Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has declared that Chelsea fully deserve to be considered genuine Premier League title contenders as his table-topping side prepare for a crucial London derby at Stamford Bridge this Sunday.
Arteta's Respect for Chelsea's Credentials
The Spanish tactician expressed his admiration for Chelsea's development under Enzo Maresca, acknowledging their impressive form and squad quality. Arteta's Arsenal currently sit six points clear of second-placed Chelsea after 12 games of the Premier League season, but the manager refuses to underestimate their London rivals.
"I think we are all there and they are there because they fully deserve to be," Arteta told reporters during his pre-match press conference on Friday. "What they have done in the last few years, the squad that they assembled, the numbers that they have, the quality that they have - it makes sense that what is happening there is very positive."
Form Guide Favors Both Teams
Both teams enter Sunday's highly anticipated clash in excellent form. Arsenal are riding high after convincing victories over arch-rivals Tottenham and German giants Bayern Munich. The Gunners demolished Spurs 4-1 in the Premier League before securing an impressive 3-1 Champions League win against Bayern.
Chelsea have been equally impressive, recording three consecutive league wins and delivering a statement performance by thrashing Barcelona 3-0 on Tuesday. Despite this strong run, many still consider Maresca's youthful Chelsea side as outsiders for the Premier League title - a notion Arteta firmly rejects.
Chelsea's Style Earns Arteta's Admiration
The former Arsenal and Spain midfielder revealed that Chelsea are among the teams he most enjoys watching in the Premier League. Arteta specifically praised their playing style and tactical clarity under Maresca's guidance.
"They have a lot of fluidity, they have a lot of threat, they have a lot of individual talent," Arteta analyzed. "They are very clear what they want to do and that's why they are very tough. Obviously it's a big game, it's a big London derby. We're going to play a really, really good opponent."
Arteta emphasized that his team recognizes both the challenge and opportunity presented by Sunday's match. Chelsea's recent trophy success, including last season's UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup victories, adds to their credentials as serious contenders according to the Arsenal boss.
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter between two in-form teams at Stamford Bridge, with Arteta confirming his squad is "fully ready" for what promises to be one of the season's most significant fixtures.
