Sports
Arsenal must beat Chelsea in WSL, as both sides look for cutting edge
Arsenal face Chelsea in the Women’s Super League (WSL) on Saturday, but the reigning European champions already find themselves five points adrift of the league leaders, having dropped seven points from their opening six fixtures.
It is a worrying statistic, considering that the unbeaten Blues lost fewer points across the whole of last season as they claimed a sixth-consecutive title, and another defeat would extend the gap to a daunting eight points — a margin that could prove difficult to close given the brevity of the 22-game season.
But what are the major issues facing each team?
What state are Arsenal in?
This is a crucial, must-win game for Arsenal — perhaps even a season-defining one at this early stage for manager Renée Slegers. Compounding the challenge of closing a five-point gap in the WSL, the Gunners must also juggle the demanding schedule of the Champions League, with travel and rotation inevitably testing the depth and resilience of their squad. A setback now would not only damage their confidence but could also leave them chasing shadows in the title race before the halfway mark.
For a team with aspirations of defending their European crown and reclaiming domestic supremacy — with their last title win coming in 2019 — this match is a battle to keep their season alive.
Arsenal have faced problems at both ends of the pitch this season. In attack, their usually ruthless frontline has faltered. This is a team that scored four or more goals in eight consecutive home games last term — a record that spoke to their attacking dominance, yet the cutting edge has deserted them of late (as shown by the heatmap below).
Their buildup play remains sharp, but the final touch and finishing has been wasteful, with a host of clear chances going begging. They registered the third-most shots (113) thus far, but with only 40 on target (a very middling 35.4%) results have reflected the lack of clinical edge.
Defensively, things haven’t been much steadier. Goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar has managed just two clean sheets so far, a surprisingly low return given her reliability and consistency last season. The ongoing injury absence of vice-captain and defensive leader Leah Williamson has clearly left a void.
Without her, Slegers has struggled to settle on a consistent center back partnership for Steph Catley, experimenting with different combinations in search of stability. While 19-year-old Katie Reid has stepped up admirably, her inexperience occasionally shows, and the backline’s composure remains fragile under pressure.
Slegers isn’t under immediate pressure regarding her position — at least not yet. Her historic Champions League triumph last season has earned her considerable credit, enough to shield her from the scrutiny that might not have been afforded to other managers in similar circumstances.
However, that goodwill won’t last forever. With her contract set to expire at the end of the campaign, the stakes are growing higher by the week. A trophyless season would be a major setback, particularly after her bold assertion that this would be the year Arsenal broke their title drought, and should that ambition fall short, her future at the club could quickly be called into question.
What state are Chelsea in?
It hasn’t been the most convincing campaign from Chelsea so far this season. The familiar ruthlessness, the swagger, and ability to completely overwhelm opponents haven’t quite been there. Yet, in true Chelsea fashion, it hasn’t mattered much. The league leaders are still grinding out results and, crucially, still winning the big games that shape title races.
Their recent victory over Manchester City — who themselves managed to beat Arsenal — was another statement of intent. Add to that a hard-fought draw against Manchester United, and it’s clear why Chelsea find themselves in the driver’s seat. A single point separates them from City, two from United, and a growing five-point cushion from Arsenal, who have stumbled early. That gap could stretch even further this weekend if Chelsea secure a result that would send a powerful message to the rest of the league.
It was, after all, a meeting with Arsenal that defined the turning point of last season. Chelsea’s 2-1 triumph at the Emirates — their first-ever away win at that ground — not only sealed former manager Jonas Eidevall’s fate but also removed any lingering psychological barrier about facing the Gunners in north London. This time around, the only obstacle preventing them from potentially ruling Arsenal out of the title race already might be themselves.
Defensively, Chelsea have looked uncharacteristically vulnerable at times, with lapses at the back gifting opponents opportunities they wouldn’t have been given in seasons past. Ordinarily, that might be forgiven if their attacking play were firing on all cylinders, but a subdued frontline has also left fans yearning for the cutting edge that once defined this team.
Chelsea have been missing a true focal point in attack this season. Aggie Beever-Jones has continued her remarkable scoring form with four goals from seven games, but she’s had to work tirelessly for every one (as shown by her actions graphic above). With Mayra Ramírez sidelined until 2026 and Sam Kerr‘s minutes still being carefully managed after her long-term injury, the side are without a traditional center forward presence.
That’s not a criticism of Beever-Jones; far from it. Her ability to hold up play, occupy defenders, and create space for others has been crucial to the team’s attacking output this season. Yet, despite her impressive contributions, Chelsea’s frontline still feels like it’s missing a natural point of reference — a forward who can consistently knit everything together and lead the line with presence as well as precision. It won’t be a quick fix, but one that could develop as the season progresses
If Chelsea can rediscover that balance between grit and flair, it’s difficult to see anyone stopping them from marching toward another league title. And it would be a major step if they can dispatch their closest rivals this weekend.
Former Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim on Sunday announced his divorce after more than six years of marriage.
Citing privacy, the cricketer requested fans and followers not to share the couple’s old photos on social media.
Taking to the social media platform Instagram, Imad urged fans and media outlets to refrain from sharing old pictures of the couple.
“After much thought, and due to repeated conflicts that could not be resolved over the past few years, I have filed for divorce,” Imad wrote. “I sincerely request everyone to respect our privacy and avoid using or sharing any old couple photos.”
The 37-year-old further asked people not to refer to Sania as his spouse going forward and cautioned against speculation or misinformation surrounding the matter.
“I request everyone not to engage in or believe any misleading narratives. Any attempt to defame or involve others in this personal matter will be addressed through the proper legal channels if necessary,” he stated.
Imad also addressed the situation regarding their children, reaffirming his responsibilities as a father.
“Regarding the children, I remain their father and will continue to care for them fully and responsibly,” he added, concluding the statement by thanking supporters for their understanding and respect.
Meanwhile, Imad’s wife also took to Instagram and said, “Like many marriages, ours had difficulties, yet it continued to exist.”
Imad Wasim and Sania Ashfaq tied the knot in 2019, and they have three children.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday said that the cricket board would “operate Multan Sultans” this year, with plans to auction the franchise after the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.
The announcement comes a month after Ali Tareen said he was parting ways with the PSL franchise as his relations with the PCB had strained over the past year.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, the PCB chief confirmed that the cricket board would operate the franchise this year, saying “the franchise will be auctioned after the PSL concludes”.
Sultans were originally awarded as the sixth PSL team to the Schon Group under a $5.2 million agreement, making it the most expensive franchise at the time.
However, the PCB terminated the agreement after the inaugural season when franchise payments were not made.
In 2018, Alamgir Tareen, along with his nephew Ali, acquired the franchise for $6.3 million.
Meanwhile, Naqvi said that the board wanted to begin the upcoming PSL season earlier than planned.
“We want to start the PSL from March 23 instead of March 26, and a final decision will be made after consultation with all franchises,” he added.
The PCB chief announced that former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram had been appointed as the PSL’s brand ambassador ahead of the upcoming edition.
On the league’s expansion, he said that the bidding for the two new PSL teams will take place on January 8 in Islamabad.
“It is an important day for us, and our teams will sell well,” he said, adding that ten parties have qualified for the second round of the auction.
The PCB confirmed the same a day earlier, saying that its bid committee had shortlisted 10 bidders for the second round of the auction to sell the rights for two new teams in the PSL.
The PSL, which began in 2016 with five franchises and later expanded to six sides in 2018, is set for further expansion with the addition of two new teams from its upcoming 11th edition, set to be played next year.
With the upcoming additions, the PSL will undergo its first major restructuring in seven years, bringing the total number of franchises to eight.
On India-related cricket issues, the PCB chief said that whatever happens with India “will be on an equal footing”.
“If they do not want to shake hands, we have no such desire either,” Naqvi added.
He revealed plans to bring up the conduct of India’s Under-19 team before the International Cricket Council (ICC).
On team management, Naqvi stated that a final decision on the appointment of the red-ball team head coach has not yet been made, adding that a PCB team was currently reviewing the matter.
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College basketball coaching legend Tom Izzo didn’t hold back when asked about James Nnaji returning to Baylor after being selected in the NBA Draft but never having played a game for a team.
Nnaji announced he would return to the Bears after a stint at FC Barcelona. He was selected by the Detroit Pistons in 2023 and was traded twice during his career. He was a part of the trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks before the 2024-25 season.
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Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo protests a call that benefitted the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center on Dec. 2, 2025. (Dale Young/Imagn Images)
But Nnaji is part of a growing trend of former college basketball players, with NCAA eligibility remaining, returning to school following stints in the G League or elsewhere. Izzo suggested on Saturday he’s had enough of it.
“Now we’re taking guys that were drafted in the NBA and everything,” the Michigan State men’s basketball coach said, via the Detroit Free Press. “I said it to you a month and a half ago – c’mon Magic (Johnson) and Gary (Harris), let’s go baby, let’s do it. Why not? I mean, if that’s what we’re going to (do), shame on the NCAA. Shame on the coaches, too. But shame on the NCAA, because coaches are gonna do what they gotta do, I guess. But the NCAA is the one. Those people on those committees that are making those decisions to allow something so ridiculous and not think of the kid.
James Nnaji of Barcelona takes a shot during the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season Round 34 match between LDLC Asvel Villeurbanne and FC Barcelona at LDLC Arena on April 12, 2024 in Lyon, France. (Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
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“So everybody talks about me thinking of my program or I’m selfish. No. Get that straight, for all of you. I’m thinking of, what is best for my son if he was in that position? And I just don’t agree with it.”
Izzo maintained he wasn’t going to fight the growing trend, but he also wasn’t going to let it pass him by without sharing his thoughts on the issue. He maintained that if college basketball is going to be more like the professional ranks, then it should go all in instead of dipping a toe or two in those waters.
James Nnaji of FC Barcelona in action during warm up prior the 2023/2024 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Play Offs match 1 between FC Barcelona and Olympiacos Piraeus at Palau Blaugrana on April 24, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Rodolfo Molina/Euroleague Basketball)
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He expressed similar sentiments in October when the first crop of G League players returned to school.
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