-2 draw in a Premiership match.
Injury concerns:
Arsenal will welcome goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny back from his injured rib-cage and Szczesny is set to go straight back into the Arsenal side against the Saints
Winger Theo Walcott will be assessed tomorrow morning after missing England’s draw with Ukraine because of a virus, while midfielder Abou Diaby is face a late fitness test and has a 50/50 chance of making it into the team. Long term absenties Tomas Rosicky (hamstring), Jack Wilshere (ankle) and Emmanuel Frimpong (knee) all continue their rehabilitation along with defender Bacary Sagna (broken leg).
Southampton could see new signings Gaston Ramirez and Maya Yoshida to make their first full match appearances. Danny Fox is in contention after overcoming a groin injury that ruled him of international duty with Scotland, while Jack Cork is close to a return from an ankle problem picked up in pre-season.
Team News and Key Players:
The man of the moment for Arsenal is a rejuvenated Abou Diaby, who has a 50/50 chance of making it to the game and if he fails the fitness test tomorrow, Wenger would likely give the Welsh man Ramsey his first start of the season. It makes sense because of the history Diaby has when it comes to being injured after just one good game. The match will also see defender Koscileny available to start his first match of the season but its up to Wenger to decide.
Apart from that the key players to watch out for, are the two midfielders from Spain Mikel Arteta and Santi Cazorla. The Spaniards have combined together very well in a short period of time and it would prove to be a blessing for the Gunners. Cazorla, who opened his Arsenal account at Anfield after some excellent one touch passing with fellow new signing Podolski spoke about his new life at Arsenal and claimed that it is fun working with Arsenal and Arteta has helped him to settle down in London.
Probable Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1): Szczesny (GK); Jenkinson, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs; Ramsey, Arteta; Cazorla, Podolski, Gervinho, Giroud
Probable team to start against Southampton
Arsene Wenger Press Conference:
Wenger gave his usual pre-match press conference today morning and this is what he has to say:
On Saints manager Nigel Adkins:
“It is interesting, it shows you that there is no predetermined way to get to the manager’s job – it is just down to someone’s qualities,” Wenger told Arsenal Player. He had a very peculiar [route] to get the job but he has done well. I had the chance to see him when we played down at Southampton in pre-season. He is a very interesting man who wants to get information, and did that in a very convincing way. I am impressed with how well he has done and the way he has done it.”
On Goal Keeper Vito Mannone and hie performances:
“He has done really well,” said the Frenchman. Vito was allowed to move at the start of the season, to play somewhere. Now he has been No 1 for two games and has at least moved into being a serious candidate to be fighting for the place. At the moment, Wojciech is but there is a fight there and it is interesting. We have three goalkeepers who have the talent to play in the Premier League and to fight for the No 1 place. That’s Wojciech, Fabianski and Mannone. Usually we keep two and let one go away to play, because they need to play. Now Vito has taken advantage of the fact that Fabianski and Wojciech were injured.”
On his contract negotiations:
I have two years to go,” he said. “What is important for me is Southampton [on Saturday] and I think I’ve shown my commitment to this club in the past. I’m an Arsenal man and I think I’ve always shown that. I have to consider if I do well or not. If I don’t do well, I have to consider my future. I’ve been at the club long enough to have confidence in the people I work with. But I will assess my own performances and then make a decision. At the moment we are not there.
“Two years is a long time in my job. I just want to do well for the club as long as I can and accept all the rest. At the moment I am not in the mood to think about the long-term future. We want to do well this season, that’s all.”
Before closing the page, have a look at the recent encounters between the teams:
| Season | Date | Team | Result | Team | Comp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004/2005 | Sat 26 Feb | Southampton | 1 – 1 | Arsenal | Premiership |
| 2004/2005 | Sat 30 Oct | Arsenal | 2-2 | Southampton | Premiership |
| 2003/2004 | Tue 10 Feb | Arsenal | 2 – 0 | Southampton | Premiership |
| 2003/2004 | Mon 29 Dec | Southampton | 0 – 1 | Arsenal | Premiership |
| 2002/2003 | Sat 17 May | Arsenal | 1 – 0 | Southampton | F.A. Cup |
| 2002/2003 | Wed 07 May | Arsenal | 6 – 1 | Southampton | Premiership |
| 2002/2003 | Sat 23 Nov | Southampton | 3 – 2 | Arsenal | Premiership |
Follow us on twitter @SoccerSouls to get more news and updates
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.
- Liverpool14 years ago
Raheem Sterling Age 17 Kids 3 Women 2
- Arsenal13 years ago
Etienne Capoue To Become An Arsenal Player In Summer
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Defender Nacho Monreal Doesn’t Agree The Direction The Club Is Going.
- Arsenal13 years ago
Robin van Persie wants to move back to Arsenal
- Arsenal13 years ago
Report: Arsenal Could Sign A Striker Next Week
- Headlines13 years ago
Manchester United Preparing A (Javier Hernandez + De Gea + 55 Million) Bid For Ronaldo
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Planning To Bring In ‘Next Fabregas’
- Headlines13 years ago
Three Reasons Why Manchester United Must Sign This “Next Vidic”