Something has to give when Arsenal host Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend, with both sides putting their 100 percent records on the line.
Defending champions Arsenal and Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea are among four teams to have won their opening two league matches, alongside Manchester City and newly promoted Hull City.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are desperate to end their disastrous start to the campaign when they travel to Nottingham Forest, while Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola continues his search for a first victory.
Here are three key talking points ahead of the weekend’s action.
Arsenal’s steel meets Chelsea’s flair
Arsenal have begun their title defence in much the same way they ended last season — with an impressive defensive record.
Mikel Arteta’s side followed their opening 3-0 victory over Coventry with a hard-fought 1-0 win away to Aston Villa last weekend. The result extended their run to six clean sheets in their last seven Premier League matches.
Bukayo Saka has also made a strong start to the campaign. The England winger has already scored twice after an injury-hit 2025/26 season.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have made an impressive start to the Xabi Alonso era, winning all three of their matches in all competitions. They have looked particularly dangerous in attack, although defensive weaknesses remain a concern.
The attacking trio of Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers have scored five of Chelsea’s seven league goals in victories over Fulham and Brighton.
However, Chelsea have conceded five goals in those two matches, an issue Alonso will be eager to address before Sunday’s trip to the Emirates.
History also favours Arsenal. Chelsea have failed to beat the Gunners in their last nine Premier League meetings.
Tottenham desperate to end their struggles
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi remains confident his side can avoid another relegation battle despite their disastrous opening to the season.
Spurs have suffered consecutive defeats, losing 3-0 to Brentford before a 2-0 home defeat against Newcastle. The results leave them at the bottom of the Premier League table.
The club invested more than £350 million during the summer transfer window in an attempt to rebuild the squad, bringing in several high-profile players including Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Savio.
However, there has been little evidence so far that Tottenham’s fortunes have changed.
Their next challenge comes against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday. Forest defeated Spurs twice last season, adding to the pressure on De Zerbi.
Despite the difficult start, the Tottenham boss remains optimistic.
“After two defeats, maybe somebody can think it’s the same story, the same as the last two seasons,” De Zerbi said.
“I have no doubt it’s not like this. I think I can’t change my opinion after two defeats. I have a big, big confidence in the qualities of my players.”
Iraola looks for Liverpool breakthrough
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is still waiting for his first win after his side were held to draws by Newcastle and Nottingham Forest in their opening two league matches.
France international Bradley Barcola could make his Liverpool debut against newly promoted Ipswich on Friday following his move from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth up to £124 million.
Barcola is the latest major addition to an already expensive Liverpool attack that includes Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and the injured Hugo Ekitike.
Despite their attacking strength, Liverpool have conceded four goals in their first two matches, raising concerns about their defensive balance.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes the squad still has weaknesses.
“It does not look like a balanced squad,” Carragher told Sky Sports. “Liverpool are short in the full-back areas and probably a midfield player as well.”
Iraola, however, welcomed the closure of the transfer window and is now focused on getting results on the pitch.
“Once the market is closed, we know who we are,” he said on Thursday.
“I think we have a lot of talent in this group of players. Now we have to perform, we have to do our job and we have to start from tomorrow.”
Premier League fixtures
Friday
- Ipswich vs Liverpool — 19:00 GMT
Saturday
- Newcastle vs Bournemouth — 11:30 GMT
- Brentford vs Sunderland
- Brighton vs Leeds
- Fulham vs Crystal Palace
- Manchester City vs Coventry
- Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham
- Hull City vs Aston Villa — 16:30 GMT
Sunday
- Everton vs Manchester United — 13:00 GMT
- Arsenal vs Chelsea — 15:30 GMT
