Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Chelsea’s impressive early-season form, acknowledging that the Blues have shown qualities befitting Premier League title contenders.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s London derby clash against the Blues, Arteta dismissed suggestions that Chelsea’s strong start was accidental, insisting that their performances reflect deliberate team-building and high-calibre coaching.
“I think we are all there and they are there because they fully deserve to be,” Arteta said when asked whether Chelsea have shown genuine title credentials.
“What they have done in the last few years, I think the squad that they have assembled, the numbers that they have, the amount of quality, the manager and the coaching staff that they have, it makes sense that what is happening there is very, very positive and they deserve to be there.”
Despite cautioning that the season is still in its early stages, Arteta admitted Chelsea plays some of the most enjoyable football in the league at the moment.
“The sample now, it’s a bit early in the season, so it’s difficult to say,” he said. “But it’s one of the teams that I enjoy the most watching, and they have a lot of fluidity, they have a lot of strength, they have a lot of individual talent, they are very clear what they want to do, and that’s why they’re pretty tough.”
Chelsea’s strong start under their current management has earned attention across the Premier League, with many observers suggesting they could push for the title this season. Arteta’s remarks add to a growing chorus of admiration from rivals who have been struck by the Blues’ structure, depth, and attacking rhythm.
