Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea was more than simply another London derby win. With Manchester City also making a perfect start to the campaign, Liam Harding believes beating the Blues was already one of the most important results of Arsenal’s season.
Arsenal Could Not Afford To Lose Ground
Sunday’s win was the most important of the season so far, despite Arsenal having only played three games during the 2026/27 campaign.
Even though Chelsea weren’t fighting for the title after the midway point last season, with Arsenal in control, they’ve started pretty well and will of course be aiming to win their first Premier League title in ten seasons.
Two seasons ago, when Liverpool won the title, Chelsea were up there fighting with us for second and trying to pip the Merseysiders around the Christmas period. To say the least, they have challenged us in certain ways and also forced us to beat them earlier this year in the League Cup semi-final to reach the final, which we unfortunately lost.
Considering Manchester City, who will be pushing us for the title again, have won all three of their games following their marginal 1-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry City, it was absolutely paramount that we won.
The last thing we want is to be trailing the Citizens by two or three points at this stage of the season, when rapid momentum is needed. That may not predict what happens in the final stages of the campaign when the title may or may not be delivered, but hopefully it will be again.
That Early Chelsea Goal Had Me Worried
When I saw we were 1-0 down after only two minues, I must admit I started to panic.
Even though it was early on, I thought if we conceded again it could be game over, but thanks to strikes from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard, we eventually came out as 2-1 winners.
Despite my Great Grandad Ted Drake going on to win the league at Chelsea in 1955 as the first player and then manager to do so, following his triumphant stint in North London as a player, Arsenal runs stronger in my veins and I was seriously hoping that Arsenal could seal victory yesterday.
Arsenal Must Keep Their Advantage Over Chelsea
It’s important that we continue our winning streak against the Blues, who in the previous decade got the better of us more times than not, including that horrific 6-0 annihilation we faced at Stamford Bridge in 2014.
We certainly don’t want to slip back into those complacent ways.
I don’t think we will, but as they say, “nothing is impossible in football”, and I don’t think many Gooners thought we would lose 6-0 before that specific matchday either.
If Odegaard can steer clear of injury this season, then I don’t see why we can’t win a second league title, especially if Havertz continues his goalscoring form.
For now, beating Chelsea has maintained our momentum, kept us moving alongside our title rivals and, just as importantly, ensured London derby bragging rights remain with Arsenal.
Liam Harding
How important do you think the Chelsea win could prove to be this season? And are Arsenal looking capable of successfully defending their Premier League title? Let us know in the comments.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…
I think arsenal has what it takes to win the league. I no longer panic each time arsenal step into the pitch. The team looks well drilled, oozes a lot of confidence. If we will continue playing the way we play now, it will only take hard luck to stop us. As it stands now, I fear no team, not even in Europe.
Arsenal is steady and confident these days. Players work as a team. They can face any team in the world and contain it. All departments ie defense, midfield and forward link very well. I think we are ready to defend the title and go all the way to win champions league.
I was never worried , this Chelsea team will concede goals, the way Alonso sets his team is quite open imho.
It’s 6years now since Chelsea won vs Arsenal! Long may that continue
It was fantastic win
Chelsea are strong challengers
What I love the most is that we kept strong, kept on attacking and came back from 0 – 1
I don’t care about “bragging”. It’s not my style
I just care about 3 points. That will do me just fine
Arsenal have won against Chelsea twelve times in a row, thanks to Arteta’s system
This win was big for the 3 points at home against what may well be a serious contender for the title. It may especially matter when we go to the bridge in mid March and they have relatively fresh legs wondering when they’re next game is while we are just trying to last 90 mins. every few days and still winning.
their next game – not they’re
I don’t like seeing them go a goal down in any game, but in this game I think it did them a favour. Any potential complacency was soon removed and their response was very impressive.
Saying that, I don’t want us to go a goal down to often. Unrealistic I know. But I live in hope. 👍