PL 2026/27: 3 things to look forward to ahead of Arsenal vs Chelsea 

The Premier League is all set for its first marquee showdown of the 2026/27 season, as defending champions Arsenal lock horns against Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea in a highly-anticipated London Derby. Both of these sides have begun their campaigns with 2 wins and will look to put down the gauntlet in this early-season show down.

There are a multitude of intriguing sub-plots in this game given the number of potential gamechangers each side has at their disposal, but I believe that the following three things will be one to watch out for in this clash of the London giants.

Can Arsenal take advantage of Chelsea’s wobbly defence?

Chelsea may have definitely started the season with two wins on the trot, but as much as this new-look side loves to score goals, they also love to concede equally, if not more. They have already conceded 5 goals in 2 matches, and even the arrival of Emiliano Martinez between the sticks failed to have any desired effect against Brighton.

In the backdrop of such a porous and open defensive corps, the Arsenal attack of Kai Havertz, Christos Tzolis, and Bukayo Saka will definitely relish the prospect of having a go at this Chelsea backline right from the opening whistle in the backdrop of a deafening Emirates Stadium. If the Gunners do manage to make early inroads, it could be a long evening for Alonso and his side.

Can Chelsea’s attackers continue their brilliant start?

If Chelsea’s defense has begun in a suspicious fashion, their attack has begun their season like a house on fire. Morgan Rogers has taken to Chelsea like a duck to water. Cole Palmer is also finding his way to being the “Cold” Palmer we all know, and Joao Pedro has taken off from where he left last season.

In all, the trio, which is now being christened as “J.P. Morgan” has now helped themselves to 5 goals and 4 assists in 2 games. However, they will now face their first big test against a seemingly invulnerable Arsenal backline, who have once again started their season with back-to-back clean sheets.

Can these three find a way to breach the Gunner’s defensive line?

Arsenal’s left wing: Who starts?

After the end of the transfer deadline, Arsenal suddenly find themselves short in numbers on the left-wing. Leandro Trossard is off to Besiktas, Gabriel Jesus has been shipped off to Barcelona, and Gabriel Martinelli has been snapped by Al Hilal, leaving them suddenly short on numbers on that left flank.

New signing Christos Tzolis was anonymous against Aston Villa and was hooked off at half-time after being booked and playing the better part of the first half rashly and recklessly without any discernible end product. While Eberechi Eze can slot in that flank in theory, he is not a natural winger, making it a square peg in a round hole sort of a situation.

So all of a sudden, the Gunners have a rookie playing his third game followed by an attacking midfielder who will be forced to play on the wing. In a side that is stacked from top to bottom in every other position, the lack of depth on the left wing can really be a sore thumb that Chelsea can take advantage of.