Arsenal
Not Ozil – This out-of-favour Arsenal star must revive his career under Arteta and here’s why
Why Granit Xhaka could revive his Arsenal career under Arteta
According to Daily Express, new Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has revealed that he wants Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka to remain at the club.
Earlier, Xhaka was on the verge of leaving Arsenal after lashing out at his side’s supporters during a 2-2 home draw against Crystal Palace in October. This led to him being stripped off the club’s captaincy and he was also left out of the squad by Arteta’s predecessor Unai Emery.
With things looking seemingly distraught back then, Xhaka’s agent had said last week that the 27-year-old was targeting a move to Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin.
However, Arteta’s arrival seemed to have changed the Xhaka situation, with the Swiss international featuring in 2 of the 3 games managed by him.
In fact, the 27-year old defensive midfielder helped his side to a 2-0 victory with a gritty performance against bitter rivals Manchester United last Wednesday.
This was Arsenal’s first win in five matches in all competitions and also their first home win since October in the Premier League, thus signifying Xhaka’s worth within the side.
Xhaka was also in the thick of things in their 1-1 draw against Bournemouth, which was Arteta’s debut match as a manager.
It was arguably the midfielder’s best performance of the season, wherein he combined well with the young Lucas Torreira to provide Arsenal with a nice defensive shape in the middle.
Meanwhile, Arteta suffered a 2-1 home loss to Chelsea in between, where Xhaka did not feature due to illness. He had chosen the young Matteo Guendouzi in his role and it did not work well for the Gunners.
Xhaka’s ability to build up the play in the midfield was something that Gunners clearly lacked against a stronger Chelsea midfield, which included the likes of Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante.
Xhaka has been instrumental in both the games he has played under Arteta so far, with the club’s results being a proof of his importance.
Playing in his preferred deep-lying playmaker role, Xhaka’s excellent passing abilities where once again on the forefront under the new coach. His pass success percentage averaged more than 90% in the two games – 92.7% (Manchester United) and 93.8% (Bournemouth). (Source: Whoscored)
He has never recorded more than a 90% pass success rate in two successive games in this entire league campaign, which is a true reflection of his improvement under Arteta. He also gave as many as 11 effective long balls – his highest ever in the league this year – in the match against the Cherries.
Xhaka’s defensive abilities were also on display as he registered a total of 5 successful tackles and 4 crucial interceptions in the last 2 games, as per Whoscored.
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Above all, he recorded his highest ever overall ratings this season under Arteta, averaging 7.42 against the Red Devils and 7.17 against Bournemouth. (Source: Whoscored).
The last time his match rating touched such a mark was against Watford back in September, wherein he averaged 7.16 – marking a drastic and sudden comeback from the player.
Verdict
Hence, its crystal clear that Xhaka’s performances have improved considerably under Arteta. Also, now that the Spaniard has made his opinion clear regarding Xhaka, this seems to be the best opportunity for him to revive his career at Arsenal.
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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