Arsenal is right in the middle of a title battle that they last won 22 years ago, and their match on March 1 against Chelsea is looking to be one that Mikel Arteta’s men absolutely must win. Everyone’s wondering whether Arsenal is finally going to be able to overcome their old demons and beat their Premier League heartbreakers, or whether another chapter of near-misses is about to be added to this story.
Under Arteta, Arsenal have come second for the last two seasons, and last season, they trailed Liverpool by ten points, while in the season before, they trailed Manchester City by five. This has led to some wondering whether Arsenal can actually make this title push.
This season, Arsenal seemed to be doing all the right things, especially with football director Andrea Berta bringing in eight new signings, all for over £250 million ($333 million), to fill some of the holes that had been opened up by injury, and to bolster their squad. They’ve also had the added bonus of all their major challengers not being at their best.
Liverpool’s had to contend with Diogo Jota’s injury and an acrimonious relationship between Arne Slot and Mohamed Salah. Manchester City’s had to contend with legal and tactical battles, and Manchester United’s had to contend with managerial changes that disrupted their season.
Even Chelsea and Newcastle had their own battles, with Chelsea terminating Enzo Maresca’s contract, and Tottenham struggling to stay mid-table despite winning the Champions League.
Arsenal started well in the campaign. They recorded an unbeaten run in the Champions League, accumulating 18 points from the group stage. In the league, they lost only three matches, to Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Manchester United, and were at the top for most of the time.
However, things changed in the new year, with Arsenal winning only four of their last nine matches in the league, starting from January 2026. They were held to a 2-2 draw at home against a struggling Wolves side, throwing away a two-goal lead, but showed their firepower with a 4-1 thrashing of their north London rivals Tottenham.
Now, the focus shifts to the Chelsea match, and for Arsenal, it is a match they need to win, especially with Manchester City breathing down their necks. Manchester City, on the other hand, have recently beat Newcastle and face Leeds next, and they have a history of late-season surges that could test Arsenal’s nerves.
Chelsea, despite their current league position, will be motivated. They are chasing a top-four finish alongside Manchester United and Liverpool. Their recent 1-1 draw with Burnley shows they cannot be underestimated.
After Chelsea, Arsenal faces Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, followed by a crucial league clash at the Etihad. Any slip against Chelsea could have a major impact on the title race, making the London derby a pivotal moment in Arsenal’s campaign.
Fans eager to catch all the action can watch the match live on March 1 at Guinness Matchday venues: Bar Next Door on Kiambu Road and Konqa 254 Lounge in Ruaka. Both spots promise HD screens, expert commentary, ice-cold Guinness, and all the excitement of this season-defining clash.
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