Match Information

Sport: Football

Match: Arsenal vs Chelsea

Tournament: Premier League 2026/27 – Matchweek 3

Date: Sunday, September 6, 2026

Kick-off: 4:30 PM BST

Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, England

BET NOW

Six points. Six points. Something has to give. Arsenal and Chelsea arrive at the first major London derby of the Premier League season with perfect records, renewed ambitions and plenty of reasons to believe they can challenge at the very top. The champions have started like champions. Mikel Arteta's Arsenal have won twice without conceding, immediately rediscovering the control that carried them to the title.

Chelsea have taken a louder route. Goals scored. Goals conceded. Maximum points. Now Xabi Alonso takes his new-look Blues across London for their biggest test yet. Nobody needs extra motivation for Arsenal vs Chelsea. But the early league table certainly adds some.

Both teams have collected six points from six, meaning victory at the Emirates would preserve a perfect start while taking points directly from a potential title rival. Arsenal have another advantage to protect. The Gunners have dominated this fixture in recent seasons, going unbeaten across their last several meetings with Chelsea and repeatedly getting the better of their London rivals at the Emirates.

That balance of power is something Chelsea want to change. Alonso's arrival has brought another reset at Stamford Bridge, supported by major investment during the summer transfer window. Beating the reigning champions away would instantly turn an encouraging opening into a serious statement.

For Arsenal, the message is simpler. The crown belongs to them. Chelsea have come to take it.

Form, Trends, Key Facts, Stats & Team News

Arsenal could hardly have asked for a more controlled beginning to their title defence. Two matches. Two victories. Two clean sheets. Their latest 1-0 win away at Aston Villa was exactly the type of performance champions need across a long campaign: disciplined, patient and capable of protecting a narrow advantage. Bukayo Saka remains one of their primary attacking weapons, but Arteta now has even greater depth around him.

The arrival of Bruno Guimarães for £75 million gives Arsenal another proven Premier League midfielder capable of controlling possession, progressing the ball and competing physically in demanding matches. Ezri Konsa, signed from Aston Villa for around £51-55 million, has arrived at an important moment. William Saliba remains sidelined with a back injury, while Jurrien Timber is unavailable with a groin problem. Cristhian Mosquera is also carrying a minor concern. That leaves Arsenal without their ideal defensive configuration against a Chelsea attack that has started the season quickly.

There are attacking changes too. Christos Tzolis adds width following the departure of Leandro Trossard, while Gabriel Martinelli's move to Al Hilal means Arteta is reshaping some of the combinations that helped deliver last season's title. Chelsea's rebuild has been even more dramatic.

Xabi Alonso has inherited a squad packed with talent and added another major attacking weapon in Morgan Rogers, signed from Aston Villa for £117 million. Rogers has already shown encouraging chemistry with Cole Palmer and João Pedro. That trio gives Chelsea pace, creativity and direct running, making them particularly dangerous when opponents lose possession with players committed forward. Their attacking numbers have reflected that.

Their defensive numbers have been less convincing. Chelsea have scored freely during their perfect start, but they have also conceded, creating a very different profile from Arsenal's two clean sheets. Alonso will hope Maxence Lacroix, another major summer addition, can help establish greater defensive stability. Behind him, Emiliano Martínez has arrived from Aston Villa as Chelsea's new first-choice goalkeeper, adding considerable Premier League experience.

One major piece has disappeared from midfield. Enzo Fernández's £125 million transfer to Manchester City leaves Alonso rebuilding the structure of his central unit, and a potential absence for Moisés Caicedo would make that task considerably harder at the Emirates. Caicedo remains a doubt, while Jordan Henderson is among Chelsea's unavailable players.

That midfield battle could decide the derby. If Arsenal establish control through Ødegaard, Rice and Guimarães, they can force Chelsea backwards and limit the opportunities for Palmer and Rogers to attack space. If Chelsea escape Arsenal's press, however, the champions' defensive absences could suddenly become very relevant.

Key Facts

• 💯 Arsenal and Chelsea have both won their opening two Premier League matches.

• 🧱 Arsenal are yet to concede a league goal this season.

• ⚽ Chelsea have started strongly in attack but have looked more vulnerable defensively.

• 🔴 Arsenal have been unbeaten across numerous recent meetings with Chelsea.

• 🏟️ The Gunners also boast an excellent recent record against the Blues at the Emirates.

• 🚑 William Saliba and Jurrien Timber are unavailable for Arsenal.

• ❓ Moisés Caicedo remains a significant fitness doubt for Chelsea.

• 💰 Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea for £117 million and has already impressed alongside Palmer and João Pedro.

• 🆕 Bruno Guimarães and Ezri Konsa add proven Premier League quality to Arsenal's title-defending squad.

• 👑 Arsenal enter the derby as reigning Premier League champions.

Pro Tip Before You Start

Chelsea's attacking start makes them dangerous, particularly with Palmer, Rogers and João Pedro capable of exploiting Arsenal's defensive absences. But the champions offer greater tactical continuity, stronger recent head-to-head numbers and home advantage. Arsenal's ability to control midfield should create enough opportunities to expose a Chelsea defence that has yet to look completely secure.

👉 Expert Tip: Arsenal to Win (1.71)

Alternative Markets

• Arsenal to Win & Both Teams To Score (3.3)

• Both Teams To Score – Yes (1.71)

• Over 2.5 Goals (1.76)

• Arsenal Over 1.5 Team Goals (1.73)

• Bukayo Saka Anytime Goalscorer (3.1)

Chelsea look considerably more dangerous going forward under Alonso, and their perfect start deserves respect. Their willingness to attack could also make this a very different contest from Arsenal's opening two matches.

But the Emirates has not been a happy hunting ground for Chelsea recently. And the reigning champions have started the new season exactly where they finished the last one.

On top. Sunday is Chelsea's chance to change that.