Chelsea are struggling to compete with the best

Many hardcore Chelsea supporters may be most frustrated at missing the chance to dent Arsenal's title challenge, but a wider issue will be of greater concern internally at Stamford Bridge.

This London rivalry has been fiercely contested throughout the Premier League era, initially dominated by Arsenal before Roman Abramovich's arrival shifted momentum towards west London.

In 2026, however, Arsenal can claim to be firmly in control, having gone nine matches unbeaten against the Blues.

Not since Thomas Tuchel's time in charge have Chelsea taken three points off the Gunners, with only Reece James still at the club from the squad that last won the derby.

Of course, it represents only two fixtures in a 38‑game league campaign, but Chelsea have failed to beat either Arsenal or Manchester City in 23 matches since BlueCo - the consortium led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital - bought the club.

Chelsea's record against the rest of the traditional 'big six' has also been poor during that period, and they now face a difficult run‑in.

A Champions League tie over two legs against Paris St‑Germain adds to a demanding sequence of league fixtures featuring Aston Villa,Manchester United,Liverpool and Newcastle.

There will be concern that Champions League qualification is slipping away, with Chelsea sixth in the Premier League and now six points behind top‑four rivals Manchester United and Villa.