EPL: Arsenal, Chelsea clash in crunch London supremacy battle on Sunday

Two unbeaten sides, two new challenges and two managers desperate to make an early statement will collide on Sunday as Arsenal host Chelsea in what promises to be a fierce London derby at the Emirates Stadium.
With both clubs having won their opening two Premier League games, the encounter has all the ingredients of an early-season blockbuster, with Arsenal seeking to maintain their perfect start while Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso looks to announce himself on the big stage.
Arsenal have made an impressive start to the 2026/27 campaign, collecting six points without conceding a goal. After brushing aside newly promoted Coventry City 3-0 on the opening day, Mikel Arteta’s men followed it up with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Aston Villa.
Bukayo Saka settled the Villa clash with a 59th-minute strike, extending Arsenal’s winning momentum and underlining their defensive strength.
The Gunners have also enjoyed a strong run across their recent matches, winning four of their last five games in all competitions. They scored 10 goals during that period and conceded only four.
But Chelsea arrive in north London with an equally impressive record and perhaps an even bigger appetite to prove a point.
Alonso’s side have also won their opening two league games, although their victories have come in far more dramatic fashion.
The Blues edged Fulham 3-2 away from home before surviving a seven-goal thriller against Brighton, winning 4-3 at Stamford Bridge.
Roméo Lavia, Pedro Neto and João Pedro put Chelsea in control against Brighton before Cole Palmer struck in the 74th minute to secure the points.
Chelsea have now scored seven goals in their first two league games, but their defensive frailties could be exposed by an Arsenal side that has yet to concede.
That contrast could prove decisive when the two London heavyweights meet.
Arsenal are expected to rely on the control of Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard in midfield, while Chelsea will look to their dynamic attack to unsettle the hosts.
The Gunners, however, have their own concerns at the back, with Jurrien Timber and William Saliba ruled out through injury.
Chelsea also have a lengthy injury list, with Jordan Henderson, Marco Palestra and Moises Caicedo unavailable.
The absence of Caicedo could be particularly significant against an Arsenal midfield built around control and pressure.
The Gunners have dominated recent meetings, winning three of the last five encounters without defeat. They defeated Chelsea 1-0 in the Carabao Cup in February before recording a 2-1 Premier League victory at the Emirates in March.
Chelsea’s last win over Arsenal in the five-match sequence came before that run, with the Blues unable to defeat their London rivals in the most recent three meetings.
Sunday’s clash, however, offers a fresh beginning under Alonso, and Chelsea will see it as an opportunity to upset Arsenal’s early-season rhythm and send a warning to the rest of the league.
For Arteta, victory would strengthen Arsenal’s credentials as serious title contenders and extend their perfect start.
For Alonso, it is a chance to prove that Chelsea’s attacking fireworks are not merely early-season excitement.
With both sides sitting on six points, the stakes may be higher than the third matchday suggests.
At the Emirates, one unbeaten record is likely to come under serious threat.