Ten Games, No Wins: Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal Unbeaten Record Against Chelsea Explained
Arsenal have flipped the script on Chelsea in a way that echoes one of the most memorable rivalries in Premier League history. Back in the day, José Mourinho loved nothing more than getting under Arsène Wenger’s skin—and he backed it up with results.
The two managers produced some classic battles when Mourinho was in charge at Chelsea and Wenger led Arsenal. Mourinho, the self-proclaimed “Special One,” dominated those encounters and wasn’t shy about letting everyone know.
In 2013, he highlighted a remarkable run during a press conference. When asked about Arsenal fans chanting “boring, boring Chelsea” after a typically defensive performance, Mourinho responded, as reported by The Independent: “I’d agree. I played against them 10 times, and I never lost. ‘Funny, funny Jose’. Ten times, they don’t win once. What do you want to call me?”
Chelsea supporters lapped it up at the time, enjoying their manager’s swagger and the frustration it caused across north London.
Fast forward to today, and the roles have completely reversed.
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Arteta’s Impressive Dominance Over Chelsea
Mikel Arteta has now gone unbeaten in his last 10 games against Chelsea, matching the kind of streak Mourinho once boasted about against Wenger’s Arsenal. In fact, Arteta has won more matches against the Blues than against any other opponent during his managerial career.
The numbers tell a clear story of control. None of Chelsea’s last five permanent managers have managed to beat Arteta’s Arsenal side. From defensive masterclasses to clinical victories, the Gunners have found ways to consistently come out on top in this fixture.
It’s fair to say this level of one-sided success qualifies as proper domination. Arsenal fans who endured Mourinho’s mind games years ago must be relishing the irony.
A Late Winner Seals Wembley Spot
The latest chapter came in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal edged Chelsea 1-0 on the night (4-2 on aggregate), with Kai Havertz—once a Chelsea player—scoring a dramatic stoppage-time goal to seal the deal.
Chelsea parked the bus and frustrated the home side for long periods, leading to familiar chants of “boring, boring Chelsea” from the Arsenal crowd. The tables have truly turned.
This victory books Arsenal’s place in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on March 22, 2026. They’ll face either Manchester City or Newcastle United, depending on the outcome of the other semi-final.
Arteta’s Perfect Wembley Record
If anyone needed extra motivation heading into the final, it’s Arteta’s astonishing record at Wembley. The Arsenal boss has been involved in 12 games at the stadium—both as a player and manager for the club—and he’s won every single one.
No defeats. No draws. Just victories.
Winning the Carabao Cup would end Arsenal’s wait for a major trophy since the 2020 FA Cup triumph under Arteta. It would also deliver the club’s first League Cup success in more than three decades (last won in 1993).
Why This Feels So Significant
This isn’t just about one competition or one result. It’s about Arsenal re-establishing themselves as a force capable of beating top sides consistently—especially their London rivals. Under Arteta, the team has grown into serious contenders across multiple fronts, and this run against Chelsea highlights the progress.
Chelsea fans who once celebrated Mourinho’s dominance might feel the sting now, but that’s football. Rivalries evolve, records shift, and the wheel keeps turning.
Arsenal will head to Wembley full of confidence, armed with an unbeaten record against Chelsea and an impeccable Wembley history. If they lift the trophy in March, it could mark the start of something even bigger.
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Ten Games, No Wins: Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal Unbeaten Record Against Chelsea Explained