Arsenal, Chelsea Set for First Major London Derby of Premier League Season

Arsenal, Chelsea Set for First Major London Derby of Premier League Season

Arsenal and Chelsea will meet at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in the first major London derby of the new Premier League season.

Both teams have won their opening two league games and come into the clash with six points each.

Arsenal began their title defence with wins over Coventry City and Aston Villa. Their latest result was a 1-0 victory at Villa Park, with the Gunners keeping clean sheets in both matches.

Chelsea has also made a perfect start under Xabi Alonso. The Blues have scored seven goals in their opening two games, but they have also conceded five, including three in their 4-3 win over Brighton.

That gives Sunday’s game an interesting contrast. Arsenal has looked solid at the back, while Chelsea has shown plenty of attacking firepower but remain vulnerable defensively.

History also favours Arsenal. The Gunners have won the last three meetings between the sides, while Chelsea’s last victory over Arsenal came in 2021.

Chelsea have also not won at the Emirates since August 2021.

Both managers have some team-selection issues to deal with. Arsenal has defensive concerns, while Chelsea is also managing injuries ahead of the derby.

For Alonso, however, this will be his biggest Premier League test so far. Chelsea’s attacking start has been impressive, but Arsenal will provide a much tougher defensive challenge.

The match kicks off at 4:30pm BST on Sunday, September 6, at the Emirates Stadium.

With both sides’ unbeaten and sitting on six points, this derby already carries plenty of weight despite the season being only three games old.

Can Chelsea finally end their long wait for a win over Arsenal, or will the Gunners continue their perfect start?