Arsenal’s defensive strength gives them the edge over Chelsea, says Salomon Kalou

Arsenal’s perfect start and unbreached defence make them Salomon Kalou’s pick to win the London derby against Chelsea at Emirates Stadium.

The Premier League champions have won both of their opening matches and are yet to concede a goal this season. Chelsea have also made a winning start, but they have allowed five goals in their first two games.

The meeting is the headline fixture of the third round of the Premier League. With both London clubs on six points, the winner will have the chance to move clear at the top of the table.

Kalou, the former Chelsea player and former Cote d’Ivoire international, gave his assessment of the match to Ivoirezine. The 44-year-old believes the game comes at an early stage of the campaign, when both squads are still building match sharpness and refining their tactical organisation.

That lack of rhythm could influence the contest, although Kalou has been particularly impressed by Arsenal’s opening results. The champions have combined two victories with a flawless defensive record, while Chelsea’s results have been positive despite greater vulnerability at the back.

Arsenal favoured at Emirates Stadium

Kalou gives Arsenal a clear advantage ahead of the fixture. His view is based on the home side’s consistency, their defensive solidity and their recent record against Chelsea.

Arsenal have won four of the clubs’ past five meetings, a run which further strengthens the former Blues player’s belief that Mikel Arteta’s side should be considered favourites.

The match will be played at Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal will be seeking to maintain their 100% start and preserve their record of not conceding. Chelsea, meanwhile, will look to continue their winning run while addressing the defensive weaknesses shown in their first two league games.

The fixture has also attracted significant betting interest. One preview of the London derby listed odds of 1.74 for an Arsenal victory in the Premier League.

A separate set of prices offered by betting company 1xbet puts Arsenal at 1.75 to win. A draw is priced at 3.94, while Chelsea are rated at 5.28.

Those figures reflect the assessment that Arsenal enter the match as the stronger side, with home advantage, more dependable defending and the better recent head-to-head record all working in their favour.

Chelsea’s route to victory will depend on whether they can turn their two wins into a more controlled performance. Despite conceding five times, they have collected maximum points from both matches and remain level with Arsenal before the derby.

The result will therefore decide which of the two unbeaten teams can establish an early lead over the other in the Premier League standings.