Riccardo Calafiori Shines in Arsenal's Starting XI Against Chelsea

Riccardo Calafiori’s surge continues. Mikel Arteta has thrown the Italy international straight into the fire of a London derby, naming him in Arsenal’s starting XI for Sunday’s clash with Chelsea.

The defender, shortlisted for the Premier League’s August Player of the Month, has started the season in a blur of confidence and precision. Two games, two assists – both in Arsenal’s opening fixtures as reigning champions – and a growing sense that the 22-year-old has become central to Arteta’s evolving blueprint.

Calafiori lines up on the left of the back four, but that barely tells the story. Under Arteta, his role stretches far beyond the traditional full-back brief. He steps high, drifts inside, and often operates as an extra midfielder when Arsenal build from deep, giving the Gunners another creative outlet and an extra body to suffocate opponents in their own half.

His influence has already been clear. At the Emirates on August 21, he combined sharply with Kai Havertz, the German forward celebrating the opener against league opposition with Calafiori right there beside him, a snapshot of a partnership that is starting to click.

Chelsea, meanwhile, arrive without their own Italian option. Marco Palestra remains sidelined by a minor fitness issue, leaving the visitors short of that particular tactical mirror to Calafiori on the opposite side.

Arsenal's Formation

For Arsenal, the shape is familiar, the emphasis clear. David Raya keeps his place in goal, shielded by a back line of Ben White, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel and Calafiori. Declan Rice anchors midfield, flanked by Myles Lewis-Skelly and captain Martin Odegaard, who will look to dictate the tempo and feed the front three.

Out wide, Bukayo Saka and Christos Tzolis provide the width and direct running, with Havertz leading the line, charged with finishing the moves that often start from deep, sometimes at the left boot of Calafiori.

A London derby, a title defence, and a full-throttle left-back in form. Arteta has made his call. Now it’s up to Calafiori to turn this selection into another statement performance.