Who: Arsenal vs Chelsea
Content: Premier League
Location: Emirates Stadium (London)
Date and time: Sunday 1st March, 4:30pm (16:30 GMT)
How to follow: Get everything ready on Al Jazeera Sports from 13:30 GMT ahead of the live text commentary stream.
The last time Arsenal beat Chelsea three times in the same season was when they won the Premier League in 2003-04.
And while one doesn’t necessarily lead to the other, Arsenal go into Sunday’s encounter looking for a win to keep Manchester City at bay.
Arsenal, who finished second in the last three seasons, have struggled with the pressure of competing for the title again this season, settling for back-to-back draws with Brentford and bottom-of-the-table Wolves this month.
Last weekend, leaders Arsenal bounced back with a 4-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur, but if they fall three points behind against Chelsea on Sunday, they will be in danger of closing the gap at the top of the table with City, who are five points behind, with games remaining.
Meanwhile, City visit a stubborn Leeds side, who they almost held to a draw in November.
Fifth-placed Chelsea have not beaten Arsenal since 2021, losing twice in the League Cup semi-finals in January and February, but held Arsenal to a league draw in November despite playing the majority of the game with 10 men.
Arsenal have also stumbled in the last two times they have hosted clubs currently in the top six, sharing a point with Liverpool but losing to Manchester United last month.
Avoiding the ignominy of losing three times in a season to local rivals will also be a driving force for manager Liam Rosenior, who has kept Chelsea unbeaten against every team except Arsenal since taking over last month.
Arteta says recent win against Chelsea means nothing
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta took no consolation from his side’s strong performance against Chelsea, and the Premier League leaders will be fully prepared to deal with the adaptability of their London rivals in Sunday’s encounter.
“We know the importance of the game and the team in front of us. As I always say, we just have to prepare in the best possible way to earn the right to win,” Arteta told reporters on Friday.
“It doesn’t matter what we did two weeks ago or two years ago, because every game and every situation is different, the players may change, the team atmosphere may be different. We’re ready.”
Manager Arteta praised Chelsea’s ability to adapt to matches under manager Rosenior, who has yet to lose a league match as Chelsea manager.
“They can change throughout the game and they have a manager who is very comfortable doing that. So we will try to be better than them in preparation for the scenarios that we may face,” Arteta added.
“Let’s take it one game at a time.”
Asked if Arsenal could become the first English club to win four trophies this season, including the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League, Arteta dismissed the idea.
“Is it over? That’s how difficult it is,” he said.
“So let’s take it game by game and try to qualify for the final stage of all competitions and let’s see what happens.”
Rosenior is focused on extending his stay to stabilize Chelsea
Asked how he sees Chelsea’s future after a strong start with four wins from six league games before disappointing draws against Leeds and Burnley, the Chelsea manager said patience is the key to success.
“As I sit in this chair, I want to be here as long as possible,” Rosenior told reporters on Friday.
“I want to be part of something that’s been really successful for a long time, not just for me, but for the team, the staff, the ownership, the athletic director. That’s why I took on this challenge.”
“The reality of football is that you are given time to be successful. You have to show your quality, not just in matches but every day.
“You have to be on top with your players every day in terms of how you develop them, how you run sessions, how you run meetings.
“I hope this is the end of the upheaval for this club. I hope to be here for a long time and bring the club the success it deserves.”
direct confrontation
The two London clubs first locked horns in 1907 (when the Gunners were called Woolwich Arsenal) and have now played each other 214 times.
Arsenal won 87 of those matches, Chelsea won 66 and 61 were draws.
The Gunners have dominated many of their recent games, unbeaten against the Blues in eight Premier League games and 10 in all competitions.
Earlier this year, Arsenal defeated Chelsea in both League Cup semi-finals, winning 3-2 at Stamford Bridge and 1-0 at the Emirates.
Chelsea held the Gunners to a 1-1 draw in their last league match in November 2025.
arsenal team news
Versatile midfielder Mikel Merino may miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery to address a stress fracture in his foot.
Defender Ben White is doubtful after missing the North London derby with a knock.
Winger Bukayo Saka limped off in the win over Tottenham but is expected to be declared fit to face Chelsea.
Kai Havertz could play against his old club, but Arsenal are trying not to rush his return from a hamstring injury.
Expected starting lineup:
Raya (goalkeeper); Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie. Zubimendi, rice. Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli. Gokeres
chelsea team news
Jamie Gittens and Levi Colwill are ruled out through injury, while Wesley Fofana is suspended after receiving a red card against Burnley.
Estevao and Marc Cucurella missed the game against Burnley with hamstring problems and remain doubtful for this game.
Midfielder Dario Essugo has recovered from injury and is available again.
Expected starting lineup:
Sanchez (goalkeeper); James, Torsin, Charova, Gust. Santos, Caicedo. Palmer, Fernandez, Neto. joan pedro
