Chelsea vs Arsenal: Gunners’ London derby success faces Stamford Bridge test | OneFootball

As Arsenal prepare to face Chelsea this Sunday at 4.30pm (GMT) at Stamford Bridge, the Gunners will be focused on maintaining their dominance in London derbies.

Arsenal have been the most successful club in these capital clashes throughout the Premier League era, with 158 victories from 301 matches, an average of 1.84 points per game.

Chelsea, meanwhile, trail just behind with 157 wins from 302 games, averaging 1.81 points per match.

A victory this weekend would further extend Arsenal’s lead in the all-time standings, while Chelsea will be eager to bridge the gap.

Chelsea’s Spanish defender #03 Marc Cucurella (R) vies with Arsenal’s English midfielder #07 Bukayo Saka (L) during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in London on October 21, 2023. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal’s London derby record

Arsenal have consistently set the standard in London derbies during the Premier League era. Their current tally of 158 wins is unmatched, and recent form in these games has been particularly impressive.

Arsenal have won their last six London derbies by an aggregate score of 22-3, including a commanding 5-0 victory over Chelsea in their last meeting at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have also excelled at Stamford Bridge in recent years, having not lost there since 2018 and winning three of their last four visits.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Jorginho of Arsenal takes on Conor Gallagher of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on October 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Chelsea clash as a test of Arsenal’s strength

Chelsea’s form at Stamford Bridge has been strong, with just one loss in their last 18 matches across all competitions, including 14 wins. However, their Premier League home form this season has been less consistent, with only two wins from five matches and no clean sheets.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have faced difficulties on the road this season. Mikel Arteta’s side have not won in their last three away Premier League matches, marking their lowest points tally at this stage since the 2021/22 season.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, interacts with Declan Rice of Arsenal following the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on October 21, 2023. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Set-pieces a potential decider

Set-pieces are likely to play a crucial role in Sunday’s contest. Arsenal’s reliance on attacking dead-ball situations has been a double-edged sword, with 40 per cent of the goals they’ve conceded this season also coming from set-pieces.

Chelsea, known for their physical presence, will look to exploit this vulnerability, while Arsenal will aim to use their own proficiency in set-pieces to gain an advantage.

MILAN, ITALY: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, interacts with Gabriel Martinelli and Jurrien Timber of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Arsenal FC at Stadio San Siro on November 06, 2024. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Recent form and European fortunes

Both teams come into this derby after contrasting European results.

Arsenal were defeated 1-0 by Inter Milan in the Champions League, marking their third consecutive away defeat without scoring.

Chelsea, on the other hand, enjoyed an emphatic 8-0 victory over Armenian side Noah in the Conference League, extending their unbeaten run in the competition.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has used the Conference League to rotate his squad, keeping his key players fresh for domestic fixtures, including this pivotal London derby.

MILAN, ITALY: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Arsenal FC at Stadio San Siro on November 06, 2024. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Squad dynamics and manager outlook

Chelsea invested over £200 million in the summer to reshape their squad, but consistency has remained elusive. With five wins from their 10 Premier League matches, Maresca’s tactical approach has revitalised Chelsea in parts, but overcoming Arsenal’s dominance will be a significant test. If the Gunners can assert it.

Mikel Arteta remains upbeat despite Arsenal’s recent struggles on the road. Ahead of the Chelsea clash, Arteta expressed confidence in his players’ ability to bounce back: “When you don’t win, it affects the mood, but I can promise no one wants to win more than myself and these players. I’ve seen that commitment in training, and we’ll fight to get the points we need.”