The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Sports›Football›Chelsea vs Arsenal
Sports • Football

Chelsea vs Arsenal

Chelsea vs Arsenal is a long-running London football rivalry between Chelsea F.C.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Chelsea vs Arsenal rivalry is a long-standing London football derby between Chelsea F.C. and Arsenal F.C., first contested in 1907 when Arsenal were known as Woolwich Arsenal. It is one of English football's major derbies, with meetings across league, cup and European competitions. As of the latest data, Arsenal lead the overall head-to-head record.

History

Chelsea and Arsenal first met on 9 November 1907. The rivalry developed into one of the best-known London derbies, with regular meetings in domestic and European competitions.

Head-to-head record

The provided sources disagree slightly on recent totals, but they consistently show Arsenal ahead overall. One source lists 215 meetings with Arsenal on 88 wins, Chelsea on 66, and 61 draws, while another lists 214 meetings with Arsenal on 86 wins, Chelsea on 66, and 62 draws.

Notable matches

The first match, a 2–1 Chelsea win in 1907, is widely cited as the rivalry's starting point. Recent notable results include Arsenal's 5–0 win in April 2024 and Chelsea's 6–0 win in March 2014.

Records and statistics

Didier Drogba is identified as the all-time top derby scorer with 13 goals. The rivalry has also included cup finals and other high-profile knockout fixtures.

Key facts

  • The rivalry began in 1907, with Chelsea beating Woolwich Arsenal 2–1 in the first match.
  • As of the latest match data provided, Arsenal lead the overall head-to-head record.
  • The fixture has been played in league, cup and European competitions.
  • Didier Drogba is listed as the rivalry's top scorer with 13 derby goals.
  • The largest Chelsea win was 6–0 in the Premier League in 2014.

Frequently asked questions

What is Chelsea vs Arsenal?
It is the football rivalry between Chelsea F.C. and Arsenal F.C., two London clubs that have met in league, cup and European matches since 1907.
When was the first Chelsea vs Arsenal match?
The first meeting took place on 9 November 1907, when Chelsea beat Woolwich Arsenal 2–1.
Which club has won more head-to-head meetings?
Arsenal lead the overall series in the sources provided, although the exact totals vary slightly by source and match date.
What is the biggest Chelsea win in the rivalry?
Chelsea's record win is 6–0 against Arsenal, recorded in the Premier League on 22 March 2014.
What is the biggest Arsenal win in the rivalry?
Arsenal's record win is 5–0 against Chelsea, recorded in the Premier League on 23 April 2024.
Who is the top scorer in Chelsea vs Arsenal matches?
Didier Drogba is listed as the top scorer in the rivalry with 13 goals.

References

  1. Sports Mole — https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/chelsea/head-to-head/chelsea-vs-arsenal-head-to-head-record-and-past-meetings_557667.html
    Supports: Overall head-to-head totals, first meeting context, and rivalry description.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arsenal_F.C.%E2%80%93Chelsea_F.C._rivalry
    Supports: Rivalry title, first meeting, overall totals, record wins, and top scorer.
  3. Chelsea F.C. — https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/120-memorable-meetings-with-arsenal
    Supports: First-ever meeting in 1907 and historical context.
  4. Chelsea F.C. — https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/arsenal-vs-chelsea-key-statistics-and-facts
    Supports: Recent head-to-head totals, recent match results, and biggest wins.