EPL: Arsenal host Chelsea in first heavyweight EPL showdown

Defending Premier League champions Arsenal will host London rivals Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what promises to be the first heavyweight clash of the 2026/27 season.

Both sides have won their opening two league matches and will be looking to maintain their perfect starts when they meet in North London.

Arsenal sit third in the table on six points, with their position determined by goal difference.

The Gunners opened their campaign with a 3-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry City before securing a 1-0 away win against Aston Villa at Villa Park.

The victory over Villa was also a landmark occasion for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who took charge of his 250th Premier League match.

Sunday’s encounter will also see Arteta face Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso for the first time as a manager.

The two Spaniards, who share Basque roots, will go head-to-head as Alonso faces his first major test in the Premier League since taking over at Stamford Bridge from Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea have also collected six points from their opening two games, scoring seven goals in the process.

The Blues began their campaign with a 3-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage before edging Brighton 4-3 at Stamford Bridge.

Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer have contributed two goals each to Chelsea’s seven-goal tally, making them key players for Alonso’s side heading into Sunday’s London derby.

Head-to-head

Arsenal have dominated the recent meetings at the Emirates, winning their last six home games against Chelsea.

The Gunners have scored 15 goals and conceded just three during that run.