As far as Arsenal’s title pursuit is concerned for 2016-17, 3 men are set to play the most important roles in deciding how it goes down, and they must work in tandem to make anything and everything out of the club’s ambitions.
The last time a title parade was held in north London was 2004, and given how a lot of quality players have often gotten awfully close, only to come short of returning the trophy to the Emirates, it would require almost 100% perfection on the pitch, and off it to get a better shot this time.
Comes in the trio of Arsene Wenger, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil. The 2 players and the manager have different roles to play in making this decade-long dream a reality, and here is how each of them is a major player and the respective importance they have in Arsenal’s title pursuit this term.
Alexis Sanchez
The former Barcelona forward is definitely the most hardworking Arsenal player at the moment, and he always gives his best every other game. He is such a workaholic that he would frown at being substituted, even with the game wrapped up as he is this perfectionist who doesn’t want to leave any stone unturned.
Sanchez has been responsible for 7 of Arsenal league goals this season, having provided 3 assists and scored 4 goals in 8 starts. He has also created most chances with 16 key passes. Having had to play through the middle as opposed to the wings since the start of the season, the 27-year-old has risen to the big occasion, and could (should) continue in the centre forward position all season.
Heading into the new season, the lack of quality striker and proven goalscorer capable of winning the league for Arsenal remained the only problem unsolved. And they didn’t have to look far for a solution. Despite creating 94 chances, the club has scored 19, the 2nd best tally in the league, and Sanchez has no doubt played an integral role in getting that problem solved as a makeshift cf.
His consistency at being able to combine his pace, strength and slick skills on a match-daily basis has proven to be the key to Arsenal’s form this term, and with it, they can finally get their hands on the coveted prize.
Mesut Ozil
Off the pitch, Arsenal are trying their possible best to secure a contract extension for the German World Cup winner and his south America counterpart.
Ozil, alongside Sanchez, has made Arsenal’s title credentials sustainable in the last 2 seasons, and his new-found form this term could see the club finally break the duck.
With Sanchez drafted upfront, Ozil has had more chances at goal given that he isn’t just making all the assists this time around, he is getting them from Alexis.
Ozil has scored 3 goals and assisted none, and that’s due to him having Iwobi take up the positions he would normally occupy. Many have often criticised him for not getting much goals per season, and he has found a way to finally keep his naysayers quiet having bagged 3 goals from only 4 shots on target.
So, while the roles and movements of Iwobi and Sanchez are drying up Ozil’s chances creations and assists, the 28-year-old is putting his finishing abilities to quality use elsewhere – right in front of goal.
Arsene Wenger
The exploits of the whole Arsenal team, including the resurgence of the aforementioned duo has been the making of Wenger’s tactical genius. Is it coincidental that everything seems to be perfectly falling in place in what could be the Frenchman’s last season in charge of the north London giants?
He finally got it right with every department of the squad. Finally!!! If he finds a way to keep his most important players fit for a large chunk of the season, winning the league title is almost very certain.
We would never truly know his importance to Arsenal and their likely title pursuit this season until he calls it quit. The Gunners won’t have it easy with life after him. It’s a guaranty. Manchester United is a perfect example. Guess it’s true when they say you don’t know the value of what you have until you lose it.
Note: The article was written before Premier League’s week number 10 (stats may vary)
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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