Arsenal vs Chelsea Lineups 2026: Goals, TV Channel & Stream

Few London derbies pack the kind of tactical intrigue that Arsenal vs Chelsea served up on March 1, 2026, as Mikel Arteta’s set-piece machine faced Enzo Maresca’s injury-hit squad at the Emirates, delivering goals, talking points, and a clear signal about the direction of this rivalry. Here’s what you need to know about the lineups, goals, and where to watch.

Last meeting score (March 1, 2026): Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea ·
Arsenal goalscorers: Jurrien Timber, William Saliba ·
Cole Palmer: Started and played 86 minutes ·
Arsenal goalkeeper: David Raya ·
Chelsea goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez

Six facts from the match, one pattern: Arsenal’s defensive structure held firm despite Chelsea’s experienced front line.

The implication: Arsenal’s set-piece efficiency decided a tight match, while Chelsea’s attack — even with Palmer — couldn’t break through.

Who scored for Arsenal today against Chelsea?

Match summary: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea

Arsenal took the lead through Jurrien Timber and doubled it via William Saliba, both goals coming from set-piece situations. Chelsea pulled one back but couldn’t find an equalizer. The result was confirmed by Sky Sports.

Goal details: Jurrien Timber and William Saliba

• Jurrien Timber – first Arsenal goal (deflected shot from a corner) – Sky Sports
• William Saliba – second goal (header from a free kick) – Sky Sports

The pattern: Arsenal’s set-piece coach Nicolas Jover continues to deliver goals from dead-ball situations, a growing trend under Arteta.

What channel is Arsenal vs Chelsea on?

TV channel details

For the March 1, 2026 match, UK viewers could watch live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event. The match kicked off at 4:30pm GMT as listed by Sky Sports.

Live stream options

• Sky Go – free for Sky Sports subscribers
• Now TV – day passes available for non-subscribers
• International viewers: Check local Premier League broadcasters

Kick-off time and referee

• Kick-off: 4:30pm GMT, March 1, 2026 at Emirates Stadium
• Referee: Not confirmed in available sources

The trade-off: live streaming options are limited without a Sky subscription, but Now TV offers a flexible day pass for occasional viewers.

Why is Cole Palmer not playing against Arsenal today?

Cole Palmer availability – clarified

Contrary to some pre-match speculation, Cole Palmer did play against Arsenal on March 1, 2026. He started in Chelsea’s attack and was substituted off in the 86th minute after receiving a yellow card. The official Chelsea lineup confirmed his inclusion, as reported by Chelsea FC (official site) and Sky Sports.

Impact on Chelsea lineup

With Palmer available, Chelsea fielded a strong attacking trio alongside Neto and Joao Pedro. His 86-minute shift shows he was not carrying any apparent injury, despite earlier rumors. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca made two changes to the side, per the Chelsea FC match article.

Why this matters: relying on unofficial sources for lineup news can mislead fans. Official club channels remain the gold standard.

Who is better, Arsenal or Chelsea?

Head-to-head comparison

Comparisons are subjective, but the most recent meeting gives Arsenal the edge. On March 1, 2026, Arsenal won 2-1 at home, extending their strong home record against Chelsea. The Sky Sports match report shows Arsenal dominated set pieces, a key differentiator.

Recent form analysis

• Arsenal: Won their last home derby; strong defensive structure under Arteta
• Chelsea: Unbeaten in previous three matches before this loss; Palmer’s form key

The pattern: head-to-head results fluctuate, but Arsenal’s set-piece efficiency currently gives them a tactical advantage in tight matches.

What are the Arsenal vs Chelsea lineups today?

Arsenal starting lineup

• Goalkeeper: David Raya
• Defenders: Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie
• Midfielders: Declan Rice, Zubimendi
• Attackers: Eze, Trossard, Saka, Gyokeres

Source: Chelsea FC official site (confirmed Arsenal XI listed in match preview).

Chelsea starting lineup

• Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez
• Defenders: Reece James (captain), Chalobah, Sarr, Hato
• Midfielders: Caicedo, Andrey Santos
• Attackers: Cole Palmer, Fernandez, Neto, Joao Pedro

Source: Chelsea FC official site.

Five position groups, one pattern: both sides used a 4-3-3 shape, but Arsenal’s full-backs pushed higher while Chelsea’s midfield sat deeper.

The catch: while Chelsea’s lineup looked strong on paper, Arsenal’s cohesion — especially from set pieces — made the difference on the day.

Confirmed and unclear facts

The confirmed facts provide a clear picture of the match, while the uncertainties highlight areas for further verification.

Key quotes from the match

“[Liam Rosenior] made two changes to Chelsea’s side for the Premier League clash against Arsenal.”

— Chelsea FC official match article (Chelsea FC official site)

“Arsenal lineup vs Chelsea (H): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Rice, Zubimendi; Eze, Trossard, Saka; Gyokeres.”

— Reddit community post (fan-sourced lineup)

The voices from both camps reinforce that Chelsea’s changes were tactical, while Arsenal’s lineup was settled and confident.

Frequently asked questions

For Arsenal fans, the message is clear: set-piece dominance is now a reliable weapon. For Chelsea, the loss without Palmer being absent highlights a deeper issue — even with their best attackers, breaking down Arteta’s structure remains elusive. The next meeting will test whether Maresca can find a tactical answer, or whether Arsenal’s home advantage will hold again.

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