As Arsenal prepare to face Chelsea this Sunday at 4.30pm (GMT) at Stamford Bridge, the Gunners will be focused on maintaining their dominance in London derbies.

Arsenal have been the most successful club in these capital clashes throughout the Premier League era, with 158 victories from 301 matches, an average of 1.84 points per game.

Chelsea, meanwhile, trail just behind with 157 wins from 302 games, averaging 1.81 points per match.

A victory this weekend would further extend Arsenal’s lead in the all-time standings, while Chelsea will be eager to bridge the gap.

Arsenal’s London derby record

Arsenal have consistently set the standard in London derbies during the Premier League era. Their current tally of 158 wins is unmatched, and recent form in these games has been particularly impressive.

Arsenal have won their last six London derbies by an aggregate score of 22-3, including a commanding 5-0 victory over Chelsea in their last meeting at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have also excelled at Stamford Bridge in recent years, having not lost there since 2018 and winning three of their last four visits.

Chelsea clash as a test of Arsenal’s strength

Chelsea’s form at Stamford Bridge has been strong, with just one loss in their last 18 matches across all competitions, including 14 wins. However, their Premier League home form this season has been less consistent, with only two wins from five matches and no clean sheets.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have faced difficulties on the road this season. Mikel Arteta’s side have not won in their last three away Premier League matches, marking their lowest points tally at this stage since the 2021/22 season.

Set-pieces a potential decider

Set-pieces are likely to play a crucial role in Sunday’s contest. Arsenal’s reliance on attacking dead-ball situations has been a double-edged sword, with 40 per cent of the goals they’ve conceded this season also coming from set-pieces.

Chelsea, known for their physical presence, will look to exploit this vulnerability, while Arsenal will aim to use their own proficiency in set-pieces to gain an advantage.

Recent form and European fortunes

Both teams come into this derby after contrasting European results.

Arsenal were defeated 1-0 by Inter Milan in the Champions League, marking their third consecutive away defeat without scoring.

Chelsea, on the other hand, enjoyed an emphatic 8-0 victory over Armenian side Noah in the Conference League, extending their unbeaten run in the competition.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has used the Conference League to rotate his squad, keeping his key players fresh for domestic fixtures, including this pivotal London derby.

Squad dynamics and manager outlook

Chelsea invested over £200 million in the summer to reshape their squad, but consistency has remained elusive. With five wins from their 10 Premier League matches, Maresca’s tactical approach has revitalised Chelsea in parts, but overcoming Arsenal’s dominance will be a significant test. If the Gunners can assert it.

Mikel Arteta remains upbeat despite Arsenal’s recent struggles on the road. Ahead of the Chelsea clash, Arteta expressed confidence in his players’ ability to bounce back: “When you don’t win, it affects the mood, but I can promise no one wants to win more than myself and these players. I’ve seen that commitment in training, and we’ll fight to get the points we need.”