Arsenal are celebrating beating 10-man Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday to quickly reinstate their five-point title advantage over rivals Manchester City. The Gunners’ championship charge is firmly back on track after they followed up last weekend’s latest thrashing of Tottenham with another crucial London derby triumph.
They faced a Chelsea side who have not beaten Arsenal in any competition since August 2021 - a run of 10 matches and seven defeats, including both legs of their recent Carabao Cup semi-final tie. William Saliba headed Mikel Arteta’s side into a first-half lead this time, with his effort initially cancelled out by an unfortunate own goal from Piero Hincapie on the stroke of half-time.
However, another header from a corner from an Arsenal defender - this time by Jurrien Timber - with just under 25 minutes to go proved decisive as Pedro Neto then picked up Chelsea’s 10th red card of the season across all competitions. The only negative for Arsenal was a second-half injury to Declan Rice, who will need to be assessed ahead of a midweek trip to Brighton. Follow Arsenal vs Chelsea reaction live below!
Arsenal vs Chelsea highlights
- NO GOAL! Last-gasp Delap equaliser ruled out
- RED CARD! Neto picks up two quick-fire bookings
- GOAL! Timber restores lead from another corner
- GOAL! Hincapie heads into his own net
- GOAL! Saliba heads Gunners into lead
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 18:32 , George FloodFull-time
And breathe!
Brilliant late drama in north London, where Arsenal just edge out Chelsea’s 10 men to quickly restore their five-point lead over title rivals Manchester City at the Premier League summit.
It wasn’t pretty by any means, but set-pieces once again prove pivotal.
Chelsea are winless in three in the top-flight now and stay down in sixth, six points off the top four and three behind Liverpool in fifth.
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 18:27 , George Flood96 mins: Huge late drama at the Emirates as Raya saves Joao Pedro’s acrobatic finish, claws the ball out at the second attempt and Delap just about squeezes in what he thinks is the equaliser.
But the offside flag is rightly up against Joao Pedro.
Wow.
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 18:26 , George Flood94 mins: Superb defending from Gabriel inside the Arsenal box as Chelsea’s 10 men continue to pour forward in the last throes of stoppage time.
Talk about nerves for these Gunners fans...
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 18:24 , George Flood93 mins: A huge late save from Raya to deny Garnacho, whose dangerous cross narrowly evaded Joao Pedro.
A massive moment!
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 18:23 , George FloodAnd here’s the needless challenge that got Neto sent off...
Pedro Neto is SENT OFF after a challenge on Gabriel Martinelli! 🟥 pic.twitter.com/WtlPgwZQ2V
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 1, 2026
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 18:23 , George Flood92 mins: Chelsea don’t make Hincapie pay for an ill-timed foul throw on the far side.
Delap could be in inside the box, but his awareness is poor and he can’t fashion a chance.
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 18:21 , George Flood90 mins: Another Arsenal corner, another goal for Jurrien Timber.
Will it prove to be the winner?
We will have six minutes of stoppage time...
Jurrien Timber restores the Gunners' lead from another corner! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/HWJlaDpEqM
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 1, 2026
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 18:20 , George Flood89 mins: Chelsea’s 10 men are still pushing here as Gusto drives on and earns their ninth corner of the game.
Norgaard heads away James’ delivery from the right and Caicedo can’t keep the attack alive.
Rosenior is sending on Tosin for Sarr now.
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 18:18 , George Flood85 mins: Two more changes from Rosenior as Garnacho and Delap replace Palmer and Fernandez.
A fierce drive from Caicedo fizzes over the crossbar.
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 18:15 , George Flood81 mins: Chelsea’s discipline is letting them down yet again, with an irate Fernandez also booked for dissent.
Neto’s dismissal was their ninth red card of the season - seventh in the Premier League - for a club who are well on track once again to finish rock bottom of the Fair Play table.
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 18:13 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at the Emirates Stadium
That's the first time since December 3 that Rice has started a Premier League match and not played the full 90 minutes.
Arteta has rarely turned to Norgaard, even off the bench, but Rice has looked tired in this second half.
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 18:11 , George Flood78 mins: Arsenal are desperate to put this game to bed as Sanchez gets down low to his right to divert away Eze’s dangerous effort through the legs of the defender.
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 18:09 , George Flood75 mins: Norgaard and Havertz replace Rice and Gyokeres for Arsenal.
Rice definitely picked up a knock there.
Rosenior sends on Lavia and Gusto for Santos and Hato.
Lavia’s first senior minutes since early November after his latest injury.
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 18:06 , George Flood73 mins: Penalty appeals by Saka are waved away as Arsenal look to finish off the reeling 10 men.
Gabriel booked for a foul on Brazil team-mate Joao Pedro.
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 18:06 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at the Emirates Stadium
Totally mindless from Neto, and now Chelsea have something of a mountain to climb. Not only a goal down, a man down too.
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 18:05 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at the Emirates Stadium
Arsenal didn't particularly look like scoring from open play, but that's not a problem when they're as good at set-pieces as they are. Sanchez wanted a foul - never getting it for that.
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 18:02 , George Flood70 mins: Rice may have tweaked something after bolting across to thwart the danger posed by Neto and then playing a strange lofted pass back to Raya.
Now Neto chops down Martinelli foolishly and picks up a second yellow card in quick succession!
Yet another dismissal for Chelsea, who are imploding.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea | Jurrien Timber 66'
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:58 , George Flood66 mins: The Emirates erupts as Timber heads in from a Rice corner to restore Arsenal’s lead!
Looked like it went in off Sarr again.
Woeful from Sanchez, who was all over the place.
He wants a foul, but he’s never getting it.
Neto booked for his protests.
Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:57 , George Flood65 mins: Rice’s devilish free-kick delivery is missed totally by Sanchez and I think it was Chalobah who made a crucial header.
Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:56 , George Flood64 mins: Some worried looks on faces around the Emirates, with Arsenal looking very sluggish in this second half and Chelsea on top.
Hato is now booked for bringing down compatriot Timber, allowing Rice the chance to swing in a free-kick from the right.
Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:51 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at the Emirates Stadium
A couple of times Arsenal have thought they are away on the counter, only for the referee to not play advantage and pull it back.
Not helping the already irritated mood inside the stadium.
Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:51 , George Flood58 mins: Hato forces another Chelsea corner, this time a confident claim from Raya.
Arsenal look to counter quickly and Timber is away, but the referee blows up for a foul on Saka by Palmer, who is booked.
Arteta is furious on the touchline with the lack of advantage played by Darren England there.
Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:49 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at the Emirates Stadium
Two aerial chances in quick succession for Joao Pedro. Rosenior is left with his head in his hands. Chelsea, you'd have to say, look the likelier team to score the game's next goal as it stands.
Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:49 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at the Emirates Stadium
Arsenal have got a real problem defending these set-pieces. Chelsea look like scoring from every one of them.
The visitors keep getting the first touch at the near post and it's causing massive issues.
Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:48 , George Flood55 mins: Alert defending from Chelsea inside their own box before another wicked delivery from James is touched on by Joao Pedro and just misses a stretching Palmer at the back post.
An early second-half change from Arteta, who has replaced Trossard with Martinelli.
Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:45 , George Flood53 mins: Now Raya gets back across to dive and hold a Joao Pedro header on the line as Arsenal are rather played at their own game by Chelsea at corners.
These are nervy moments for the leaders.
Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:44 , George Flood52 mins: Joao Pedro - with Saliba draped all over him - connects with James’ latest corner to the front post and is clattered as Raya punches behind.
The VAR takes a long look but clears it once more.
Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:42 , George Flood51 mins: Raya saves with one hand low to his right to keep out a brilliant effort from Fernandez.
A warning for Arsenal early in this second half.
Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:41 , George Flood50 mins: A Saka ball is punched away theatrically by Sanchez, who took out Timber in the process.
A painful one but he’s quickly back on his feet.
Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:40 , George Flood49 mins: Saka is too quick for Hato and Arsenal have a free-kick in a decent spot.
They go quick wide to Saka and Eze is halted just inside the Chelsea box.
Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:37 , George FloodUnderway in a huge second half at the Emirates.
No changes from either Arteta or Rosenior at the break.
Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:30 , George FloodA tale of two set-pieces in the first half at the Emirates.
Here’s that unfortunate own goal from Hincapie.
Chelsea will feel it’s justice after being denied a penalty just moments before following Rice’s handball/wrestling with Hato.
Chelsea are level on the stroke of half-time! 💥 pic.twitter.com/epCTN2x8th
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 1, 2026
Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:28 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at the Emirates Stadium
Must admit I'm surprised they didn't look at that Rice handball shout on VAR from the first corner, but it doesn't matter now, Chelsea are level.
It's a superb Reece James corner, nodded into his own net by Hincapie.
Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:22 , George FloodHalf-time
An eventful first half draws to a close!
All square in this London derby after Hincapie’s own goal cancelled out a header from Saliba.
All to play for...
GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea | Piero Hincapie OG 47'
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:18 , George Flood47 mins: An own goal from Arsenal on the stroke of half-time levels the score!
Hincapie rises at the front post and succeeds only in flicking Chelsea’s latest corner from James in past Raya.
Disaster.
Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:17 , George Flood45 mins: No penalty and three minutes of added time are signalled.
Another warning from the referee before a second Chelsea corner in quick succession.
Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:16 , George Flood45 mins: Brilliant save from Raya to palm over the bar after Rice - who was all over Hato - deflects Chelsea’s corner to the front post from the left with his arm.
VAR are looking at this...
Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:14 , George Flood43 mins: Santos is dispossessed to abruptly halt a rare Chelsea attack and Saka immediately tries to release Gyokeres.
The Arsenal striker ends up falling under the second challenge of Chalobah inside the box, but that looked like a bit of a dive.
Chalobah berates him for good measure.
Better from Neto at the other end and Chelsea have a late first-half corner.
Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:13 , George Flood41 mins: More nervy moments for Chelsea as half-time approaches, with Trossard’s frustration clear after he fails to release Rice on the counter-attack.
A vital interception.
Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:11 , George Flood39 mins: Rice appears to be pushing the boundaries with his placement of the ball, right on the line of the corner quadrant.
VAR are keeping an eye.
Caicedo gets a talking to after a big shove on Ecuador team-mate Hincapie.
Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:08 , George Flood36 mins: Thankfully for Chelsea, Palmer is back on and appears fine to continue.
Chalobah makes a key block on Gyokeres inside the box and the follow-up peters out, much to Sanchez’s relief.
Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:06 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at the Emirates Stadium
A little concern here for Cole Palmer, who is having his leg massaged by a member of the medical staff. Stoppage in play while he's seen to.
Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:05 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at the Emirates Stadium
Fair to say Arsenal fans didn't love that pass from Zubimendi back to Raya, who had to hack it out under pressure.
Rice applauds his team-mate to try and restore some calm, but there were a lot of nervy groans from the home fans.
Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:04 , George Flood33 mins: Eze is stopped in his tracks as another promising Arsenal attack is broken up.
Palmer is down now for Chelsea off the ball with a resigned look to the bench.
This doesn’t look good and the physios are on.
Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:03 , George Flood30 mins: Zubimendi puts Raya in all sorts of bother with a needless return pass as the Arsenal goalkeeper is forced to scramble into touch and clattered by Joao Pedro.
Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:00 , George FloodHere is that familiar opening goal by Arsenal.
It has gone down as a Saliba goal, rather than an eighth own goal of the season against the Gunners
First corner, first goal!
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 1, 2026
William Saliba rises highest to head home! 💥 pic.twitter.com/OEPkjVMPmL
Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 16:59 , George Flood28 mins: Buoyed by their opener, Arsenal are really ratcheting up the intensity here now and attacking Chelsea with menace down both flanks.
Rice fires well over the crossbar as the half-hour mark approaches.
Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 16:58 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at the Emirates Stadium
I think Sarr has made a broadly positive start here, but he was pretty helpless from that corner as Arsenal took the lead, not sure what could do and then it was too late and the Gunners had their opener.
The Senegal international is playing deeper than his centre-back partner Chalobah for the most part.
Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 16:56 , George Flood23 mins: Arsenal have their tails up now and quickly force a second corner, which Chelsea just about scramble clear.
Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 16:55 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at the Emirates Stadium
First Arsenal corner, first Arsenal goal.
Gabriel involved as per, nodding it back across the six-yard box, and Saliba is there to divert it in with the help of Sarr on the line.
A set-piece delivers again for the Gunners.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea | William Saliba 21'
Sunday 1 March 2026 16:51 , George Flood21 mins: The set-piece kings strike again!
Gabriel heads across from a corner to the back post and William Saliba nods it in with a big deflection off Mamadou Sarr.
That initial header from Saliba was on target, so it should stay his goal.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 16:51 , George Flood20 mins: A Chelsea corner is nodded wide at the front post before Arsenal pour forward and Timber’s delivery from the right is turned behind by a stretching Fernandez, who has hurt himself.
Now back on his feet.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 16:49 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at the Emirates Stadium
Arsenal's midfield haven't quite got it right so far. Two or three times Palmer has been able to turn in space and run at the defence.
Zubimendi has been pushing up more than Rice, but it's far too open in the middle of the pitch.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 16:49 , George Flood17 mins: A rough start for Sanchez continues as he dawdles on the ball yet again, is almost caught out by Gyokeres and Rice seizes on his errant pass.
The subsequent Arsenal attack breaks down.
Chalobah is telling his goalkeeper to cut it out, in no uncertain terms.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 16:47 , George Flood15 mins: Eze spots Sanchez off his line and tries an audacious lob from just inside the Chelsea half!
It drifts wide and Sanchez tries to keep the ball in after an initial touch, with play continuing.
That looked well out. Should be an Arsenal corner.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 16:45 , George Flood13 mins: Arsenal continue to try and release Gyokeres in behind the Chelsea defence early.
A delicious cross now from James down the Chelsea right flank, but Joao Pedro is rather caught on his heels and the opportunity is lost.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 16:42 , George Flood9 mins: Feels like one of those days already for Sanchez, with a couple more iffy moments and mocking by the Arsenal fans.
Arsenal give away a cheap free-kick on the left and a deflected delivery is steered well wide by an unmarked Sarr.
That was a chance for Chelsea.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 16:41 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at the Emirates Stadium
Arsenal are trying to get the ball forward to Gyokeres as quickly as possible.
Hincapie, Trossard and Gabriel have already tried to release him in behind, backing him up one-on-one against Chalobah.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 16:38 , George Flood7 mins: Some early signs of encouragement for Arsenal as a slick move results in Zubimendi failing to hit the target.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 16:38 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at the Emirates Stadium
A nervy moment at the back there for Chelsea has put the Arsenal fans on the front foot here.
Sanchez can expect to be jeered every time the ball is at his feet now. Some early nerves for Chelsea?
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 16:37 , George Flood5 mins: What on earth is Sanchez doing there?!
Almost an early calamity for Chelsea’s No1, who has managed to mostly shed his error-prone label of late.
A dreadful first touch on the edge of his box under no pressure almost leads to him being dispossessed by Gyokeres.
Sanchez just about gets the ball away with a challenge on Eze.
At the other end, Palmer quickly drifts inside and blazes high and wide.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 16:35 , George Flood4 mins: England boss Thomas Tuchel is among the interested spectators at the Emirates this afternoon.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 16:33 , George Flood3 mins: A quiet opening to this London derby with early spells of fleeting possession for both sides.
Palmer is playing down the left for Chelsea, with Neto on the right.
Arsenal vs Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 16:30 , George FloodUnderway at the Emirates after the usual pre-match rendition of ‘North London Forever’.
Will Arsenal quickly restore their five-point lead in the title race?
Both sides in their home strips, with Darren England our referee.
John Brooks is leading the VAR team.
Here we go...
Arsenal vs Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 16:28 , George FloodHere come the teams at the Emirates!
Kick-off is just minutes away.
Don’t go anywhere.
Arteta explains Odegaard absence
Sunday 1 March 2026 16:24 , George FloodHere’s Mikel Arteta speaking to Sky Sports ahead of kick-off on the return of Kai Havertz and no Martin Odegaard...
“Well, Kai trained really well and he's fit and available, and unfortunately Martin is still not feeling totally comfortable with that knee injury, and we decided not to risk him,” the Arsenal boss said.
Rosenior backs Sarr and Hato after Chelsea changes
Sunday 1 March 2026 16:18 , George FloodLiam Rosenior was furious with Arsenal encroaching into Chelsea’s half during the warm-ups before the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg tie last month, but no such repeat of that today as he shares a chuckle with the officials.
He gives nothing away as to his tactical plan before the game after the conversations sparked by his approach at the Emirates last time.
He expresses full confidence in both Mamadou Sarr and Jorrel Hato.
Earliest-ever St Totteringham's Day confirmed
Sunday 1 March 2026 16:01 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at the Emirates Stadium
Tottenham's 2-1 defeat at Fulham means Arsenal are guaranteed to finish above their north London rivals this season.
March 1 is the earliest stage of the season that has ever happened - even the Invincibles had to wait until March 13.
Fan reaction
Sunday 1 March 2026 15:57 , George FloodThere are plenty of Chelsea supporters backing that Liam Rosenior selection and have praised its tactical balance...
Pedro Neto on the left to support Hato defensively, Cole drifting in from the wing into midfield and Reece attacking the channel. Proper balance. COYB 💙#cfc https://t.co/XvZAxiJn7x
— LA (@cfc_OLA) March 1, 2026
Chelsea fans concerned over Hato inclusion
Sunday 1 March 2026 15:54 , George FloodSome Chelsea fans, meanwhile, seem to think that Jorrel Hato will be the weak link in their defence this afternoon.
A couple of huge calls made by Liam Rosenior in that backline.
Your Chelsea XI vs Arsenal XI#CFC | #ARSCHE
— Elibro (@AlabroElisha) March 1, 2026
The only weakness I see as a Chelsea fan is playing Hato. The two centre-backs look solid, while on the left wing we have Neto who hasn’t been himself lately. Midfield seems okay and James playing as right wing-back. Come on boys,… pic.twitter.com/ScW3AZ2AEy
Arsenal fans taunt Spurs over St Totteringham’s Day
Sunday 1 March 2026 15:52 , George FloodOther Arsenal fans are also gleeful at the prospect of celebrating St Totteringham’s Day at the earliest-ever date...
The era of St. Totteringham's Day as a late. season formality is over. Its potential arrival in *February*—the earliest ever—signals a shift from rivalry to hierarchy. Arsenal's supremacy is now a cold, mathematical certainty, not just a fan taunt. #AFC #PremierLeague
— Arenaspark (@arenasparkcom) March 1, 2026
Arsenal fans happy with team selection
Sunday 1 March 2026 15:51 , George FloodMost Arsenal fans on social media appear happy with Mikel Arteta’s decision to name an unchanged team after the demolition of Tottenham.
But there is inevitable concern over another potential injury absence for influential captain Martin Odegaard...
Happy with the team💪🏾 Massive massive game! Let's go boys! Nothing but a W! #COYG! #AFC #ARSCHE https://t.co/zWWYFY5pvE
— MNISI ❤🤍 (@nickraj4real) March 1, 2026
Rosenior's big show of faith in Sarr
Sunday 1 March 2026 15:47 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at the Emirates Stadium
The Chelsea team looks as we expected it would, with the suspended Wesley Fofana and injured Estevao and Marc Cucurella all covered by natural alternatives.
Except, you'd say, for Fofana. In comes Mamadou Sarr for his first-ever Premier League start.
A massive statement of faith in the Senegal international by Rosenior.
Will be fascinating to see how he gets on, given fellow centre-backs Josh Acheampong, Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo all make the bench.
Another Odegaard absence for Arsenal
Sunday 1 March 2026 15:44 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at the Emirates Stadium
Another mixed afternoon on the team news front for Arsenal.
Big boost to have Havertz back against his former club, but Odegaard and White not in the squad.
Odegaard in particular continues to have a really frustrating season with injuries.
Sarr makes first Premier League start for Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 15:42 , George FloodStandard Sport reporters Dom Smith and Matt Verri react to that team news at the Emirates, where Mamadou Sarr makes his first Premier League start for Chelsea...
🗣️ "A massive statement of faith from Liam Rosenior in Mamadou Sarr, who makes his first Premier League start."@MrDomSmith and @MattVerri react to that team news at the Emirates
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) March 1, 2026
LIVE: https://t.co/mzKcthD8rE#ARSCHE | #AFC | #CFC pic.twitter.com/1Me1oFizSG
Two Chelsea changes as Sarr and Hato start in defence
Sunday 1 March 2026 15:36 , George FloodLiam Rosenior makes two changes to the Chelsea side held to a frustrating 1-1 home draw by Burnley last time out.
It’s Mamadou Sarr - and not Tosin Adarabioyo - who replaces the suspended Wesley Fofana in central defence.
Jorrel Hato is also preferred to Malo Gusto at left-back with Marc Cucurella still sidelined.
Reece James is fit to start and captain the side as expected, with Filip Jorgensen back from injury and on the bench.
Romeo Lavia is a substitute again but the game comes too soon for Dario Essugo.
Benoit Badiashile also comes on to the bench as Gabriel Slonina drops out.
Arsenal unchanged with no Odegaard in squad
Sunday 1 March 2026 15:30 , George FloodSo Arsenal are unchanged from their north London derby thrashing of Tottenham, with Eberechi Eze retaining his place after those latest heroics.
Martin Odegaard isn’t in the squad at all, but there’s a place on the bench for the fit-again Kai Havertz.
Ben White remains absent with his knock.
Piero Hincapie keeps his place ahead of Riccardo Calafiori at left-back, likewise Leandro Trossard over Gabriel Martinelli further forward.
Chelsea team
Sunday 1 March 2026 15:19 , George FloodChelsea XI: Sanchez, James, Sarr, Chalobah, Hato, Caicedo, Santos, Palmer, Fernandez, Neto, Joao Pedro
Subs: Jorgensen, Badiashile, Acheampong, Tosin, Gusto, Lavia, Garnacho, Delap, Guiu
Arsenal team
Sunday 1 March 2026 15:17 , George FloodArsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Rice, Zubimendi, Saka, Eze, Trossard, Gyokeres
Subs: Kepa, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Mosquera, Norgaard, Madueke, Martinelli, Jesus, Havertz
How Rosenior has prepared Chelsea to beat set-piece kings Arsenal at their own game
Sunday 1 March 2026 15:11 , George FloodFor Chelsea and Liam Rosenior, a little Déjà vu, writes Dom Smith.
This afternoon sees the third meeting between Arsenal and Chelsea since Rosenior took the reins with the Blues just over a month ago.
Before both of their previous meetings, in the precious little time permitted during a truly exhausting fixture schedule, Rosenior and his coaching staff made sure to hold team meetings and do tactical work on the training pitch specifically focused on set-pieces.
Like London buses, Chelsea waited for well over a month for their first free midweek programme under Rosenior, then two came along at once.
This week and last, a concerted effort has been made to rehearse and improve set-pieces, an area Arsenal are exceptional at, and an area where Chelsea have shown this season that more work is indeed required.
Click here to read the article in full
Arsenal looking for another London derby statement
Sunday 1 March 2026 15:02 , George FloodNot since the days of the Invincibles have Arsenal been on a better run against Chelsea, writes Matt Verri.
Wayne Bridge's winner in the Champions League in April 2004 ended a streak of 17 matches without victory for the Blues in meetings between the two sides.
Arsenal are not quite as dominant these days, but their Carabao Cup semi-final win last month extended their unbeaten run over Chelsea to ten matches. Seven wins, three draws, and no defeats.
Graham Potter, Frank Lampard, Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior have all tried, unsuccessfully, to end Chelsea's drought against the Gunners.
Click here to read the article in full
Predicted lineups - Odegaard and Martinelli in for Arsenal?
Sunday 1 March 2026 14:52 , George FloodOfficial lineups from N5 will drop in just under half an hour’s time, but here’s how we see both sides lining up this afternoon.
For Arsenal, it would be captain Martin Odegaard at No10 and Eberechi Eze dropping out despite his latest north London derby heroics, with the pace of Gabriel Martinelli preferred to Leandro Trossard down the left flank.
Arteta could opt to play Odegaard and Eze together, but has generally been reluctant to do that over recent months.
For Chelsea, it would be just the one enforced change from Burnley, with the suspended Wesley Fofana replaced by Tosin Adarabioyo in the heart of defence.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Gyokeres
Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Tosin, Chalobah, Gusto; Santos, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro
Arsenal look to celebrate earliest St Totteringham’s Day
Sunday 1 March 2026 14:38 , George FloodCould Arsenal also be celebrating what has long since become known as St Totteringham’s Day this afternoon?
It is the annual date on which the Gunners mathematically ensure that they finish above north London rivals Spurs in the Premier League.
If Tottenham do not beat Fulham at Craven Cottage today, then Arsenal will celebrate it earlier than ever regardless of their result against Chelsea.
An Arsenal win would also do it despite how Spurs get on.
It is worth mentioning that Fulham currently lead relegation-threatened Tottenham 2-0 in the first half after goals from Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi...
Havertz in line for Arsenal return against former club
Sunday 1 March 2026 14:25 , George FloodAs ever when it comes to Arsenal, there have been plenty of whispers regarding their team news on social media already today.
It is being said on X - formerly Twitter - that Kai Havertz is indeed with the squad to face former club Chelsea, but Ben White apparently was not with them earlier this morning.
You imagine that it will be too soon for Max Dowman to be involved after he played the first 45 minutes for Arsenal’s Under-21s in their 1-0 defeat by Ipswich in the Premier League 2 on Friday night.
Arsenal vs Chelsea prediction
Sunday 1 March 2026 14:18 , George FloodAfter Liam Rosenior’s tactics in the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg trip to the Emirates proved so divisive, it will be fascinating to see how he approaches this one.
On that occasion, Chelsea successfully stifled Arsenal’s ambition for the most part and looked to blunt their famed set-piece prowess, but crucially lacked their own goal threat despite the onus being on them to score as the second-half introductions of Cole Palmer and Estevao failed to pay off.
Rosenior was unapologetic as he hit back at criticism from the likes of Paul Merson, saying: “If I go and attack the game, and press high, and we concede two goals early, everyone says: 'What is he doing?'
"That's the reality of my job. If you lose games you will be criticised and if you win, you are a genius. It's usually somewhere in between."
If that’s how Chelsea played at the Emirates when behind in a semi-final tie, it seems unlikely that they will show too much more adventure in a league game and no doubt the onus will once again be on keeping things as tight as possible defensively and trying to exploit any counter-attacking opportunities that come their way across the 90 minutes.
But despite a generally positive start to life under Rosenior, leaking cheap late goals is becoming a nasty habit and they are still yet to fix their dire issues with discipline.
It may not be particularly pretty, but confident Arsenal should have enough to get the job done again here - albeit in less convincing fashion than against sorry Spurs.
Arsenal to win, 2-0.
Chelsea team news
Sunday 1 March 2026 14:16 , George FloodChelsea captain Reece James is available this afternoon after being taken off late on in the last-gasp 1-1 home draw with Burnley last weekend due to fatigue.
Romeo Lavia is pushing for his first senior minutes since early November and fellow midfielder Dario Essugo is also now back in training, but this game comes too soon for Marc Cucurella despite his impressive progress in recovering from a hamstring injury.
Wesley Fofana is suspended after his dismissal against Burnley and there is still no Estevao.
Levi Colwill and Jamie Gittens remain sidelined, with Filip Jorgensen also having not been involved since January.
Arsenal team news
Sunday 1 March 2026 14:11 , George FloodArsenal have Bukayo Saka fit and available to start this afternoon after he shrugged off an injury scare that saw him substituted late on with a limp during last weekend’s latest 4-1 thrashing of arch-rivals Tottenham in the north London derby.
Kai Havertz was due to return to first-team training at London Colney yesterday following a hamstring issue and could be involved against his former club once again, having netted a last-gasp winner to down Chelsea in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final tie at the Emirates last month.
Mikel Arteta said only “let’s see” when asked about a possible return for Ben White following a knock that saw him miss out against Spurs, while young Max Dowman played for the Under-21s against Ipswich on Friday night as he steps up his comeback from an ankle ligament injury.
Mikel Merino is a long-term absentee for Arsenal following surgery on a rare foot injury and it remains to be seen if he will play again this season.
How to watch Arsenal vs Chelsea
Sunday 1 March 2026 14:04 , George FloodTV channel: In the UK, today’s game will be televised live on Sky Sports. Coverage begins at 3.30pm GMT on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.
Arsenal vs Chelsea live
Sunday 1 March 2026 14:01 , George FloodGood afternoon and welcome to Standard Sport's live coverage of Arsenal vs Chelsea.
It's another massive London derby showdown as the Gunners look to quickly restore their five-point lead at the summit over title rivals Manchester City, who narrowly beat Leeds last night despite missing Erling Haaland through injury.
Chelsea have not won any of their last 10 games against Arsenal across all competitions dating back to August 2021, losing both legs of the recent Carabao Cup semi-final tie.
But Liam Rosenior will have an eye on revenge and demand a response after watching his team concede late equalisers aplenty of late amid more disciplinary problems.
Kick-off in the final Premier League fixture of a hectic weekend is at 4:30pm GMT, so stay tuned for build-up, team news and live game updates, including expert analysis from Matt Verri and Dom Smith at the Emirates Stadium.
