Arteta Backs Chelsea as Legitimate Title Challengers Ahead of London Showdown
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has acknowledged Chelsea as genuine contenders for the Premier League title as both sides prepare for Sunday’s high-stakes clash at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal sit six points ahead of their London rivals after 12 matches, riding the momentum of a dominant 4-1 victory over Tottenham and a confident 3-1 win against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Chelsea, meanwhile, enter the derby in impressive form, boasting three consecutive Premier League wins and a commanding 3-0 triumph over Barcelona earlier in the week. Despite their resurgence under Enzo Maresca, the youthful Blues are still seen by many as outsiders in the title race.
Arteta, however, believes their position is no fluke.
“I think we are all there, and they are there because they fully deserve to be,” he said during Friday’s press briefing. “What they have done in the last few years—the squad they’ve put together, the depth they have, the quality, and the calibre of coaches—it makes sense that things are going in a very positive direction for them.”
The Arsenal boss admitted that Chelsea are among the sides he most enjoys watching due to their fluid play and attacking threat.
“They have a lot of fluidity, they have a lot of threat, a lot of individual talent. They are very clear on their intentions, and that makes them a very tough opponent,” he noted.
Looking ahead to the derby, Arteta described the encounter as both a challenge and an opportunity.
“It’s a big game, a big London derby. We’re facing a really good opponent in very good form. We know what’s ahead of us, and we are fully ready for it,” he said.
Sunday’s match promises to be a pivotal moment as the title race continues to take shape.
