Arsenal v Chelsea Match Preview: Huge London Derby at the Emirates

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·6 September 2026

Arsenal v Chelsea Match Preview: Huge London Derby at the Emirates

Arsenal return to Emirates Stadium on Sunday looking to make it three Premier League wins from three when Chelsea arrive for a huge London derby.

Mikel Arteta’s side followed their opening victory with a 1-0 win away at Aston Villa, while Chelsea have also collected maximum points after beating Fulham and Brighton.

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With both teams perfect so far, something has to give at the Emirates.

Chelsea Make a Fast Start Under Alonso

Xabi Alonso has settled quickly after taking over at Chelsea, winning his opening two league matches and also recording a League Cup victory.

The Blues beat Fulham before edging Brighton 4-3, with their attack already looking dangerous.

Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro have combined impressively in the opening weeks, while Chelsea’s attacking wing-backs have also given them another threat going forward.

However, the amount of change within their squad may give Arsenal something to exploit.

Chelsea have already conceded five goals in their opening two Premier League matches and have looked vulnerable from balls into the box and set pieces.

(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s Defensive Strength Could Be Crucial

The contrast between the two sides defensively has been significant so far.

Arsenal have faced just 11 shots across their opening two Premier League matches, with only one hitting the target. Their opponents have generated just 0.54 xG.

That defensive control could be crucial against a Chelsea team that have scored seven league goals already.

Arteta is certainly wary of their attacking threat.

Speaking ahead of the match, he pointed to Chelsea’s ability to score early and change the momentum of games, while also acknowledging Alonso’s ability to set his team up in different ways.

Arsenal Have Dominated This Fixture Recently

Recent history certainly favours the Gunners.

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last nine Premier League meetings with Chelsea, winning six and drawing three.

The Blues have also lost their last four league visits to the Emirates by an aggregate score of 11-2, with their last victory here coming in August 2021.

Arsenal’s wider London derby record is equally impressive, with just one defeat in their last 29 Premier League games against teams from the capital.

Bukayo Saka will also be looking to continue his strong start after scoring in each of his opening two Premier League appearances.

Both clubs arrive with confidence, both have six points, and Chelsea clearly possess enough attacking quality to cause problems.

But Arsenal’s recent dominance in this fixture and their defensive solidity should give Arteta’s men every reason to believe they can maintain their perfect start.

Have Your Say

How confident are you ahead of Arsenal v Chelsea? Can the Gunners make it three wins from three, or will Chelsea’s new-look attack cause problems at the Emirates?

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