Arsenal v Chelsea live: Gunners clinch tight derby win to extend lead at top of Premier League

Arsenal kept up their momentum in the Premier League title race with a deserved 2-1 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners made use of their exceptional set pieces to score twice against their London rivals and ensure that they did not drop points in their pursuit of the top-flight trophy.

The first came to William Saliba after a corner kick was whipped into the Chelsea penalty area. Gabriel leapt above Reece James to nod the ball across to his teammate and Saliba headed at goal to put the hosts in front.

Chelsea, who where poor in the first half, still managed to score from a set piece of their own as Piero Hincapie flicked in a corner from James to send the teams level at the break.

The decisive moments came in the second half however. Jurrien Timber powered home another corner to edge Arsenal ahead before two quick yellow cards for Pedro Neto effectively ended Chelsea’s challenge.

The Gunners win the three points and move five clear of second placed Manchester City.

Relive the updates from Arsenal v Chelsea in the Premier League, below

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Arsenal v Chelsea LIVE: Latest Premier League updates

• Arsenal beat London rivals Chelsea in Premier League | Live on Sky Sports
• 69' RED CARD! Neto is sent off after second yellow card (ARS 2-1 CHE)
• 66' GOAL! Timber heads Arsenal back into the lead (ARS 2-1 CHE)
• 45+2' GOAL! Hincapie's own goal brings an equaliser (ARS 1-1 CHE)
• 21' GOAL! Arsenal score opener for set piece (ARS 1-0 CHE)

Arsenal’s set-piece specialists could force a defining shift of style into the Premier League

Sunday 1 March 2026 20:34 , Miguel Delaney

A corner turned for Arsenal in the title race? No one will be able to say for certain until the season is definitively concluded but this 2-1 win over Chelsea does feel like it will be held up as a defining game in a wider Premier League shift. All three goals came through set-pieces, and none of them especially clean either. It was that kind of game, as Chelsea now have to dig in and turn a corner of their own.

Mikel Arteta disputed that the victory was “ugly” but he did talk about how all teams currently have to “suffer”.

How Arsenal’s set-piece specialists could redefine the Premier League

Arteta impressed with how Arsenal bounced back from Wolves draw

Sunday 1 March 2026 20:00 , Mike Jones

He said: "The way we have reacted to that disappointing result has been top. The manner we dealt with that was top. I thought we were good, good human beings and wanting to win, but the level they are in now is another one.

"The feeling that you have to continue to win and win and win, you win so many games but it is not enough to open a gap. This is the beauty and the level of this league."

Arteta on set pieces:

Sunday 1 March 2026 19:54 , Mike Jones

"Very important, Chelsea are the second best with one less goal, look at the talent they have. We have lost points to long throws, lately we haven't scored from many set-pieces. Today we did it, to have these options is great.

"They can be a nightmare to defend against. On tactics boards we can resolve any situation, but when it's live and they are so aggressive, pushy, effective, difficult to handle, it's very tough.

More from Mikel Arteta

Sunday 1 March 2026 19:49 , Mike Jones

The Arsenal boss told Sky Sports: "Big win, I'm very happy. For big periods the team performed in an excellent way, the margin should have been bigger at half-time. The moment we conceded was painful, but the quality of Chelsea.

"After their red card we should have managed that situation better but we will talk about this tomorrow.

"They have so much quality, even when they use the keeper they can get out of situation with 10 men. We didn't adjust too well, sometimes you take things for granted. Something to improve there.

"They [Chelsea] have players who can occupy various spaces - Cole [Palmer] can play false nine and occupy these spaces, he needs just one square metre to turn and activate players. they have quality, big personalities, they are really well coached. They are so good a turning in tight spaces, Caicedo, Enzo [Fernandez], Cole. It's impressive, they are a top side."

Chelsea want to win games of football

Sunday 1 March 2026 19:45 , Mike Jones

"I don't want to push the league leaders very hard,” Rosenior said.

“We're Chelsea, we want to win games of football. Between both boxes, we were very, very good. I felt we were the better team by far in the second half but we weren't ruthless in the moment.

“Their goalkeeper makes very good saves and at the other end we concede two goals from corners."

Rosenior to address discipline

Sunday 1 March 2026 19:40 , Mike Jones

On Pedro Neto the Chelsea boss said: "Probably not to be honest, it's very simple.

“It's something that we need to address, not just Pedro but as a team to make sure we have 11 men on the pitch."

Rosenior addresses Chelsea's red card issue

Sunday 1 March 2026 19:36 , Mike Jones

He explained: "I have respect for the previous manager Enzo [Maresca]. I don't speak about what happened before but it is starting to happen with me.

“That's something I felt we had addressed, we went 10 games without a red card, now two in two games and that's a problem we need to solve and the set play issue is something we need to keep working on."

Where are things going wrong for Chelsea?

Sunday 1 March 2026 19:32 , Mike Jones

Liam Rosenior said: "It's a difficult thing to put your finger on. We get paid to win football matches and if you think we haven't addressed that, it's crazy.

“I thought the pain of dropping two points against Leeds and Burnley would have got us going.

"I thought the set-up tactically was good. Arsenal didn't cause any problems until set plays.

Post match reaction from Liam Rosenior:

Sunday 1 March 2026 19:28 , Mike Jones

"It's been the same story for the last three games. It's the same story. In the ascendancy in all the games. What I never do is start pointing the finger, but it's clear what we need to improve. We need to make sure we are ruthless in both boxes and to concede from two corners and get another red card, it is the story of our season.

"The first goal is top. Arsenal are probably the best team in the world at them. The second one is just disappointing. We have to do better. I don't want to keep coming out here nd saying all the good that we do. There is a lot to sort out before we go to Aston Villa.

"It's a combination. The marking, the zone players. The goalkeeper is involved. I won't single out. I will address it on the training ground.”

Saliba talks scoring against Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 19:23 , Mike Jones

The Arsenal defender said: "We should not concede the goal before half time but we did well to score in the second half. We have to keep going and we are happy to win today in front of our fans.

"It's been a while that I haven't scored and it is unusual to score from one yard so I am so happy and I hope I will keep going like this."

Arteta on Raya:

Sunday 1 March 2026 19:18 , Mike Jones

"The last save that he made, fabulous. We shouldn't be in that position

"We are really happy because we know we had two difficult games in the last week or so. The attitude and willingness ot go for it and be dominant, I am happy with it.

"In March, we are in every competition, we are right up there."

Mikel Arteta speaking to Match of the Day:

Sunday 1 March 2026 19:14 , Mike Jones

"We knew it was going to be a tough game. They are a top side, really well coached. I think we did some great things throughout the game. The moment we conceded the goal, it was disappointing, but we had the whole second half to play. We should have kept the ball a lot better when they had 10 men.

"We knew the importance of the individual duels at set plays because they are a top side attacking and defending them.”

Do Chelsea have a discipline problem?

Sunday 1 March 2026 19:12 , Mike Jones

"We've spoken about it, it's come up a number of times, every time it's someone different, not the same player. Internally we need to review and keep improving.

“It's a problem, we are playing in the toughest league in the world, you play against top or bottom 11 v 11 it's tough, 11 v 10 is even harder no matter who you are playing.

"I have no doubt in the team and staff, it didn't go our way today but we need to regroup and go again."

Arsenal are leaders of set pieces

Sunday 1 March 2026 19:08 , Mike Jones

"This is football now in 2026, 90% of goals are probably set piece,” James continued.

“They [Arsenal] are one of the leaders in the world [at set-pieces].

"They are difficult to stop, they scored two today. Disappointed. But we scored one, we had another chance to score another but it wasn't meant to be today."

Reece James reacting to Chelsea's defeat:

Sunday 1 March 2026 19:04 , Mike Jones

"It's disappointing to walk away empty handed.

“When it was 1-1 we had a half chance to make it 2-1, their goalie made a good save, they got a set-piece and manage to score."

Arsenal have to enjoy title race

Sunday 1 March 2026 19:00 , Mike Jones

"We have to enjoy it,” said Jurrien Timber about the title race.

“It is a privilege to be standing here with my team-mates, with Arsenal, we are fighting for these titles.

“You have to enjoy it, it's a beautiful place and we are enjoying it. Game by game and at the end hopefully something beautiful."

Here's Jurrien Timber speaking to Sky Sports:

Sunday 1 March 2026 18:55 , Mike Jones

"We deserved to win this game. First half we don't give much away. We go in at 1-1 but in the second half we finished it off which was top.

"Both sides, it became an important part of the game [set pieces]. Today we came out well and overall we played a good game.

“We took the three points and then important game on Wednesday [against Brighton] again."

(Action Images via Reuters)

The win is the only thing that matters

Sunday 1 March 2026 18:50 , Mike Jones

Here are some thoughts from Matt Upson speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live:

“You can't say it has been a convincing home win for Arsenal. Another 2-1 win in the Premier League today, but that is the only thing that matters.

“There were huge hairy moments and even Chelsea were down to 10 men – it had a feel like they could spoil it.

“Arsenal will go on to the next game, and they need to keep building.”

Reaction from Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville:

Sunday 1 March 2026 18:46 , Mike Jones

“It's never easy when the team that you're up against for the title play first on a Saturday, they win, get their points on the board and then you've got to respond. It adds pressure and you've got to get over the line.

“It's hard work winning a Premier League title and Arsenal are finding that. They've got another 10-12 weeks of this but a good day for them today.”

FT Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 18:38 , Mike Jones

Arsenal are up to 64 points and are back to being five points ahead of Man City.

Pep Guardiola’s chasers still have a game in hand though and the title rivals meet at the Etihad later in the season.

The Gunners avoided a potential banana skin this afternoon and managed to get the job done.

Full-time! Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 18:36 , Mike Jones

90+6 mins: A last-ditch save from David Raya, an offside goal from Liam Delap and some serious pressure from Chelsea threaten to derail Arseanl right in the last moments of this game.

The Gunners manage to hold on to the final whistle though and their Premier League title hopes are still alive!

Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 18:21 , Mike Jones

90 mins: Six minutes of added time to play at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 18:15 , Mike Jones

84 mins: Palmer nips at Saka’s heels and brings down the Arsenal winger.

The Gunners have a free kick inside the Chelsea final third and this is a chance for a third goal.

Eberechi Eze is the set piece taker.

He slots it across to Saka who drives to the byline and chips the ball into the hands of Sanchez.

But, he catches the ball after it’s gone out of play and Arsenal win a corner.

Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 18:11 , Mike Jones

81 mins: Kai Havertz is still trying to regain full fitness and won’t appreciate Moises Caicedo clattering him from behind.

The Chelsea midfielder is shown a yellow card and Enzo Fernandez is booked for giving mor grief to the referee.

Save!

Saka slips a quick pass to Eze who cuts inside and shoots from the edge of the box. It’s a decent strike but Sanchez drops to the right and lifts the ball clear.

Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 18:09 , Mike Jones

78 mins: Declan Rice seemingly picked up a knock and so he’s being taken off by Mikel Arteta.

Christian Norgaard and Kai Havertz are the men brought on to replace Rice and Viktor Gyokeres.

Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 18:05 , Mike Jones

75 mins: Saka dribbles into the box and is nudged by Jorrel Hato.

He goes down but Hato won the ball and the referee waves away Arsenal’s shouts for a penalty.

Chelsea have it all to do now.

Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 18:03 , Mike Jones

72 mins: It’s another red card for Chelsea and needless.

Neto’s fault came from the dissent he showed the referee and he’s still whinging before being marshalled down the tunnel by the Chelsea staff.

Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 18:01 , Mike Jones

69 mins: Red card!

Pedro Neto is off.

It’s a disaster for Chelsea as Neto leaps into a tackle to stop Martinelli counter attacking.

It’s clear yellow card and comes just after he’d picked up a first card for moaning.

Chelsea are down to 10-men.

GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea (Jurrien Timber, 66')

Sunday 1 March 2026 17:58 , Mike Jones

Arsenal take the lead again!

Declan Rice curls a lovely ball into the middle and picks out Jurrien Timber perfectly.

A simple header lands in the back of the net and Mikel Arteta’s men are back in front.

Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 17:53 , Mike Jones

63 mins: Palmer nicks the ball off Saliba and Chelsea push into the box.

Saliba covers but turns the ball out for another corner. These are worrying signs for Arsenal.

Reece James comes over to take the corner and lofts it into the middle. Joao Pedro gets the last touch but the ball goes out for a goal kick.

Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 17:51 , Mike Jones

60 mins: Cole Palmer is booked after a Chelsea corner sees Arsenal quickly move onto the counter attack.

Palmer drags Saka down off the ball to stop his forward run and the referee blows the whistle just as the pass comes across for Timber to sprint into space.

Arteta is fuming that the referee stopped the move to bring play back for the foul.

Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 17:48 , Mike Jones

57 mins: Mikel Arteta hasn’t wasted any time and introduces Gabriel Martinelli to replace Leandro Trossard.

Arteta knows the importance of winning this game but it is Chelsea who are growing in confidence.

Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 17:44 , Mike Jones

54 mins: Save!

Raya to the rescue again. James sends in another corner which is flicked on at the near post.

It comes to Joao Pedro who nods it at goal only for Raya to jump across and pluck the ball out of the air with two hands!

Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 17:43 , Mike Jones

53 mins: Save!

Enzo Fernandez carries the ball forward for Chelsea and then drills a sharp, low effort at goal and forces Raya to tap the effort wide of the target.

Great save from the Arsenal man.

From the resultant corner, Reece James whips the ball into the box and Raya comes out to punch the ball.

Joao Pedro wins the header as Raya comes over the back of win and whacks the ball away.

Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 17:41 , Mike Jones

51 mins: Oh hello!

Saka sweeps in from the right wing and looks to slip the ball into the box for Gyokeres.

It bobbles away from the striker but Timber thinks he can get there ahead of Sanchez.

He almost does but the goalkeeper lunges at the ball and slaps it clear, also taking out Timber in the process.

Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 17:39 , Mike Jones

48 mins: A draw for Arsenal here would leave them three points ahead of Manchester City but Pep Guardiola’s team have a game in hand.

A draw for Chelsea leaves them in sixth place and five points off the top four. A draw simply isn’t good enough for either team.

Second half! Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 17:36 , Mike Jones

Chelsea get the ball rolling once again at the Emirates Stadium.

Can they come from behind to win this match and send a shock into the title race?

Cole Palmer sends it to Robert Sanchez who boots the ball long to the right.

The World Cup faces an unprecedented crisis as the US attacks Iran — how will Fifa respond?

Sunday 1 March 2026 17:32 , Miguel Delaney

Even amid grave geopolitical developments, modern football offered a sense of the absurd. As drones and missiles continued to be launched around the Gulf, and headlines began to relay the reported death of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei, Fifa’s hierarchy were desperate for details given the potential ramifications for the 2026 World Cup.

There was an issue, though. They had to sit through the formalities at Hensol Castle after the 140th Annual General Meeting of the International Football Association Board.

The World Cup faces a crisis as the US attacks Iran — how will Fifa respond?

Half-time! Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 17:26 , Mike Jones

45+3 mins: The whistle goes to end the first half at the Emirates Stadium and despite looking comfortable in the game, Arsenal must strike again if they want to win this one.

All to play for in the second 45 minutes.

GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea (Piero Hincapie OG, 45+2')

Sunday 1 March 2026 17:18 , Mike Jones

Reece James takes the next corner and curls the delivery into the middle of the area.

Piero Hincapie leaps at the near post and just gets a flick on the ball.

That’s enough to guide it into the net, past Raya and into the far bottom corner.

Chelsea are level!

Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 17:16 , Mike Jones

44 mins: Save!

Chelsea win a corner and whip the ball into the box. Declan Rice nudges the ball on and David Raya must leap towards the near post to push it wide of the target!

There’s a quick VAR check to look at whether Rice handled the ball.

He’s grappling in the area and it strikes him on the elbow but nothing comes of the check.

Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 17:11 , Mike Jones

41 mins: Arsenal have a slim lead and one that could easily be overturned but Chelsea don’t look likely to do so.

It’s been a tough half of football for the Blues so far with very few chances created.

Arsenal have had the best of things.

Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 17:08 , Mike Jones

38 mins: A clearance from Arsenal sends the ball to Gyokeres who holds up the ball and weaves at Chalobah.

He lays it off to Saka who plays int Timber.

A dummy from Timber does for the nearest defender but he mishits a shot and bobbles the ball through to Sanchez.

Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 17:06 , Mike Jones

35 mins: There’s a break in play for some treatment to Cole Palmer.

The Chelsea man is fine and jogs back onto the pitch looking to take Chelsea forward with a run through midfield in possession of the ball.

Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 17:01 , Mike Jones

30 mins: Declan Rice saw glory from the edge of the box as Arsenal push forward once again.

Rice makes a late run as the ball is squeezed across to him and he hits a first time shot but smokes it high and wide.

A rye smile appears on his face as he relaises he should have done better there.

Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 16:58 , Mike Jones

27 mins: A long ball up the pitch comes to Saka on the right wing and he flicks it on for Timber’s overlapping run.

Timber then pulls it back to Eze who looks to unleash from the edge of the box but he’s tackled before the shot can be taken.

Slick from Arsenal though. They’ve grown in confidence since the goal.

Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 16:55 , Mike Jones

24 mins: That was a fine set piece goal from Arsenal.

They have bigger and stronger players than Chelsea and that was clearly on display there.

Can Chelsea respond?

GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea (William Saliba, 21')

Sunday 1 March 2026 16:52 , Mike Jones

There’s the opener!

It’s a little scrappy but it’s another set piece goal for the Gunners.

The corner is swung onto the head of Gabriel near the back post. He nods it into the six yard box where William Saliba heads it towards goal.

It’s heading in but hits Mamadou Sarr and crosses the line.

Arsenal lead!

Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 16:50 , Mike Jones

20 mins: Jurrien Timber bombs it down the right and gets on the overlap to receive the ball.

He looks for the cross but Enzo Fernandez leaps in front of the ball and deflects it behind for a corner.

Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 16:49 , Mike Jones

18 mins: Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres have a bit of a communication breakdown as they try to work a one-two in the box.

Saka plays the pass and cuts low when Gyokeres sends the ball to the byline expecting that run instead.

Arsenal aren’t yet hitting their stride in this match.

Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 16:47 , Mike Jones

15 mins: Oh cheeky!

Eberechi Eze receives the ball in the middle of the pitch and spies that Robert Sanchez is miles off his line.

Eze decides to try and lob the goalkeeper but Sanchez jogs back and keeps the ball out with one hand.

The Arsenal fans immediately erupt as they think Sanchez took the ball out of play. The referee lets play go on but the replays show it should have been a corner.

Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 16:44 , Mike Jones

14 mins: Pedro Neto chests down a cross field pass over on the right wing and slips the ball to Reece James.

James glances up and whips in a beautiful cross but Joao Pedro is too slow to react and get on the end of it.

Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 16:41 , Mike Jones

11 mins: Chelsea win themselves a free kick inside the Arsenal final third.

Pedro Neto flicks the ball into the box and a deflection knocks the ball to Mamadou Sarr.

He tries to volley a shot at goal but miscues it and turns it wide instead.

Decent opportunity for Chelsea though.

Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 16:38 , Mike Jones

8 mins: Shots at either end and neither is very good.

Cole Palmer takes the first one having drifted in from the left before firing wide.

At the other end, Martin Zubimendi gets the ball on the edge of the box and lifts his effort too high having lent back during his strike.

Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 16:36 , Mike Jones

5 mins: What has gone on there?

Robert Sanchez pushes up to the edge of his own box and takes a heavy first touch after a back pass.

He almost loses it and has to throw himself on the floor to poke it across to his nearest teammate.

An awkward moment for the Chelsea goalkeeper.

Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 16:33 , Mike Jones

3 mins: A poor pass from Piero Hincapie sees the left-back send the ball out of play and Chelsea recover possession.

The Gunners have beaten the Blues twice in recent times having won both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final played between the two teams.

Is today a chance for some redemption?

Kick off! Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 16:31 , Mike Jones

Declan Rice kicks off the game and pings the ball to David Raya who boots it over to the right side of the pitch.

A headed clearance sees the ball come back to Gabriel and he passes it back to Raya for another long ball forward.

Arsenal vs Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 16:25 , Mike Jones

Here come the teams.

The Gunners stride out onto the pitch knowing anything less than a win will be a huge advantage for Manchester City in the title race.

Chelsea though need three points to increase their hopes of winning a Champions League place after victories for Man Utd and Liverpool this weekend.

Which way will this one go? Kick off is up next...

Eze to shine today?

Sunday 1 March 2026 16:20 , Mike Jones

Eberechi Eze has scored each of his last 11 Premier League goals in London, with all six of his goals for Arsenal this season coming in London derbies.

That’s the most ever by a player in a season without scoring outside of London derby games.

The last Gunners player with more derby goals in a season was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in 2018-19 (7).

(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

An issue of discipline?

Sunday 1 March 2026 16:15 , Mike Jones

Chelsea have received six Premier League red cards this season, more than any other club and their joint-most ever in a single season.

They saw Moisés Caicedo sent off against Arsenal earlier this season and have only received more reds against Liverpool (8) than the Gunners (7).

(Getty Images)

Signs aren't good for Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 16:10 , Mike Jones

Chelsea have lost eight of their last nine away Premier League matches against sides starting the day top of the table, winning the other 2-1 against Man City in May 2021.

They’ve played nine away top-flight games against Arsenal when the Gunners are top and won just once - a 2-0 win in March 1948.

Rare errors from Arsenal

Sunday 1 March 2026 16:05 , Mike Jones

Only Tottenham Hotspur players (5) have made more errors leading to goals in the Premier League in 2026 than Arsenal’s (4), with 44% of the goals the Gunners have conceded this year coming from an error (4/9).

Rosenior's success on the road

Sunday 1 March 2026 16:00 , Mike Jones

Chelsea have won each of their two away Premier League matches under manager Liam Rosenior so far.

Liverpool’s Arne Slot was the last manager to win his first three away Premier League games in charge overall, while the last Englishman was Tim Sherwood at Spurs in 2013-14.

(PA Wire)

Dropping points

Sunday 1 March 2026 15:55 , Mike Jones

Only West Ham United (20) have dropped more points from winning positions in the Premier League in 2025-26 than Chelsea (19).

The Blues have scored first in their last two before drawing with Leeds and Burnley – they last failed to win three in a row despite going 1-0 up in each back in May 2016.

Expect goals from the Gunners

Sunday 1 March 2026 15:50 , Mike Jones

Arsenal have lost just one of their last 25 Premier League London derby matches - a 1-0 home defeat to West Ham last February.

Since the start of 2022-23, the Gunners have scored in all but two of 44 London derby games, both against West Ham.

Arteta's success versus Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 15:45 , Mike Jones

In his second game in charge of Arsenal in December 2019, Mikel Arteta lost 2-1 at the Emirates against Chelsea.

Since then, his Gunners side have lost just one of 15 games against the Blues in all competitions (10 wins, four draws), beating them twice in the League Cup semi-final earlier this year.

Mikel Arteta’s side are sitting top of the Premier League (John Walton/PA) (PA Wire)

Can Chelsea change the record?

Sunday 1 March 2026 15:40 , Mike Jones

Chelsea are winless in their last eight Premier League games against Arsenal (three draws, five defeats).

It is their longest since a run of 19 between 1995 and 2005.

Arsenal's home record

Sunday 1 March 2026 15:35 , Mike Jones

Arsenal have won their last three home league games against Chelsea, last winning more consecutively between 1990 and 1994 (5).

Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal on right path to getting best out of ‘incredible’ Viktor Gyokeres

Sunday 1 March 2026 15:30 , Mike Jones

Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that Arsenal are now on "the right trajectory" to fully unleash the potential of striker Viktor Gyokeres, following his impressive run of form.

The Sweden international, who joined the Premier League leaders from Sporting Lisbon last summer, initially endured a slow start but has since found his rhythm, netting eight goals in all competitions since the start of 2026.

Arteta insists Arsenal on right path to getting best out of ‘incredible’ Gyokeres

Team changes for Arsenal and Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 15:25 , Mike Jones

For Arsenal, Mikel Arteta decides to name an unchanged line up from the team that battered Tottenham in their last outing.

Gyokeres leads the line again with Piero Hincapie once more at left-back and Eberechi Eze playing as the No. 10.

Liam Rosenior makes just two changes to the Chelsea team as the suspended Wesley Fofana drops out along with Malo Gusto.

In their place come Mamadou Sarr and Jorrel Hato.

Chelsea team to take on Arsenal

Sunday 1 March 2026 15:19 , Mike Jones

Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Sarr, Chalobah, Hato; Caicedo, Andrey Santos; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro

Your Chelsea XI. #CFC | #ARSCHE pic.twitter.com/Th6utYTAaj

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 1, 2026

Arsenal team to face Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 15:17 , Mike Jones

Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Rice, Zubimendi, Eze; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard

🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️

Unchanged from last week's north London derby win.

Let's set the tone, Gunners ✊

🤝 Presented by @deel

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 1, 2026

Arsenal v Chelsea team news and line-ups

Sunday 1 March 2026 15:11 , Jamie Braidwood

... will be confirmed from the Emirates in the next few minutes...

Liam Rosenior wants to bring long-term success to Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 15:04 , Jamie Braidwood

Including caretakers, Liam Rosenior is the ninth Chelsea manager Mikel Arteta will have faced in the six years since he took charge at Arsenal - and the 41-year-old wants to break the pattern by bringing long-term success to the Blues.

"Sitting here in this chair, I want to be here for as long as possible," said Rosenior. "I want to be the guy - and not just me but the team, the staff, the ownership, sporting directors - I want to be a part of something really successful for a long time. That's why I signed up for this challenge.

"The reality of football is that what gives you time is being successful. You need to show your quality, not just in terms of the games, but every day. Every day you need to be top with the players in terms of the way you develop them, the way you put your sessions on, the way you conduct your meetings.

"I hope this is the end of the upheaval for this club. I hope I can be here for a very long time and bring the club the success it deserves."

(PA Wire)

Mikel Arteta paying no attention to Arsenal's recent record against Chelsea

Sunday 1 March 2026 14:49 , Jamie Braidwood

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games against Chelsea, winning five and drawing three, but Mikel Arteta was keen to stress that their recent record over their London rivals does not change their preparation.

“What we've done two weeks ago or two years ago is irrelevant, because every game and context is different. The players might change, the mood of the teams can be in a different state or what is at stake is different, and we are prepared."

On his side’s quest to win the Premier League after three consecutive runners-up finishes, Arteta said: "When you finish like this you only want to be first. That's it. That's the aim. Always get better, always try to excel the possibilities of the team."

(Getty)

Chelsea’s Champions League draw and path to final revealed

Sunday 1 March 2026 14:34 , Jamie Braidwood

Chelsea will play Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last-16 as the two-time winners plot another deep run in the competition.

The Blues produced a statement performance to beat PSG 4-1 in New Jersey, with the French side now targeting revenge.

The two legs of the tie will take place on Wednesday 11 March at the Parc des Princes and at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday 17 March.

Chelsea’s Champions League draw and path to final revealed

Arsenal land dream Champions League draw as path to final revealed

Sunday 1 March 2026 14:19 , Jamie Braidwood

Arsenal have landed a dream Champions League draw and will not need to face a traditional heavyweight before the semi-finals, while the five other English sides all face potentially daunting ties from the last 16 onwards.

The Premier League leaders now have an excellent opportunity to go on a run in this season’s competition and will play Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16 before either Sporting or Norway’s Bodo/Glimt, who will attempt to continue their fairytale run after knocking out last year’s finalists Inter.

Arsenal land dream Champions League draw as teams learn path to final

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior says ‘tough guy’ Wesley Fofana ‘absolutely fine’ after racist abuse

Sunday 1 March 2026 14:04 , Jamie Braidwood

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has described defender Wesley Fofana as a "tough guy" who is "absolutely fine" after the player was subjected to racist abuse online following Saturday’s draw with Burnley.

Fofana shared the hateful messages he received in the hours after being shown a red card during the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

The UK Football Policing Unit has confirmed it is investigating the incident, alongside other reports of abuse over the past week.

Chelsea boss Rosenior says ‘tough guy’ Fofana ‘absolutely fine’ after racist abuse

Arsenal are on the right path to getting best out of Gyokeres, says Arteta

Sunday 1 March 2026 13:44 , Jamie Braidwood

Viktor Gyokeres enjoyed his best outing in an Arsenal shirt with a decisive brace in last weekend’s 4-1 win at Tottenham and Mikel Arteta believes the Gunners are now on their way to getting the best out of the striker after a slow start in England.

"I think one thing leads to another," said Arteta. "When you score the first one or the performances are good, you have more time with your team-mates, you understand the games, the opponent, the league better. Everything helps.

"We know his qualities. He is undoubtedly an incredible striker. We need to feed to his quality, we need to understand him better, he needs to understand the team, the league better, I think we are in the right trajectory."

Viktor Gyokeres scored twice against Tottenham (John Walton/PA). (PA Wire)

Man City find new solutions to familiar problem in win at Leeds

Sunday 1 March 2026 13:24 , Jamie Braidwood

With Erling Haaland absent, Rodri pulled the strings in a hard-fought win at Elland Road to put pressure on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.

Man City’s win at Leeds revealed their most important player — and it’s not Haaland

Last time out: Chelsea 'set fire' to points in disappointing Burnley draw

Sunday 1 March 2026 13:16 , Jamie Braidwood

Chelsea’s 10 men were stunned by a Zian Flemming header in the third minute of added time as Burnley stole a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Joao Pedro’s goal in the fourth minute had looked like being the winner but the Blues wilted terribly after Wesley Fofana’s sending off for a second booking 20 minutes from the end, leaving the door ajar for Flemming to score from a James Ward-Prowse corner.

Impressive Burnley earn crucial point in relegation battle against 10-man Chelsea

Last time out: Arsenal bounce back in enjoyable thrashing of rivals Tottenham

Sunday 1 March 2026 13:08 , Miguel Delaney

Arsenal’s performance was of such a nature that it was impossible not to start thinking that it was potentially as important for the relegation battle as it was for the title race.

That’s how bad Spurs got.

That made it an even better day for Arsenal. Almost everything went for them.

Arsenal badly needed a victory in what had by then been an emotionally intense derby. Gyokeres produced when needed. That is what he has been signed for.

If Gyokeres was the match-winner, though, Eberechi Eze was the player who ran it.

Arsenal have boosted their title bid – and made Spurs’ relegation threat feel real

What is the Chelsea team news?

Sunday 1 March 2026 13:03 , Jamie Braidwood

Marc Cucurella is not fit to face Arsenal and Wesley Fofana is suspended following his sending off against Burnley. Estevao Willian also remains out.

Possible Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Tosin, Chalobah, Gusto; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto ; Pedro

What is the Arsenal team news?

Sunday 1 March 2026 13:02 , Jamie Braidwood

Kai Havertz is expected to return to the Arsenal squad. It would not be a surprise for Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres to keep their places following sparkling displays in the 4-1 win at Tottenham.

Possible Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard

When is Arsenal v Chelsea and how to watch

Sunday 1 March 2026 13:01 , Jamie Braidwood

Kick-off at the Emirates is 4:30pm on Sunday 1 March.

The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, following the coverage of the earlier kick-offs.

Good afternoon and welcome

Sunday 1 March 2026 13:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Arsenal host rivals Chelsea as the Premier League leaders look to increase their advantage over Manchester City in the title race.

Mikel Arteta’s side enjoyed a thumping 4-1 win at north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur last week and celebrated with a free midweek as the pressure of the title race intensifies.

Now, a second London derby in a row awaits as Liam Rosenior’s side return to the Emirates looking to offer more than they did in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final last month.

Chelsea held Arsenal to a battling 1-1 draw at home earlier this season and the Blues are in need of the points, too, as they compete with Liverpool and Manchester United in the top-five race.