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Tag: arsenal

  • UCL hopefuls meet in battle for Top-Four Edge

    Aston Villa host Chelsea in one of four 7:30 kickoffs tonight in what could be regarded as a massive six-pointer as both clubs look to finish in one of the top 5 spots.

    Chelsea currently sit 6th after losing to league leaders, Arsenal last time out, but can put their current position down to dropping a league-leading 19 points from winning positions so far this season.

    Most recently as two weeks ago, when Chelsea drew 1-1 with a struggling Burnley side, after Wesley Fofana inexplicably became the sixth different Chelsea player to be sent off this season, before Pedro Neto made it the seventh against Arsenal on Sunday.

    These are characteristics that have carried over from the Enzo Maresca era to Liam Rosenior’s early tenure in charge, but Rosenior is adamant that his team can’t keep sitting back and dropping their heads after striking first, saying, “When those white balls come out, you can’t make the mistakes we’ve been making because we’re running out of time”, after it was revealed that Rosenior was using match balls in training to prepare his team better.

    This comes amid rumours that the board could consider the future of the 41-year-old if he fails to qualify for the Champions League, despite just signing a contract until 2032, but Rosenior assured the press that this should be the expectation for a Chelsea manager, emphasizing that, “A successful season for this club has to be qualified for the Champions League, it has to be.”

    The Blues opponents tonight, Aston Villa, found themselves in a supposed title race at Christmas, but after picking up just one win in the month of February, find themselves looking over their shoulders at Liverpool and Chelsea.

    Villa lost 2-0 to west-Midland rivals Wolves at Molineux on Friday night in what manager Unai Emery called, “a huge defeat.” Yet the Spaniard is optimistic that they can make the most of home advantage tonight, stating that, “In Villa Park, we are feeling, overall, really comfortable, playing, showing our form, consistency, except the last matches as we played. And, of course, we want to recover our good form at home.”

    Four of Chelsea’s five most recent wins have come on the road across various competitions, so we will be optimistic coming into tonight as the fourth-best team in the division away from home.

    Despite this, Villa have won four of the last six league meetings, including a 2-1 win in the reverse fixture when Ollie Watkins came off the bench to complete the comeback after Chelsea completely collapsed in the second -half of Maresca’s penultimate game at the helm.

    Both teams come into the fixture with long injury lists, but for Villa, their engine room in the middle of the park has been tormented by injuries, with Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans and John McGinn all out for an extensive period.

    When talking about captain John McGinn’s absence for tonight’s match, Unai Emery once more called for support from the fans as, “John McGinn is very important, but he is not available tomorrow… We need other leaders. We need change to singing about ‘Super Aston Villa’. We need our supporters. We need Villa Park.”

    Chelsea will be without Pedro Neto after his first senior red card over the weekend, but despite Cole Palmer picking up a knock in that game, Rosenior was able to say that the English talisman will, “be absolutely fine to start on Wednesday.” 

    Marc Cucurella could make a return, but Rosenior didn’t dismiss Saturday as being a more realistic return date for the Spaniard. Both Romeo Lavia and Estevao were back in training but Jamie Gittens, Dario Essugo, Levi Colwill and Mykhaylo Mudryk all remain out.

    The game will be officiated by Jarred Gillett and will be available to watch in the UK on TNT Sports 3 and Discovery + UK.

    Written by : Tyreid Savage.

  • Frank Eyes London Derby Boost After Levy Exit Ahead of Clash With West Ham

    Tottenham arrive in east London under new boss Thomas Frank, who has spoken this week of “building for the future” while keeping one eye firmly on the here and now. Frank has praised the contributions of former chairman Daniel Levy—“he’s built a foundation… this fantastic world‑class training centre and of course a world‑class stadium” —and said he’s pleased with Tottenham’s transfer business. He’s been coy but optimistic about new signings Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani: “Both of them are looking good. Both of them are definitely in contention to be ready for the squad tomorrow.”  At the same time Frank ruled Dominic Solanke out with his ankle issue

    For West Ham, Graham Potter is under pressure to get positive results after a mixed start. Potter has highlighted that new additions such as Callum Wilson, Soungoutou Magassa, and Igor Julio may figure, especially given injuries in their squad. Potter spoke warmly of Crysencio Summerville, saying: “He gives us another dimension. It’s been a long road with setbacks, so credit to him. He’s shown that mental strength.” However, he also admitted concern: Niclas Fullkrug is doubtful after picking up a calf injury on international duty. 

    In terms of recent form, Spurs come in off a defeat to Bournemouth before the international break, but with some of the new signings showing promise.  They will want to recover momentum quickly, especially in a high‑profile derby. For West Ham, their results have been patchy—some good individual displays interspersed with defensive lapses. Their ability to defend set pieces and manage transitions will likely be under scrutiny. The Hammers haven’t had the smoothest start, and Potter is aware that stability at the back is a problem. 

    The potential debuts could be important in who starts poorly or well. Tottenham may field Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani, or at least include them in the squad, as Frank hinted they are both “looking good” and in contention.  For West Ham, Summerville may start for the first time since January; Wilson, Magassa or Igor Julio might also enter the squad depending on fitness levels.  Key players for Spurs will be how quickly their new attackers settle, and whether their defensive solidity can hold up without Solanke. For West Ham, Bowen remains a focal offensive threat, but their defence will need to be much tighter if they are to contain Spurs’ attacking options.

    Prediction / key dynamics: Expect a tight, intense London derby. Spurs may have a slight edge given their attacking reinforcements and relative momentum, but West Ham at home will not be easy to break down. If Spurs’ new signings make an early impact they could be decisive. West Ham likely need to be opportunistic and compact. A narrow Spurs win looks plausible, but it’s equally possible we see a draw if West Ham manage to frustrate and counter well.

    Written by: Tyreid Savage.

  • Arsenal look to bounce back against Postecoglu’s Forest

    Today’s clash between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest marks a significant moment in the Premier League calendar—not just for the points at stake, but for the start of a new chapter at Forest. The club’s recent appointment of Ange Postecoglou as manager—following the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo—has reset expectations at the City Ground. Nuno’s tenure ended abruptly after reported disagreements with owner Evangelos Marinakis, particularly around transfers and direction. Postecoglou, formerly of Celtic and Spurs, arrives with a clear mandate to implement attacking, progressive football. “I don’t see it as a point to prove,” he said this week. “You let your actions speak for themselves.” His ambition is clear: win trophies and instil belief. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the appointment, calling Postecoglou “extremely good to watch,” while also noting that Forest under Nuno were “very clear with their intentions.”

    On the pitch, both teams are juggling mixed form and key injuries. Forest were thrashed 3–0 by West Ham before the break and have now lost five of their last 11 league games—underlining why change was deemed necessary. They’ll also be without Ola Aina, sidelined for three months with a hamstring injury. Domínguez remains unavailable too. Arsenal, meanwhile, come off a dominant 5–0 win over Leeds but are missing several key players: Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Gabriel Jesus (ACL), Kai Havertz, and Martinelli are all out, though William Saliba could return. Arteta has urged focus, noting that Forest—even under transition—remain a dangerous side. Statistically, Forest rank among the league leaders for crosses and direct play, something Arsenal will need to control to avoid early pressure.

    Tactically, the match pits Arsenal’s possession-heavy control against the unknown of Postecoglou’s early system tweaks. Forest may still carry some of Nuno’s DNA, but the new manager is likely to encourage a higher line and more aggressive pressing, potentially leaving space for Arsenal’s fluid attack to exploit. With home advantage and stronger recent form, Arsenal remain clear favourites, though Forest could pose a real threat if they find rhythm early. For Postecoglou, this is less about instant results and more about laying foundations. For Arteta, it’s about consistency and keeping pace in the title race. A narrow Arsenal win looks likely but all eyes will be on how Forest begin their new era.

    Written by: Tyreid Savage.