Arsenal have not completed a season sweep over Chelsea since the 2003 04 campaign, which also marked their last Premier League triumph. While history does not guarantee a repeat, the stakes feel significant as Mikel Arteta’s side head into Sunday’s meeting knowing a victory is vital to maintain their cushion over Manchester City.
After finishing runners up in each of the past three seasons, Arsenal have again felt the strain of a title chase. Recent draws against Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers threatened to stall their momentum before they responded emphatically with a 4 1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby. Even so, with City trailing by five points and holding a game in hand, any slip against Chelsea could quickly tighten the race at the summit.
Pep Guardiola’s side face their own challenge away at Leeds United, a team that has frustrated several top sides this season. Meanwhile Aston Villa remain within striking distance, sitting five points behind City ahead of their trip to Wolves, keeping the title picture alive with ten matches remaining after this weekend.
Arsenal will hope their derby triumph sparks a strong finish. Chelsea, currently fifth, have not beaten Arsenal since 2021 and were eliminated by them in the League Cup semi finals earlier this year. However, they managed a draw in November despite playing much of the match with ten men. Arsenal’s recent home form against fellow top six sides has been inconsistent, including a draw with Liverpool and a defeat to Manchester United, something they will be keen to correct.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior will also be motivated to avoid a third loss to Arsenal this season. Since his appointment last month, his team have remained unbeaten against every opponent except the league leaders.
City’s visit to Leeds could prove equally demanding. Since January, most of the league’s top six have struggled at Elland Road, with only Arsenal taking maximum points. Leeds, who sit 15th and six points clear of the relegation zone, have shown resilience with draws against Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Aston Villa in recent weeks.
City arrive on a five match winning streak across all competitions and are determined to sustain pressure on Arsenal. They needed a late Phil Foden goal to overcome Leeds in November after nearly surrendering a two goal lead, a reminder of how competitive Daniel Farke’s promoted side can be. Leeds will look to stretch their unbeaten run to five games when they host the champions.
Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur are in urgent need of a revival. They are the only side without a league win in 2026 and hover just four points above the relegation zone. New manager Igor Tudor has endured a difficult start, including a home defeat to Arsenal that prompted sharp criticism of his squad’s mentality.
“Where is the goal? What is the level? So today, totally different worlds. I need to be honest. Two totally different psychological and physical worlds,” Tudor said after that loss.
Spurs have collected just two points from their last five league outings, while several teams below them have gained ground. With a visit to tenth placed Fulham on Sunday, Tudor has stressed the need for a change in mindset.
“What is the goal of this team? What is this goal of this coach, these players, this staff? To become serious. Serious, not just a group of 20 players,” he said.
