Arsenal

The world champions face the team who are currently leading the way in Europe's premier competition as Chelsea host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday (16:30 GMT).

Arsenal have won six of their last seven in the Premier League while Chelsea have won five of their last six, and both impressed in their midweek exploits against Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

The recent domestic blips for both came against Sunderland, who held Arsenal to a draw and beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

In fact, home form has been an issue for the Blues this season - with just 43.5% of their Premier League points coming at Stamford Bridge. Only Tottenham have earned a lower share of their points at home.

Arsenal's win over Spurs cemented their excellent form in London derbies – they have lost just three of their 40 derby matches in the Premier League since the start of 2022-23 (W28, D9), with just one of those defeats coming away from home.

And they also have an excellent recent record at Stamford Bridge, where they are unbeaten in their past six league matches (W3, D3).

The Gunners' form has been underpinned by the signings they made over the summer, with a new strength in depth allowing them to navigate injuries to crucial players and giving their title challenge added impetus.

But while Arsenal have the meanest defence in the top flight, three of the six league goals they have conceded have come in their past two games, and after a run of eight clean sheets in all competitions, they have now conceded in their last three matches.

In contrast, Chelsea have conceded just one goal in their previous five Premier League matches, and have been on the front foot in games, scoring the first goal in all of their last seven league fixtures.

They still lack the consistency of Mikel Arteta's side but with Manchester City and Liverpool both looking fragile, could the Blues' youthful squad be emerging into Arsenal's biggest threat for the title?

Both teams have a busy December with eight matches apiece – entering that month by taking three points off a major rival could be pivotal in how their respective seasons pan out.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (16:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Arteta on Leandro Trossard, who was replaced in the first half of Wednesday's win over Bayern Munich: "With Leo there's another test today. We have to see how he's feeling. It doesn't look much, we still have a few hours, we have to wait and see. There is a potential chance [he will be available]."

• Gabriel Jesus played in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Thursday and looked "very positive", while Ethan Nwaneri also played "because he wanted some minutes". Arteta added: "We took that opportunity for the players who needed a bit of exposure and competition to provide that to them."

• On Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz: "We have another day tomorrow so let's see how everybody is."

• Gabriel Magalhaes is "evolving well" in his recovery from injury: "We have to wait for that scan a little bit longer to be more precise in terms of the timings but I'm quite confident, especially with the way Gabi takes every injury and pushes everybody - he won't be that long."

• On facing second-placed Chelsea: "It's a big game, it is a big London derby. They are in really good form. We know the challenge and the opportunity we have on Sunday, so we are fully ready."

• Are the Blues Arsenal's closest title rivals?: "We are all there. They are there because they fully deserve everything they have done in last few years."

• On whether Sunday is his side's biggest game of the season so far: "For us it is because it is the next game. We live in the present and give the best possible preparation to win the game."

• Asked about Mikel Merino's performances as a striker, Arteta said: "He brings other things to the table. I think his intelligence, the way he competes, the way he masters a lot of the things that are crucial for us in any player, he's got them. Then he's a real threat. He could have scored two goals [against Bayern], he was involved in many positive actions, and his work was unbelievable again."

• On Declan Rice: "I think he has been immense from the start of the season. He is an incredible and crucial player for us."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to live commentary of Chelsea v Arsenal on BBC Radio 5 Live on Sunday - coverage starts at 16:00 GMT

Arsenal have joined Manchester City in checking on Elche's 20-year-old Spanish midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza, with Real Madrid also interested. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

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Chris Howard
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal fans have collectively been telling themselves - as well as fans from other clubs - that "it's too early" and they "don't want to speak too soon" or words to that effect.

But after another impressive display – especially in that second half – sooner or later we are going to have to put our hands up and say this team are the real deal.

It is not arrogance. It is what pundits and others have been telling us all season, but we carry enough emotional baggage from past campaigns to admit it.

Momentum in football is everything and after the second 'statement win' in a week, we are going to need to start thinking about this collective of players in the same way fans from other clubs are.

The depth of this team was on display for all to see against Bayern Munich as Arsenal took off Leandro Trossard for Noni Madueke, who then went on to get the second goal that turned this game into a wonderful night.

Momentum is everything and it feels like Arsenal have that right now. They go in to Sunday's massive away game at Chelsea with their tails up and, after the Blues got their own statement win on Tuesday, the Gunners showed that they could respond with what I think most of Europe will think is a more impressive result.

What a time it is to be going in to this game at the weekend with the morale and confidence as high as it is for these Arsenal players.

Us fans need to accept and realise just how impressive Arteta's side is.

We need to 'own' that favourites tag - and so do the players.

Find more from Chris Howard at Suburban Gooners, external and the Same Old Arsenal Podcast, external

Arsenal players have taken to social media to react to Wednesday's impressive 3-1 Champions League win over Bayern Munich.

The Gunners inflicted Bayern's first defeat of the season amid a raucous atmosphere at Emirates Stadium.

Did you know?

• Arsenal have won their first five matches in a Champions League season for the first time since 2005-06 - the season where they reached their only final in the competition.

• The Gunners are the only side with a 100% record in the Champions League this season.

• Noni Madueke scored his first goal for Arsenal, his first ever Champions League goal, and his first for any club since May when he scored for Chelsea against Djurgarden.

We asked for your views on Arsenal's victory against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Here are some of your comments:

James: A fantastic performance overall. A cagey first half where I think both teams were trying to work each other out. Second half was pure dominance from Arsenal and great substitutions from Mikel Arteta inevitably proved the difference!

Rachel: A remarkable match filled with outstanding individual performances but more than that, a perfect team effort. I feel so proud of these players wearing their hearts on their sleeves and giving everything for the badge. A superhuman show from Declan Rice but difficult to pick out one star performer. Delighted for everyone at the club.

Jeffrey: A disciplined performance with the right amount of flair without looking like a team that had several players either out or returning. A classy performance.

Joe: Rice might have had his best performance of his Arsenal career tonight and that is saying something. The most complete midfielder around right now. Ludicrously good.

Gerard: Thought it was 50/50 at half-time and I was concerned. But the second-half performance was immense. There are always headline-grabbers but for me Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi were just phenomenal.

Gavidoff: In the words of Queen: 'Don't stop me now - I'm having such a good time, I'm having a ball'. Let's go Gunners, all the way.

Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal had forwards Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus all unavailable for the victory against Bayern Munich but Mikel Arteta was able to call on Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli from the substitutes' bench.

The Gunners have had injuries to a number of their forwards but, with captain Martin Odegaard returning and Gyokeres and Havertz progressing, Arteta's options look like they are going to get even better.

After bringing in eight players in the summer, Arteta has been able to navigate the issues he has faced - Madueke scored his first goal for the club against Bayern, while Martinelli bagged his fourth in as many games in the Champions League.

"I couldn't have picked a better game to score my first Arsenal goal - I am so happy the team got the win as well," Madueke said.

"It's an incredible statement, but we know the work we put in. We go into these game with every confidence that we are going to win.

"I am a confident player. I don't like someone telling me I cannot do something. But my team-mates and the staff have belief in me."

Former defender Matt Upson thinks the options Arsenal have are a big reason why Arteta is able to keep the standards so high.

"Arsenal's bench delivers in all areas, in terms of freshness and quality," he said.

"We are talking about multiple players coming on and having an impact. They are all scrapping for a starting position.

"I think that's the key. It isn't easy for a manager to keep a squad of this depth hungry, together and fighting for the shirt, but also responding in the right way when not in the team.

"Ultimately, Mikel Arteta has all his players pulling in the same direction. The goal is a Premier League title and getting as far as they can in the Champions League."

Read Alex's full piece here

Image source, Getty Images

Former Arsenal defender Matt Upson says the Gunners are proving to be a formidable force this season because they are "all pulling in the same direction" and "having an impact."

The Gunners have been excellent this season - winning 16, drawing two and losing just one of their matches across all competitions.

Beating Bayern Munich means they have also won their first five matches in the Champions League for the first time since the 2005-06 season, when they reached their only final in the competition.

"The confidence is there for Arsenal," said Upson on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "You can feel it simmering all the time.

"They might have patches in a game where they might not play that well or they have games where they might not perform so well, but the foundation is built, so it doesn't drop below a certain level.

"Before with Arsenal, you'd have these brilliant flashes but then they would have matches where they tailed right off. We're not seeing that now.

"It's a 7/10 all the time. Sometimes it might even go to a 9/10, but they are just churning out these games.

"Arsenal's bench also delivers in all areas in terms of freshness and quality.

"We are talking about multiple players coming on and having an impact. They are all scrapping for a starting position.

"I think that's the key. It isn't easy for a manager to keep a squad of this depth hungry, together and fighting for the shirt, but also responding in the right way when not in the team.

"Ultimately, Mikel Arteta has all his players pulling in the same direction. The goal is a Premier League title and getting a far as they can in the Champions League."

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Tottenham are keen on Spain striker Samu Aghehowa from Porto, with Arsenal and Chelsea also interested in the 21-year-old. (Caught Offside), external

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to TNT Sports on what pleased him most: "Probably the overall performance and the way we dominated the game. This game was going to require a different dimension, and individually, we were exceptional.

"This will bring more confidence and trust to the players. We made changes. The players performed in an incredible way. I am so pleased. I thought we were excellent.

"It's very important to have them back and available [Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard]. The impact the players are showing is remarkable."

On whether it feels like it could be Arsenal's season in the Champions League: "I don't know. We're going to enjoy tonight and then start to prepare for the weekend. There is still so far to go."

Gunners midfielder Declan Rice, speaking to TNT Sports: "Look at Bayern Munich this season, they have been the best team in Europe. This was probably the toughest game tactically we have played this season. The way they work it is so, so good.

"We went man to man with them in the second half, and I thought tonight we were outstanding. The manager is so happy. It was a special European night.

"Yes, definitely [it feels different to last season]. There are so many leaders in the team. We are just taking it one game at a time. There is a hunger and desire to win every game. There is a long way to go - let's not get carried away.

"It's been so easy to play with Martin Zubimendi. From the first moment we had with each other in pre-season, I just knew we'd play some good football. I really like him, he's such a nice guy.

"He is Spain's number six, and you know what Spain's number six are like. He has been so, so good for us.

"Every game requires something different. Every player knows their role."

Did you know?

• Arsenal have scored 10 goals from corners in all competitions this season – the most of any side in Europe's big-five leagues – while they have netted 17 goals from set pieces (inc. pens), the most of any Premier League side in all competitions in 2025-26.

• Bukayo Saka ended a run of 29 games without an assist for Arsenal in all competitions, registering his first since December 2024 against Crystal Palace. He created 44 chances for his teammates without success in between those two assists.

Alex Howell
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

This week looked like it had the potential to be difficult for Arsenal, with games against rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich and Chelsea, but Mikel Arteta's side have made the first two of those matches look easy.

Arsenal put four past Spurs and now three past Bayern Munich as they continue to perform like a team that are finally going to win their first major trophy since 2020.

Arsenal and Bayern Munich were the top two sides in the league phase heading into this match, but, just like the Gunners have done to most teams they have played this season, they dominated the match.

Arteta made just two changes to the side that beat Spurs, with Cristhian Mosquera and Myles Lewis-Skelly coming into the backline, and the strength of Arsenal's squad has been the biggest theme of their season.

Arsenal have had to deal with injuries to a number of players in their front line, but they have dealt with them due to the quality they have and have now welcomed back Martin Odegaard, Martinelli and Madueke.

Madueke and Martinelli came off the bench to score as Arteta utilised what he calls his 'finishers' from the substitutes' bench.

Arsenal have lost just one game this season and are top of both the Premier League and Champions League table, and, with key players returning from injury, they look like they are going to be very difficult to dislodge.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Arsenal's performance

Come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies

Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

Mikel Arteta makes two changes from the side that beat Tottenham with Cristhian Mosquera and Myles Lewis-Skelly coming in for Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori.

Arsenal starting XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Mosquera, Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Saka, Trossard, Merino

Subs: Arrizabalaga, Setford, Hincapie, White, Odegaard, Martinelli, Norgaard, Madueke, Nwaneri, Calafiori

Harry Kane starts for Bayern as does Michael Olise in attack for Bayern. There is also a place for 17-year-old Lennart Karl, who became Bayern's youngest Champions League scorer against Club Brugge this season.

Bayern Munich starting XI: Neuer, Kimmich, Tah, Upamecano, Stanisic, Pavlovic, Laimer, Karl, Olise, Gnabry, Kane

Subs: Ulreich, Urbig, Jackson, Ito, Kim, Goretzka, Bischof, Guerreiro, Boey, Mike

There are nine games in the Champions League on Tuesday, including three involving Premier League clubs, and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Copenhagen v Kairat (17:45)

• Pafos v Monaco (17:45 )

• Arsenal v Bayern Munich - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Atletico Madrid v Inter Milan

• Frankfurt v Atalanta

• Liverpool v PSV Eindhoven

• Olympiakos v Real Madrid

• Paris St-Germain v Tottenham - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Sporting v Club Brugge

Kick-offs 20:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Arsenal v Bayern Munich" or "ask BBC Sounds to play PSG v Tottenham".

Find out more about how to listen to football on BBC Sounds

Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.

Jordan Butler
BBC Sport journalist

Two of the tournament favourites meet in a heavyweight clash on Wednesday. As well as being a tussle between two of the three sides with a 100% record during this Champions League season - Inter Milan being the other - the fixture also pits the best defence against the best attack.

Arsenal are the only team yet to concede in the competition, while no side has scored more than Bayern's 14 goals in four games. The Gunners are on an unbeaten run of 15 matches, winning 13 of those.

However, they have struggled in their past nine games against German teams, managing just two victories (D1, L6) - both against Borussia Dortmund. They are winless in their past five matches against Bayern (D1, L4), with three of their four defeats in that time coming by a 5-1 scoreline.

Did you know?

• Bayern have lost only three of their past 52 Champions League group stage/league phase matches (W45, D4).

• The German giants have lost just two of their past 12 games against Premier League teams (W8, D2).

Image source, Getty Images

Key Bayern players - Harry Kane and Michael Olise

The England captain is undoubtedly one of the world's best strikers, and he has 29 goals in 23 games for club and country this term, averaging a goal every 64 minutes. He has played as a number, nine, 10, eight - and even as a six at times this season, such is his versatility.

Kane has netted 15 goals in 21 appearances against the Gunners, including six in 10 games at the Emirates – no other player to visit this stadium has scored more.

Meanwhile, Olise has reached a new level at Bayern since joining from Crystal Palace, where he played alongside Eberechi Eze. The 23-year-old has scored or created a goal every 85 minutes this season, and no player in Europe's big five leagues has provided more assists than the Frenchman's six. He is also averaging a goal every two games.

Bayern squad summary

Some outlets are predicting a start for 17-year-old Lennart Karl, who became Bayern's youngest Champions League scorer against Club Brugge this season. He contributed a goal and an assist at the weekend, too.

Former Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry should return from a knee issue. Luiz Diaz is suspended after his red against Paris St-Germain, while Jamal Musiala (ankle) and Alphonso Davies (knee) are both long-term absentees, though the latter resumed training with the first team this week.

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal may not have kept a clean sheet in Sunday's win against Tottenham but they comfortably kept the visitors at arm's length, with the defence looking as solid as ever despite the absence of key centre-back Gabriel.

The Gunners limited their opponents to an expected goals total of just 0.07, the second lowest figure recorded by any Premier League side this season.

And while Spurs scored a brilliant but opportunistic 35-yard strike from Richarlison, they were not allowed a single shot from inside the penalty area – the first time that has happened to them in a top-flight game for 20 years.

Mikel Arteta's side have conceded just three times in their past 10 games, also recording strong underlying figures in this period, but they can expect a far sterner challenge against Bayern Munich.

The reigning German champions thrashed Freiburg 6-2 on Saturday, taking their tally to a remarkable 64 goals scored in 18 games this season.

Scarlet Katz Roberts
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

We've been here before… the promise of a floor to ceiling tifo before a big game only to be disappointed, and subsequently (rightly) mocked. I didn't know what to expect when it was announced there would be another one.

But this time Arsenal got it right. As the players walked out, a tifo unfurled to paint the North Bank with iconic north London derby celebrations, crowned by the image of Sol Campbell, arms held aloft: The perfect mix of mockery and glory: goading and adulation.

Obviously tifos don't win football games. But in contrast to the PSG tie - a potentially momentous peak of the season - which was hollowed out by a tone-deaf corporate red gun, more logo than tifo, and some help from a Dembele early goal - this was the measure of progress. The club listened to the fans. The tifo was the work of 1886 and Dan Evans, two sources of modern day Arsenal gear that is appropriately stylish and nostalgic. Together they produced an image that struck a genuine emotional cord.

Much of the pre-match atmosphere at the Emirates has been shaped by Arteta. The introduction of the slightly corny 'The Angel', sung in unison with scarves held aloft a la knock off 'You'll Never Walk Alone' has replaced lackadaisical choruses of "OooooOoooOoooh" to 'The Wonder of You'. The stadium announcer now plays call and response when goals go in. Without fans being allowed to bring in their own pyro, the club have assisted with fireworks before big matches, leaving behind the trademark haze of smoke that often characterises 'best atmosphere' compilations. We were treated to a lightshow before the Atletico Madrid game, which required logging in to the Arsenal official app, difficult without reliable signal in the ground.

It hasn't always worked. But you can see what the desire is: an extension of the hell-bent focus on generating marginal gains. This is an acknowledgement that the fans bring with them sporting power. It wouldn't be an overstatement to say that the atmosphere was electric on Sunday. The players played their part, but the stage was set beautifully by the club.

You can hear more from Scarlet at the Goal Difference podcast, external