As Arsenal prepare to visit Stamford Bridge this Sunday, manager Mikel Arteta has emphasized that Chelsea “fully deserve” to be recognized as serious Premier League title contenders. Despite Arsenal holding a six-point lead after 12 games, the Spaniard expressed deep respect for the quality and progress of Enzo Maresca’s youthful Chelsea squad.
The upcoming London derby is shaping up to be one of the most important fixtures in the Premier League this season. Arsenal have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, boasting the league’s best defensive and attacking records, and currently sit top of the table. They come off the back of two impressive wins, a 4-1 demolition of rivals Tottenham Hotspur and a hard-fought 3-1 victory against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have quietly been building momentum. The Blues have claimed three straight league wins and recently delivered a statement 3-0 triumph over European giants Barcelona at Stamford Bridge. Yet, many still see Chelsea as outsiders in the title race. Arteta vehemently disagrees, praising the club’s assembly of a high-quality squad, its robust coaching infrastructure, and its recent silverware haul, including the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup.
“I think we are all there, and they are there because they fully deserve what they have done in the last few years,” Arteta told reporters on Friday. “What they have done — the squad they assembled, the numbers, the quality, the coaching staff — it all makes sense why what is happening there is very positive.”
Arteta has long admired Chelsea’s style of play, describing them last March as “the best attacking team in the league by a mile.” Asked if that remains the case, he offered cautious praise. “They have a lot of fluidity, a lot of threat, and individual talent,” he said. “They are very clear about what they want to do, and that’s why they are very tough opponents.”
Both teams enter the match in high spirits but with some injury concerns, especially for Arsenal. Leandro Trossard is awaiting another scan after picking up a calf injury against Bayern Munich. Viktor Gyökeres and Kai Havertz could return depending on repeat scans for hamstring and knee issues, with Arteta describing their recoveries as promising but not yet complete. Gabriel Jesus is edging closer to a first-team return after knee surgery in January, having featured in a closed-door match recently.
Sunday’s clash could prove pivotal in the title race. Should Chelsea rise to the occasion and claim victory, it would tighten the contest and potentially ignite a three-way battle with Manchester City, who are also pushing at the top. However, if Arsenal extend their lead to nine points, it would represent a significant advantage, especially with the league’s best defensive and offensive records underpinning their campaign.
Arteta underlined the challenge ahead, acknowledging Chelsea’s threat and the importance of the fixture. “It’s a big game, a big London derby,” he said. “We’re going to play a really good opponent in really good form. We know the challenge and the opportunity we have, and we are fully ready for it.”
