Arsenal Face Chelsea: Reliving the Last Five Fierce Battles Before Their Premier League Clash

The Premier League features plenty of London derbies throughout the campaign, but few rivalries burn as intensely as Arsenal vs. Chelsea.

While geography laid the groundwork for this rivalry, it's their repeated battles for the same silverware that have truly stoked the flames. The balance of power has shifted over the years, and it's the Gunners who have held the upper hand in recent meetings, capitalizing on a turbulent spell for the Blues.

With their first encounter of the 2026–27 season approaching, here's a look back at the last five clashes between Arsenal and Chelsea.

Arsenal 1–0 Chelsea (March 16, 2025)

There was little at stake in Arsenal's second Premier League encounter with Chelsea during the 2024–25 campaign. With Mikel Arteta's side sitting 15 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool heading into the Emirates Stadium fixture and Chelsea comfortably positioned for a top-four spot, local bragging rights were the primary prize up for grabs.

The reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge had ended level, but it was makeshift Arsenal forward Mikel Merino who proved the difference this time around. Filling in for the sidelined Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, the converted midfielder demonstrated his instincts in front of goal with the match's only strike in the opening half.

The final score reflected a largely unremarkable occasion, with both sides combining for just 1.07 expected goals and failing to register a single big chance.

Chelsea 1–1 Arsenal (Nov. 30, 2025)

Chelsea's disciplinary issues were a recurring theme throughout the 2025–26 season, and another reckless moment set the stage for a grueling home battle with Arsenal. Moisés Caicedo's red card in the first half left Enzo Maresca's side with a mountain to climb in their pursuit of a first victory over their rivals in more than four years.

Though a famous win eluded them, Chelsea dug deep to claim a hard-earned Premier League point. A determined defensive effort was boosted by Trevoh Chalobah's header shortly after the interval, though Merino once again proved a nuisance as he leveled proceedings on the hour mark.

Arsenal threw everything at Chelsea in search of a decisive third goal, but a stubborn rearguard display — highlighted by some excellent shot-stopping from Robert Sánchez — ensured the Blues secured a well-deserved share of the spoils.

Chelsea 2–3 Arsenal (Jan. 14, 2026)

If Sánchez had been among Chelsea's standout performers six weeks earlier, he was firmly cast as the villain in their Carabao Cup semifinal first leg against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

The Spanish goalkeeper was culpable for goals conceded early in both halves — first fumbling an Arsenal corner that Ben White headed in from close range, then inexplicably letting a cross slip through his hands as Viktor Gyökeres tapped home from point-blank range.

In one of his more impactful outings for Chelsea, Alejandro Garnacho injected some life into the hosts with a brace, but Martín Zubimendi's composed finish came sandwiched between the Argentine's two strikes, handing Arsenal a narrow advantage heading into the second leg.

Arsenal 1–0 Chelsea (Feb. 3, 2026)

The first leg had delivered drama in spades. The second leg was a far more subdued affair.

Many anticipated Chelsea to come out with attacking intent as they looked to overturn their one-goal deficit, but Liam Rosenior instead chose a cautious approach. He deployed a 5-4-1 formation in a bid to stifle Arsenal and remain competitive for as long as possible, yet the tactic ultimately proved counterproductive.

Chelsea mustered just two shots on target throughout the match, with even their more forward-thinking spells lacking the creativity needed to break down England's most resolute backline.

Their evening then took a decisive turn for the worse in the 97th minute when former Blue Kai Havertz burst through on goal, rounded Sánchez and slotted into an empty net to book Arsenal's place in the Carabao Cup final.

Arsenal 2–1 Chelsea (March 1, 2026)

As Arsenal chased their first Premier League title in 22 years, two London derbies loomed large in their run-in. They dispatched neighbors Tottenham Hotspur comfortably in the first, winning 4–1 away from home, but a home fixture against Chelsea would present a far sterner test.

To avoid dropping vital points, Arsenal leaned on a trusted weapon: set pieces. They broke the deadlock through another well-rehearsed corner routine, with William Saliba getting on the scoresheet. After conceding from a dead-ball situation themselves, Jurriën Timber converted yet another precise corner delivery to restore their lead.

Chelsea's hopes of a second equalizer were quickly extinguished, however, as Pedro Neto collected two rapid yellow cards to leave the visitors with 10 men. That made an already difficult task insurmountable, and Arsenal held firm to claim three vital points.

Arsenal vs. Chelsea Last Five Results