Riccardo Calafiori Shines as Arsenal Faces Chelsea in London Derby

Mikel Arteta has doubled down on Riccardo Calafiori’s flying start to the season, handing the Italy international another start for Arsenal’s London derby clash with Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.

Calafiori, shortlisted for the Premier League’s August Player of the Month award, has exploded out of the blocks in the champions’ title defence. He has set up a goal in each of Arsenal’s opening two league games, and Arteta has wasted no time making him a key part of the Gunners’ attacking structure.

This time, he’s listed on the left of the back four but that hardly tells the full story. Calafiori is expected to step high and wide in possession, almost as an auxiliary playmaker from deep, giving Arsenal an extra body in advanced areas and freeing up the forwards inside.

Across the city, Chelsea’s own Italian option is missing. Marco Palestra remains sidelined with a minor fitness issue and does not feature, a small but notable absence in a derby where every edge matters.

The Emirates has already seen Calafiori’s influence. On August 21, he combined with Kai Havertz in the Premier League clash at home, the German celebrating his side’s opener with the defender in front of a jubilant crowd. That connection is trusted again.