Arsenal
Will Arsenal Star Lose The Battle Against Chelsea’s Juan Mata?
Santi Cazorla vs Juan Mata: World Cup Contention up For Grabs
First things first, both Juan Mata and Santi Cazorla has stellar campaigns last season. Both the Spaniards play for two of the most high profile clubs in the EPL, albeit Arsenal and Chelsea. Whereas Cazorla isn’t fully fit yet and is has spent almost the whole of this season on the sidelines, there is certainly “What’s the Mata with Mourinho?” The Self proclaimed Special One or the Happy One as you may call him, has persisted to field Oscar as the number ten role for Chelsea instead of Mata, thus limiting the Spaniard’s first team action. Even though the EPL has just started with only seven games done, we expect both the Spaniards to make significant impacts for their respective teams.
Come next summer, we are more than sure that Vincent Del Bosque is sure to pick both of these diminutive midfielders, but if we are to make a selection, who will edge out the other? In this era of the classical 4-2-3-1, the number ten role has become more pivotal to any side’s attacking prowess. It would quite interesting to see on how Arsene Wenger uses Cazorla, now that Mesut ozil is the central of the Gunners attack in the final third. What I make of it is perhaps, Cazorla will be drafted out wide on the left and will have more of a roaming role. Whereas the same can also be said of Mata, this certainly will cut their natural instincts, but we might see the best of them in the current season.
Based on possession, I feel Cazorla is better at ball retention and can drop deep when needed and help and build from the back. While Mata certainly doesn’t possesses this characteristic trait, Cazorla also outplays his Spanish Counterpart when it comes to playing between the channels. However, when it comes to creativity, Mata outscores Cazorla albeit his key passes and chances created per game. Consider last season, when Rafa Benitez advised Mata to play closer to the lone striker up front, remember his winning goal at Old Trafford?
On Goal scoring abilities, both of the two are equally matched and its almost impossible to distinguish them based on the stats. Both of them also have been fouled equal number of times and are also deadly from set pieces, something which provides a columnist’s nightmare to compare the two!
However, if I do have to put my thinking cap on, I would say its Juan Mata who comes out on top, albeit his Big Match Temperament. His touch, vision and the willingness to find the decisive pass in the final third is something which, I would be fair to say, is lacking in case of Cazorla. Remember his stellar displays against Barcelona and Bayern Munich on the way to Champions League glory? Plus going by scoring charts, Mata has more goals when it comes to against the so called big teams in the EPL.
While this would be a bit cruel to say, but I would certainly not want to make a choice, but I do have to, I would pick Juan Mata ahead of Santi Cazorla.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weHbdhKk8lQ
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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