Arsenal vs Chelsea: Konsa handed full debut as Havertz starts against former club

Arsenal and Chelsea meet at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon with both clubs looking to extend their 100 per cent starts to the new season. Ezri Konsa makes his full Arsenal debut in defence.

  • Kick-off: This afternoon (local time).
  • Venue: Emirates Stadium.
  • Competition: Premier League.
  • Headline selection: Ezri Konsa starts for Arsenal in place of the injured Cristhian Mosquera.
  • What's at stake: Both sides aim to make it three wins from three.
  • Former player: Kai Havertz starts against his former club, while Emi Martinez does the same for Chelsea.

Confirmed line-ups

Arsenal (4-3-3)

Starting XI: Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Odegaard, Tzolis; Havertz

Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Hincapié, Eze, Merino, Zubimendi, Guimarães, Dowman, Gyökeres, Madueke

Chelsea (likely 3-4-2-1)

Starting XI: Martinez; Acheampong, Lacroix, Fofana; Neto, James, Lavia, Hato; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro

Substitutes: Penders, Colwill, Gusto, Chavarría, Barco, Quenda, Gittens, Welbeck, Estêvão

Selection notes

Arsenal are without Cristhian Mosquera after he picked up a knock at Villa Park, so Ezri Konsa makes his full debut alongside Gabriel. William Saliba and Jurrien Timber remain out. Bruno Guimarães is only fit enough for the bench after nursing a knock. Myles Lewis-Skelly keeps his place in midfield, while Martin Odegaard captains the side again. On the left wing, Christian Tzolis keeps Eberechi Eze on the bench. Bukayo Saka starts on the right.

Chelsea are without Moises Caicedo, so Reece James and Romeo Lavia start in midfield. Levi Colwill drops to the bench. Jorrel Hato and Pedro Neto provide width, with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers supporting Joao Pedro in attack. Emi Martinez starts in goal against his old club.

Why Arteta trusts Konsa over Mosquera

The decision to hand Ezri Konsa an immediate full debut after his arrival may raise eyebrows given Arsenal's wealth of centre-back options, but it is a logical one. With Mosquera sidelined through injury, Arteta needs a reliable partner for Gabriel, and Konsa's experience at the highest level – including regular European football – makes him the safest choice. His ability to play out from the back suits Arsenal's possession-based approach, and his physicality will be tested by Joao Pedro's movement.

Konsa's inclusion also allows Ben White to remain at right-back, preserving balance in the defensive line. Calafiori's selection ahead of Hincapié suggests Arteta wants more attacking thrust on the left, but it also leaves the back four susceptible to Chelsea's pace on the counter. The midfield trio of Rice, Lewis-Skelly, and Odegaard should dominate possession, but with Caicedo missing, Chelsea may sit deeper and hit on the break – which makes Konsa's reading of the game crucial.

In attack, Havertz leads the line against his former employers, a narrative that often brings added motivation. His link-up play with Saka and Tzolis could exploit Chelsea's makeshift midfield, but the visitors have goals in them – as their 4-3 win over Brighton showed. This match promises goals, and the tactical battle between Arteta and Enzo Maresca will be fascinating.

Talking points

  • Is it too soon for Konsa to start such a big game, or does his experience justify the call? He has played in Champions League finals and should handle the occasion.
  • Chelsea's leaky defence has conceded five goals in two games – can Lacroix and Fofana cope with Arsenal's fluid front four today?
  • With Caicedo out, who fills the void in Chelsea's midfield? James and Lavia may struggle to contain Rice and Odegaard's creativity.
  • Arteta's decision to leave Eze on the bench again – is Tzolis really the better option, or is Arteta protecting Eze's fitness?

What happens next

The winner will move to nine points from three games and send an early title statement. Both sides have winnable fixtures after the international break, but a defeat here could spark early scrutiny. For Arsenal, it also marks a test of their defensive depth without Saliba and Timber.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ezri Konsa starting for Arsenal vs Chelsea?

Yes, Ezri Konsa makes his full Arsenal debut, starting in central defence alongside Gabriel. He replaces the injured Cristhian Mosquera.

Why is Emi Martinez playing against Arsenal?

Emi Martinez starts in goal for Chelsea, his former club, and will line up against the Gunners for the first time since leaving. The goalkeeping is a notable subplot in this match.

Who is captaining Arsenal today?

Martin Odegaard captains Arsenal once again, leading the team out at the Emirates Stadium in this Premier League encounter.