The spotlight falls on the Arsenal and Chelsea rivalry once again on Sunday 1 March 2026, as the London heavyweights collide at the Emirates Stadium in a match that could have major implications at the upper end of the Premier League table.

Arsenal begin the weekend perched at the summit, but the mood around N5 is a little edgier than it was a fortnight ago. A frustrating 2-2 draw against bottom-of-the-log Wolves last week — in which they surrendered a two-goal lead — has invited renewed pressure from title rivals Manchester City. Having finished as runners-up in each of the past two seasons, the Gunners are desperate to avoid an unwanted hat-trick of near-misses.

Their home form remains a cornerstone of their challenge, and they will view this derby as an opportunity to reassert authority. Yet recent stumbles have highlighted vulnerabilities, particularly in defensive transitions, and Chelsea possess the pace and confidence to exploit any hesitation.

The visitors arrive with growing belief under new head coach Liam Rosenior. Appointed midway through the campaign, Rosenior is unbeaten in his first six Premier League matches in charge — a run that has reignited their push for a top-four, or potentially top-five, finish and a coveted Champions League berth.

Chelsea’s structure looks sharper, their pressing more coordinated, and there is renewed resilience in tight moments.

This will be the fourth meeting between the sides this season. Their league encounter at Stamford Bridge ended 1-1 in November, while Arsenal edged both legs of the League Cup semi-final — winning 3-2 away before sealing the tie with a 1-0 victory at home earlier this month. Familiarity breeds intensity, and there will be little margin for surprise.

Historically, Arsenal hold the edge in this fixture. Across 214 meetings in all competitions, they have 87 wins to Chelsea’s 66, with 61 draws. That statistical advantage, however, will count for little once the whistle blows.

With Arsenal fighting to protect top spot and Chelsea chasing Europe’s elite competition, the stakes are considerable. Expect a high-tempo, tactically charged derby — one that may significantly shape the trajectory of the title race and the battle for Champions League qualification alike.

Head-to-Head

Played: 214
Arsenal wins: 87
Chelsea wins: 66
Draws: 61
Meetings this season:

- Premier League: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal, 30 November 2025

- League Cup, semifinal, first leg: Chelsea 2-3 Arsenal, 14 January 2026

- League Cup, semifinal, second leg: Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea, 3 February 2026

Key battle

Declan Rice v Cole Palmer

Rice Premier League season stats
Appearances: 26
Goals: 4
Assists: 6
Yellow/red cards: 2/0

Palmer Premier League season stats
Appearances: 16
Goals: 8
Assists: 1
Yellow/red cards: 3/0

The midfield duel between Declan Rice and Cole Palmer could define the rhythm of the London clash between Arsenal and Chelsea. Rice will anchor Arsenal’s engine room, tasked with breaking up play, winning second balls and setting the tempo as the Gunners push to assert control.

Opposite him, Palmer offers Chelsea their spark between the lines, drifting into pockets to create, carry and threaten with clever movement and sharp decision-making. If Rice can stifle Palmer’s influence, Arsenal gain control. If Palmer finds space, Chelsea gain belief. It’s a battle of authority versus invention at the heart of the contest.

Tactical outlook

Mikel Arteta v Liam Rosenior

Arteta Premier League stats
Matches: 236
Wins: 140
Draws: 48
Losses: 48
Points: 468

Rosenior Premier League stats
Matches: 6
Wins: 4
Draws: 2
Losses: 0
Points: 14

The tactical duel between Mikel Arteta and Liam Rosenior promises to be pivotal at the Emirates. Arteta’s Arsenal will look to dominate possession, control the midfield, and press high to force Chelsea into errors, relying on structured build-up and quick transitions.

Rosenior, meanwhile, will aim to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm, exploiting space in transition and encouraging his players to attack in wide channels. Set-pieces, pressing triggers, and defensive compactness will be key.

Ultimately, it’s a clash of styles: Arteta’s structured, possession-based approach against Rosenior’s adaptive, counter-attacking strategy, with each coach seeking to outthink the other from the touchline.