Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will host Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso in their first Premier League meeting on September 6, when the teams meet at Arsenal’s home ground. [1, 2, 3] Both clubs have started the 2026-27 season strongly, winning their first two league matches and sitting on six points each. [1, 2, 3]
Arteta, 44, and Alonso, also 44, have a longstanding friendship and shared background, having grown up playing at Antiguoko Kirol Elkartea in San Sebastian, Spain. [4] They have met once before as managers in a 2024 friendly involving Bayer Leverkusen, where Alonso achieved major success by ending Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga dominance and winning an unbeaten domestic trophy. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Ahead of the upcoming fixture, Arteta praised Alonso’s tactical versatility and managerial achievements, saying, "He’s been a really successful manager so far" who can adjust to different game situations. [3] He added, "I am really happy for him. To be facing each other at such a level and with the responsibility we have managing some of the top clubs in the country is a really beautiful thing to experience." [1]
Chelsea’s early season form has been driven by attacking players including Morgan Rogers, Joao Pedro, and Cole Palmer. [1, 2, 3] In contrast, Arsenal made only one forward signing in the recent transfer window, Greek winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, despite links to Rogers, Julian Alvarez, and Vinicius Junior. [1, 2, 3]
Arteta expressed contentment with Arsenal’s current squad and declined to dwell on transfer rumors, stating, "The window is closed and I prefer to look at all the incredible things that we have in this squad and not to spend any more time on the things that are not part of us right now." [2] He insisted Arsenal’s attack remains strong despite losing Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli, saying the team is "not weaker than last season" upfront. [1, 2, 3]
Arteta has cited Alonso’s managerial courage as an inspiration, noting their shared experience of navigating different football cultures and the challenges of working abroad. [4] "First of all, the courage," Arteta said. "We've known each other for so long... just to go abroad and deliver what he has done is remarkable." [4]
The Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea on September 6 will be the first competitive managerial showdown between the two former teammates and friends. [3]
