Arsenal
Wengerball under Unai Emery! Where are the substitutes who shone in Arsenal’s stunning win over Fulham in 2018, now?
It’s been over 6 years since Arsenal demolished Fulham in sublime fashion at the Craven Cottage, all about the substitutes who entered the field that afternoon
It’s been over 6 years since that team goal from Arsenal. Just a few months after Arsene Wenger’s departure, they were still carrying on the tradition of the famed ‘Wengerball’ under then-new manager Unai Emery.
After a rather sluggish start to their 2018-19 campaign, Arsenal had a brilliant September, and were continuing the same into October. In the early days of the month, the North London club visited Craven Cottage to take on then-newly promoted Fulham.
Alexandre Lacazette struck Arsenal in front, but was canceled out by Andre Schurrle towards the end of the first half. However, just a few minutes into the second half, Lacazette struck again to make it 1-2 to Arsenal. Then came Aaron Ramsey in place of now-Fulham player Alex Iwobi.
No sooner did he arrive, than Arsenal scored a sublime tiki-taka team goal, stylized as ‘Wengerball’ by the North London faithful. Starting off from their own half, Ramsey laid a pass to Lacazette, who then passed it back to the Welshman. Amid an obstructing Fulham player, Ramsey then chipped it back to Lacazette, who lofted it over to Bellerin.
Quick-thinking from the Spaniard, saw him backheel his pass to Ramsey, who controlled it brilliantly with his head to pass it to Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The Armenian wasted no time as he hit a first-touch through ball to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who then placed a perfect cross into the box. By then Ramsey had made his run into the box, and sublimely backheeled it past the Fulham goalkeeper to round off a memorable Arsenal goal.
In this article we take a look at the three substitues who were used that afternoon by Arsenal, and where they are now.
Aaron Ramsey
Aaron Ramsey was in his final year at Arsenal. The Welshman had joined the club way back in 2008 from Cardiff City, and it was already known before the end of the season that he would be leaving to Juventus.
Having joined Juventus in 2019, Ramsey did make a decent amount of appearances for the ‘Old Lady’, although he was not a regular starter. In the final half of the last year of his Juventus stint, Ramsey joined Rangers on loan. Once he returned, he left Juventus to join French club Nice for a year. In 2023, he signed a two-year-deal with his boyhood club Cardiff again.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was a substitute that afternoon at Craven Cottage. Coming on for Danny Welbeck, he went on to score a brace. The Gabonese went on to win the EPL Golden Boot that year (alongside Mo Salah and Sadio Mane). He fell out of favor with current manager Mikel Arteta, and his starts for the club began dwindling towards the turn of 2021. In early 2022, Aubameyang left Arsenal to join Barcelona for half-a-season.
Later that year, he made a shock return to London, joining rivals Chelsea. However, his spell at Chelsea was dismal, and the very next year, he moved to Marseille, where he found his form again. Despite shining for the French club, Aubameyang, left for Saudi club Al-Qadsiah in 2024, where he currently plays.
Matteo Guendouzi
Another player who was not a part of Mikel Arteta’s plans. Having joined the club in 2018, Guendouzi was loaned out to Hertha BSC in 2020, and once he returned he was loaned out to Marseille, following which he joined the club on a permanent transfer. While at Marseille, Guendouzi joined Italian club Lazio on loan.
Once his loan spell at Lazio was over, Guendouzi joined them on a permanent transfer in 2024, and has been a regular starter for them.
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.
Arsenal
Eni Aluko Responds to Laura Woods’ Damning Comments With Long Statement as Ian Wright Row Continues
Eni Aluko has responded to a lengthy social media thread from Laura Woods amid the ongoing controversy surrounding her feud with Ian Wright. Aluko caused outrage in 2025 when she accused Wright of blocking opportunities for female pundits, and she has reaffirmed her stance this week.
The former England international, who represented the Lionesses 105 times during her career, bemoaned the fact that two men, Wright and Nedum Onuoha, were on the punditry panel for the Women’s Euro 2025 final. This reignited a debate that many thought had been settled months ago.
Woods Pushes Back on Caps Argument
Woods took to social media on Monday morning to post a long thread explaining that caps don’t win automatic work. That comment came after Aluko pointed out she was sitting in the stands of last year’s final next to Fara Williams, who has 172 England caps.
The TNT Sports presenter added, “The women’s game should be by women for women is one of the most damaging phrases I’ve heard. It will not only drag women’s sport backwards, it will drag women’s punditry in all forms of the game backwards.” This is a fair point from Woods, who has built her career on merit rather than relying on playing credentials.
Aluko Stands Firm on Position
Responding to Woods, with whom she has worked previously, the 38 year old stated, “I respect Laura’s opinion as I have always done. I believe that women’s football should prioritise women as the faces of the sport. I think women should be the dominant force in the women’s game in the same way that men are the dominant force in the men’s game.”
Aluko also slammed Wright for declining her attempted apology last year. “When I apologised to Ian Wright publicly and privately, he had an opportunity to show grace. Unfortunately my sincerity, my humility, was met with disrespect.” This ongoing feud shows no signs of ending anytime soon.
Also read: London City Lionesses vs. Everton Women: Predicted Lineups + Match Preview
Arsenal‘s 2-1 win over Brighton on December 27 revealed three critical truths about their title challenge and season trajectory heading into the final stretch.
The Gunners showed resilience but exposed defensive vulnerabilities that could prove catastrophic against Manchester City. Martin Odegaard’s clinical finishing and Brighton’s own goal masked deeper problems within Arsenal’s structure. Mikel Arteta’s men survived because Brighton lacked quality, not because Arsenal dominated.
Arsenal’s Defensive Fragility Remains Their Achilles Heel
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s nervous display highlighted Arsenal’s defensive depth concerns. The young left-back was withdrawn after 67 minutes with Arteta forced to shift Piero Hincapie left and introduce Gabriel Magalhaes. Brighton created legitimate chances through Yasin Ayari and Yankuba Minteh, with the latter forcing a world-class David Raya save in the 89th minute.
Manchester City will punish these defensive lapses ruthlessly. William Saliba appeared uncomfortable throughout, and Lewis-Skelly’s inexperience showed repeatedly. Arsenal need Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori back to full fitness immediately. Without consistent defensive solidity, no amount of Odegaard brilliance secures the title.
Fortuitous Circumstances Carried Arsenal Rather Than Merit
Georginio Rutter’s own goal proved the difference in reality. Arsenal should have been 2 to 0 up at half-time with multiple clear chances. Martin Zubimendi had a guilt-edge header saved by Bart Verbruggen. Leandro Trossard fired wide from close range.
The hosts never played at optimum level despite dominating possession. Brighton grew into the game after half-time and genuinely threatened. The narrative of Arsenal’s unstoppable form crumbles when examining performance metrics. They’re winning tightly contested matches through individual moments rather than systematic dominance.
Gyokeres Still Needs Time to Adjust
Viktor Gyokeres had a sloppy opening 45 minutes according to GOAL’s ratings. The Swedish summer signing is struggling to find rhythm in Arsenal’s system. His involvement in link up play remains pedestrian.
Arsenal invested heavily in Gyokeres expecting elite performance immediately. Instead they’re watching a player adapting to new surroundings without consistent output. Against City’s defensive intensity, Gyokeres cannot afford settling in periods. Arsenal need him sharp now, not eventually.
Also read: Opta Supercomputer Predicts Arsenal’s Upcoming Fixture Against Brighton
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