2025-26 Derby Tracker: London Derby (Arsenal FC v. Chelsea FC) — Update
By: AT
Image Credit: Who’s Denilo ?
Similar to the North London Derby between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur, the London derby brings together London’s two most successful Premier League (EPL) clubs — both long-standing members of the league’s “big-six clubs”. It is also one of the world’s most coveted matchups. Ultimately, this derby is rife with history — from thrilling EPL matchups to cup finals, both domestic and continental — the Arsenal—Chelsea FC matchup is widely recognized as the duel for the keys to the British capital.
Like the North London Derby, both Arsenal and Chelsea have passionate fanbases that are characterized by the London borough of residence: Arsenal supporters reside generally in Islington, while Chelsea supporters reside generally in Fulham, a Southwestern borough. Both boroughs are the locations in which the clubs’ respective stadiums are located.
Memorable Moments
Similar to other rivalries, both fanbases see themselves as rivals. However, given the international prowess of the rivalry and the fact that both fanbases share a mutual disdain for Tottenham Hotspur, this animosity between Arsenal and Chelsea is less fierce. That said, clashes occur occasionally, both on the field and off the field. One infamous example occurred in the 2007 EFL Cup final, when Chelsea supporters bizarrely threw celery at Arsenal players. Another occurred in May 2019, when supporters from both clubs brawled ahead of the 2018-19 UEFA Europa League (UEL) final in Baku.
The most memorable clash occurred in October 2014, when then-Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger and then-Chelsea manager José Mourinho clashed on the touchline before the world. However, it is unclear if that incident involved supporters from London or international supporters, given that it took place abroad.
Historically, this matchup was not considered much of a rivalry. Other than the occasional thrilling match or that famous November 1987 match in which Arsenal ended Chelsea’s historic unbeaten home streak — winning 3-1 — and set Chelsea on course for relegation, the matchups were merely a common contest. The rivalry’s prestige also lacked at the time, with Arsenal being the more prestigious club.
However, Chelsea became perennial EPL contenders — and a perennially worthy Arsenal opponent — after Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich purchased The Blues for £140 million in 2003 and immediately flooded the club with liquid cash, enabling the club to build a world-class squad and assemble a world-class management/coaching personnel, led by Mourinho.
Popularity and Fury
Since then, the matches between both clubs gained popularity and enhanced in quality, becoming one of the best rivalries in the world. Both clubs duelled in seven finals, including the 2006–07 EFL Cup final, the 2016–17 and 2019–20 FA Cup finals and the 2018–19 UEL final. In those four finals, and three one-off FA Community Shield matches, Arsenal won four matches, while Chelsea won three, including the 2018–19 UEL final.
Another famous match between the two foes took place in March 2014, which was Arsenal manager Wenger’s 1,000th match as a manager. Chelsea ultimately spoiled the party at Stamford Bridge, winning by a staggering 6-0 score.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, both clubs have played each other 211 times, including the two 2025-26 EFL Cup semifinal matches: the first-leg match took place on January 14; the second-leg match took place on February 3. Those matches ended in 3-2 and 1-0 victories for Arsenal. The London Derby record between the two clubs is the following:
86 Arsenal victories;
64 Chelsea victories; and
61 draws.
The figure below shows the all-time head-to-head matchup, by win percentage, between the two clubs.
Source: Transfermarkt
Note: The figure was last updated on February 28, 2026.
Unless both clubs play each other at some point in the 2025-26 FA Cup, the February 28 match will be the final match in 2025-26 between both clubs.
Comment below which of the two clubs will win both the next North London & London Derby matches!
