Chelsea’s early test under Alonso comes at unbeaten Arsenal
Chelsea visit Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Sunday in a fixture that will test the new manager’s early progress and the club’s title ambitions.
Chelsea will face Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Sunday, 6 September, in the first major test of Xabi Alonso’s early tenure. The fixture is expected to be the first Premier League meeting between Alonso and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
Chelsea have scored seven goals across their opening two matches under Alonso but conceded five, according to CBS Sports. Arsenal, by contrast, have not conceded this season, giving the match a clear contest between Chelsea’s early attacking output and Arsenal’s defensive record.
Chelsea’s midfield depth remains a concern following Enzo Fernandez’s reported move to Manchester City and the collapse of a proposed deal for Monaco’s Lamine Camara. Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Valentin Barco are identified as the club’s natural midfield options, with Reece James potentially able to deputise.
Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer have formed Chelsea’s attacking core in the opening weeks of the season. Arsenal’s midfield is anchored by Declan Rice, while the hosts may consider rotation with Napoli due in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Chelsea have no European competition this season and could target a return to the Champions League through a top-four or top-five finish. But the visit to Arsenal will provide an early indication of whether Alonso’s side can compete with the leading teams.
Alonso previously led Bayer Leverkusen to an undefeated Bundesliga title season in 2023–24. CBS Sports lists Arsenal as favourites for Sunday’s match, with Arsenal at -143, a draw at +280 and Chelsea at +375.
