Alex MacQuoid
Two of London’s footballing giants — Arsenal and Chelsea — renew their long-standing rivalry at the Emirates Stadium this weekend. With both clubs chasing different objectives in the Premier League, this matchup is steeped in history, rivalry, and records that underline its enduring significance.
Overall Head-to-Head Record
These two sides first met in 1907, when Arsenal were still known as Woolwich Arsenal. Across all competitions, they’ve played 214 matches — and it’s the red half of North London who hold the edge.
| Statistic | Figure |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 214 |
| Arsenal Wins | 87 |
| Chelsea Wins | 66 |
| Draws | 61 |
Since Mikel Arteta’s appointment in December 2019, Arsenal have lost just one of 15 meetings with Chelsea (W10 D4 L1). Arteta’s 10 victories against the Blues are the joint-most he has achieved versus any opponent as Arsenal manager — tied with Wolves. Under his guidance, Arsenal have scored more goals (31) against Chelsea than any other team.
Recent Dominance
Chelsea are winless in their last eight Premier League clashes with Arsenal (D3 L5), marking their longest such run since a 19-game drought between 1995 and 2005. The Gunners have also won their last three home league meetings against the Blues, last achieving a longer streak between 1990 and 1994 (five).
The dominance extends beyond the league — Arsenal’s 4–2 aggregate victory in the 2026 Carabao Cup semi-final demonstrated their consistency in big occasions. A 3–2 first-leg win at Stamford Bridge followed by a 1–0 triumph at the Emirates secured Arteta’s side another Wembley appearance.
Last 5 Head-to-Head Results
| Date | Fixture | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03 Feb 2026 | Arsenal vs Chelsea | 1–0 | League Cup |
| 14 Jan 2026 | Chelsea vs Arsenal | 2–3 | League Cup |
| 30 Nov 2025 | Chelsea vs Arsenal | 1–1 | Premier League |
| 16 Mar 2025 | Arsenal vs Chelsea | 1–0 | Premier League |
| 10 Nov 2024 | Chelsea vs Arsenal | 1–1 | Premier League |
Arsenal’s seven wins and three draws in their last ten head-to-heads underline their modern dominance. Their most recent home clashes have all ended in victories without conceding.
Season Form & Current Standings
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 1 | 28 | 18 | 7 | 3 | 56 | 21 | +35 | 61 |
| Chelsea | 5 | 27 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 48 | 31 | +17 | 45 |
Arsenal sit top of the table, boasting the league’s best defensive record and the strongest second-half performance index (W15 D10 L3). Chelsea remain in fifth, three points off fourth place, but their inconsistency and late collapses continue to haunt them — they’ve dropped 19 points from winning positions this season.
Historical Highlights
- Arsenal are unbeaten in the last 10 matches against Chelsea (W7 D3).
- Chelsea’s last win over Arsenal came in August 2021 under Thomas Tuchel (2–0 at the Emirates).
- Arsenal have scored in 42 of their last 44 London derbies since 2022.
- Didier Drogba remains the top scorer in this fixture with 13 goals, followed by Thierry Henry and Bobby Tambling (10 each).
- Arsenal have won both of the clubs’ FA Cup final meetings this century (2017 and 2020).
Trends and Key Stats
- Arsenal’s last six home league games have produced five odd-goal results.
- Chelsea have seen both teams score in 10 of their last 11 league fixtures.
- Chelsea have lost eight of their last nine away games against sides starting the day top of the table.
- Arsenal have kept a clean sheet in their last three home matches against Chelsea in all competitions.
- Arteta’s men have won 10 of their 12 Premier League matches at the Emirates this season.
Manager Records
Mikel Arteta vs Chelsea: P15 – W10 D4 L1
Liam Rosenior vs Arsenal: P2 – L2
Arteta’s tactical evolution — from a compact, counter-pressing setup to a possession-dominant, fluid system — has given Arsenal the upper hand in nearly every recent meeting. Rosenior’s Chelsea, while organized, have struggled to convert leads into wins.
Head-to-Head Summary
Once a fixture dominated by Chelsea’s physicality and experience, the balance has decisively shifted. Arsenal’s energy, control, and confidence have rewritten the recent chapter of this rivalry. The Gunners’ unbeaten streak, backed by defensive solidity and a renewed attacking structure, suggests they remain favorites heading into this weekend’s clash.
All-Time Record: Arsenal 87 – 66 Chelsea (Draws 61)
Last Chelsea Win: August 2021 (2–0, Premier League)
Current Unbeaten Run: Arsenal (10 matches)
Prediction
Given the trajectory of both sides, Arsenal are well-placed to extend their dominance in this fixture. Chelsea’s youthful side continues to develop, but the gulf in control and finishing remains apparent.
Predicted Score: Arsenal 2–0 Chelsea