Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Chelsea have earned the right to be viewed as genuine Premier League title rivals ahead of Sunday’s high-stakes London derby at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal lead the Blues by six points after 12 games, but Arteta dismissed any suggestion that Chelsea are overperforming, noting the quality and balance in Enzo Maresca’s side.
“I think we are all there and they (Chelsea) are there because they fully deserve to be,” Arteta told reporters on Friday, stressing that their recent rise is no surprise.
He pointed to Chelsea’s squad depth and recent achievements, including last season’s UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup triumphs, as evidence of a team built to compete at the highest level. “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, very positive,” he said.
Arteta also praised Chelsea’s style under Maresca, calling them one of the most enjoyable sides to watch. “They have a lot of fluidity, they have a lot of threat, they have a lot of individual talent… and that’s why they are very tough,” he added.
With both teams coming off strong midweek European wins, Arteta said Arsenal are ready for the challenge. “It’s a big London derby. They are in really good form and we know the opportunity we have on Sunday, so we are fully ready for it.”