Chelsea and Arsenal meet again on Sunday at Stamford Bridge, adding another chapter to a rivalry that has delivered many defining moments.
Both clubs have shared long stretches of dominance, setbacks, and turning points that shaped their seasons.
These matches featured late goals, decisive errors, and momentum shifts that still spark debate among fans.
Through the years, these games have also highlighted the tactical approaches of different managers, from cagey contests to open, fast-paced encounters.
With another derby approaching, Sporting Tribune revisits ten moments that stand out and continue to define the Chelsea–Arsenal rivalry.
Mikel Arteta picked Eddie Nketiah ahead of Alexandre Lacazette, and the striker justified the decision with two goals. Arsenal, under pressure after three straight defeats, needed a response, and Nketiah set the tone early by pouncing on Andreas Christensen’s loose back pass.
A chaotic first half saw Timo Werner cancel out Nketiah’s opener before Emile Smith Rowe restored Arsenal’s lead. Cesar Azpilicueta levelled again, keeping the game wide open at the break.
Nketiah struck again in the second half after more defensive mistakes from Chelsea. Bukayo Saka added a late penalty as Arsenal handed Chelsea their third straight home loss.
Chelsea and Arsenal met in Baku, with Unai Emery chasing another Europa League crown and Maurizio Sarri looking for his first major trophy. Arsenal started brightly but could not maintain control after the break.
Chelsea took charge in the second half, scoring through Olivier Giroud, Pedro and two from Eden Hazard. Alex Iwobi pulled one back for Arsenal, but the outcome was clear long before full-time.
The final became a night of departures: Sarri left for Juventus, Hazard moved to Real Madrid, and Petr Cech ended his career against the club where he became a legend.
Eden Hazard delivered one of his most memorable goals for Chelsea in a league win over Arsenal. Picking up the ball near the halfway line, he beat multiple defenders before finishing past Petr Cech.
The goal summed up Hazard’s form that season under Antonio Conte. Chelsea used that momentum to push clear in the title race.
Hazard’s strike remains one of the defining moments of this rivalry, showcasing his ability to decide matches on his own.
Arsène Wenger’s milestone match turned sour immediately as Chelsea scored twice in the opening minutes. Arsenal then went down to 10 men after a mistaken red card for Kieran Gibbs.
Chelsea kept piling on the goals, eventually winning 6-0. Arsenal struggled to hold any structure, making it one of their most difficult days under Wenger.
The defeat led to major reflection for Wenger, who admitted full responsibility. It remains one of the most talked-about meetings between the managers.
Tension between Arsène Wenger and José Mourinho boiled over during a confrontation on the touchline after a foul on Alexis Sánchez. Wenger pushed Mourinho as emotions spilt over.
The managers had exchanged words for years, and this moment summed up their long-running rivalry. They did not shake hands after the match.
Chelsea won 2-0, with Diego Costa scoring and Cesc Fàbregas providing an assist against his former club. Mourinho’s unbeaten run against Wenger continued.
Robin van Persie delivered a standout performance at Stamford Bridge, scoring three times in a high-scoring win for Arsenal. Chelsea led twice but failed to hold control.
Andre Santos and Theo Walcott turned the game around before Juan Mata equalised. Van Persie then struck twice late on, including a goal after John Terry slipped.
The match marked the start of Van Persie’s prolific run, which eventually led him to the Premier League Golden Boot that season.
Didier Drogba scored a long-range free-kick at the Emirates, adding to his strong record against Arsenal. The strike helped Chelsea secure a comfortable win.
Drogba’s influence in these fixtures became a familiar theme, as he regularly delivered crucial goals. His power and timing often proved decisive.
Arsenal fans never warmed to him, especially after years of damage in key matches. Drogba later admitted that facing Arsenal always pushed him to perform at his best.
Michael Essien rescued Chelsea with a late long-range strike after Mathieu Flamini had put Arsenal ahead. The goal kept Chelsea’s long home unbeaten run alive.
Both sides created chances in the closing minutes as the game opened up. Essien and Frank Lampard both hit the woodwork, while Arsenal also wasted an opportunity to win it.
The match is remembered for Essien’s powerful hit, which remains one of his finest Premier League goals and a key moment in the rivalry.
Chelsea led 2-0 heading into the final stages, but Nwankwo Kanu turned the match around with a late hat-trick for Arsenal. His final goal came from a tight angle near the byline.
Kanu’s impact stunned Chelsea, who had not conceded a home league goal before that match. His composure and unpredictability stood out.
The comeback remains one of Arsenal’s finest in the Premier League era and one of Kanu’s most celebrated performances.
(Premier League)
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