Arsenal
Why this 20-year-old Champions League winner could be the man to solve Arsenal’s defensive woes
Why Achraf Hakimi would be the ideal option to solve Arsenal’s defensive woes
Achraf Hakimi became the first Moroccan footballer to get his hands on the UEFA Champions League when he won it with Real Madrid in 2017-18. A product of Madrid’s youth system, he played for the reserves before making his first-team debut in the La Liga last season.
However, he was sent out on a two-season loan deal to Borussia Dortmund to get more regular minutes and continue his development in the right direction. And few would argue that the 20-year-old highly-rated right-back has already shown signs of developing into a finished product.
Hakimi, who was a part of Morocco’s squad at the 2018 FIFA World Cup at Russia, is known for his versatility and work rate as a full-back. Essentially a right-back by trade, he has also been used as a left-back and as a centre-back due to his superior physical presence.
In fact, Hakimi has been used as a left-back at Dortmund this season and has still managed to produce his best football.
A typical modern-day attack-minded full-back, Hakimi is very solid and compact at the back, while also providing an extra attacking outlet down the flanks with his powerful overlapping runs.
Blessed with an incredible technique and unrivalled stamina, the 20-year-old has the tenacity to run up and down the pitch for the entire ninety minutes. That is exactly the reason why he is rarely caught out of position even when he plays higher up the pitch.
Hakimi has a sound positional sense for a full-back and is adept at winning back possession for his team with crucial tackles and interceptions. He is not a particularly good crosser of the ball but he makes up for it with his ability to link up brilliantly with short and incisive passes.
He is a player with a good eye for a pass and tends to create chances with intelligent through balls and flick-ons from the wide areas. As a matter of fact, Hakimi averages 68.6 passes per game with an accuracy of 87%, including 2.4 long balls per game.
To put things into perspective, he would be a wonderful signing for Arsenal in January. The Gunners have struggled for consistency at the back and the lack of depth in defensive options has hit them hard this season.
Unai Emery’s men went down 5-1 to Liverpool last weekend and the opposition enjoyed the fruits of some shambolic defending from Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Shkodran Mustafi and Stephan Lichtsteiner. Arsenal have lacked effective organisation across the backline and have been exposed too much at the back.
Arsenal have done pretty well under their new manager Emery in what was expected to be a season of transition. However, they have conceded 30 goals so far, which is one of the poorest defensive records in the top ten in the Premier League.
As things stand, Arsenal need a versatile defender who is capable of playing in multiple positions across the backline and someone like Hakimi would be a fantastic choice for that purpose. Such a trait of versatility is rare to find and Arsenal should go all out to sign him in January.
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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