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Arteta Says Chelsea Could Be Title Contenders This Season

9/6/2026

14 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said Chelsea could be title contenders this season.
Arteta and Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso will meet at the Emirates on Sunday, both aged 44.
Arteta noted Arsenal have not conceded a goal in the first two weeks of the season.
Arsenal reduced opponents’ expected goals, conceding seven fewer than last season.
Arteta said his relationship with Alonso will stay strong despite a tougher schedule limiting meetings.

History

Historical Context

In 2003-04, Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal became the first Premier League side to finish a 38-game season unbeaten, recording 26 wins, 12 draws and 90 points. Their defensive record, built around goalkeeper Jens Lehmann and centre-back Sol Campbell, set a benchmark that managers cite. In 2024, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal opened the campaign without conceding, echoing Wenger’s “Invincibles” standard as rival Xabi Alonso’s side also pursues consistency.

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Story summary

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said Chelsea could be title contenders this season.
Arteta and Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso will meet at the Emirates on Sunday, both aged 44.
Arteta noted Arsenal have not conceded a goal in the first two weeks of the season.
Arsenal reduced opponents’ expected goals, conceding seven fewer than last season.
Arteta said his relationship with Alonso will stay strong despite a tougher schedule limiting meetings.

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