Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed strong respect for Chelsea ahead of their Sunday clash at Stamford Bridge, making it clear that the Blues have earned their place among this season’s Premier League title contenders. Arsenal enters the matchup six points ahead of Chelsea after 12 league games, carrying strong momentum from a 4-1 win against Tottenham and a 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Chelsea also arrive in impressive form, boosted by three straight league wins and a dominant 3-0 result against Barcelona. Although many still view Enzo Maresca’s young squad as outsiders in the title race, Arteta believes their performances and progress tell a different story.
Why Does Arteta Consider Chelsea True Title Rivals?
According to Arteta, Chelsea’s rise is not by chance. Their recent success, which includes winning the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup, reflects a team moving in the right direction. In his words, “I think we are all there and they (Chelsea) are there because they fully deserve to be.”
He went on to highlight how their investment, structure, and talent have shaped their current position. “What they have done in the last few years, I think the squad that they assembled, the numbers that they have, the quality that they have, the number of coaches they have, it makes sense that what is happening there is very, very positive and they deserve to be there.”
Arteta also noted that Chelsea are among the teams he most enjoys watching because of their fluid playstyle and attacking creativity. “They have a lot of fluidity, they have a lot of threat, they have a lot of individual talent, they are very clear what they want to do and that’s why they are very tough,” he said.
What Makes Sunday’s London Derby So Important?
The match carries significant weight for both sides. Arsenal see it as a major opportunity to extend their lead at the top, while Chelsea look to prove they belong in the title conversation. Arteta acknowledged the challenge ahead, describing the derby as one of the biggest fixtures in the league.
He shared his team’s mindset going into the contest. “Obviously it’s a big game, it’s a big London derby. We’re going to play a really, really good opponent. They are in really good form and we know the challenge, we know the opportunity that we have as well on Sunday, so we are fully ready for it.”
By Yockshard Enyendi
