The London Derby: Arsenal v Chelsea Head-To-Head

The rivalry between Arsenal and Chelsea is one of London’s biggest footballing battles. A clash between two of the capital’s biggest clubs that always delivers drama, controversy, unforgettable moments and a monster performance from Didier Drogba.

From Highbury to Stamford Bridge, and now the Emirates Stadium, this derby has grown in intensity over the decades to bring us moments like Kanu’s hattrick, Michael Essien’s wonder strike and the touchline row between Jose and Wenger.

In this blog, we’ll look at how this London derby came to be, reflect on some of the most iconic matches, and break down the Arsenal vs Chelsea head-to-head record.

The Origins of the Arsenal v Chelsea Rivalry

While both clubs have deep roots in English football, the rivalry between Arsenal and Chelsea really began to heat up in the early 2000s, when both sides were fighting for dominance at the top of the Premier League.

Chelsea, backed by Roman Abramovich’s takeover in 2003, began challenging the established order. Arsenal, under Arsène Wenger, were already a force to be reckoned with, having built a reputation for attractive, attacking football.

As both teams started regularly competing for silverware, the rivalry intensified, fuelled by high-stakes matches in the league and Europe, as well as key player transfers – with Ashley Cole’s controversial move from Arsenal to Chelsea still fresh in many fans’ minds.

Although their earliest meeting dates to 1907, it’s the modern-era clashes that have defined this derby and cemented it as one of the Premier League’s key rivalries.

Chelsea v Arsenal Score History

The London derby has produced plenty of unforgettable moments over the years. Here are just a few standouts:

• Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea (2002 FA Cup Final) – Goals from Ray Parlour and Freddie Ljungberg secured a memorable cup final win for Arsenal at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
  
  Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal (2004 Champions League) – Wayne Bridge’s late goal sent Chelsea through to the semi-finals, ending Arsenal’s hopes of European glory in a crushing blow at Highbury.

Chelsea 6-0 Arsenal (2014) – Arsène Wenger’s 1000th game in charge ended in disaster as Chelsea ruthlessly put six past the Gunners at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea 4-1 Arsenal (2019 Europa League) – In his final game as manager, Maurizio Sarri won the first all English Europa League final, thanks to Oliver Giroud, Pedro and a Hazard Brace.

Arsenal 5-0 Chelsea (2024) – One of the most dominant derby displays in recent years as Arsenal tore through Chelsea at the Emirates, with five different scorers finding the net.

Arsenal v Chelsea Head-to-Head Record

The Arsenal vs Chelsea rivalry is one of the most balanced in English football. While Arsenal had the upper hand in the early years, Chelsea have enjoyed more success since the mid-2000s.

As of 2025, the clubs have met 211 times across all competitions. Arsenal lead the head-to-head with 84 wins, Chelsea have 66 victories, and 61 matches have ended in a draw.

Experience Premier League Football in Style

If you’re planning to watch this iconic London derby, why not elevate your experience with an Arsenal hospitality package or Chelsea VIP tickets?

Whether it’s from the comfort of Club Level seats at the Emirates or inside one of Stamford Bridge’s premium suites, hospitality packages offer the perfect way to enjoy the match in luxury.

From gourmet dining and complimentary drinks to exclusive access and unrivalled views, you’ll be part of the action in a way most fans can only dream of. Secure your VIP experience now and watch the Arsenal v Chelsea rivalry unfold like never before.