Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has cautioned his players against underrating Chelsea as the two in-form sides prepare for a high-stakes Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal top the table, six points clear of second-placed Chelsea after 12 matches, but Arteta insists the Blues “fully deserve” to be regarded as title contenders.
Both teams head into Sunday’s London derby on the back of big European wins, with Arsenal thrashing Tottenham 4–1 in the league before a 3–1 Champions League victory over Bayern Munich, and Chelsea crushing Barcelona 3–0 in midweek. Chelsea have also recorded three consecutive league wins, tightening up defensively under Enzo Maresca.
Arteta praised Chelsea’s recent resurgence, highlighting their fluid attacking play, individual talent and tactical clarity. He described Maresca’s side as “very tough” opponents and one of the teams he most enjoys watching, stressing that Arsenal must match their intensity and concentration over 90 minutes.
The Arsenal boss framed the meeting as a major test and an opportunity, calling it “a big game, a big London derby” with two teams in strong form and serious title ambitions. While many pundits and bookmakers still make Arsenal favourites, Arteta’s message to his squad is that there is no room for complacency against a Chelsea team that has grown in confidence and consistency.
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