Arsenal finished their league phase campaign last season with a perfect record, winning all eight games, scoring 23 and conceding only four in the process. Mikel Arteta's men have also begun the defence of their Premier League title in perfect fashion with three wins in three to begin the season -- beating Coventry City, Aston Villa and Chelsea.

The Italian defender returns to his homeland with Arsenal having evolved far beyond a traditional inverted left back under Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal v Chelsea LIVE: Team news as Premier League champions host challengers in mouthwatering London derby - Chelsea have not beaten Arsenal in five years as Xabi Alonso’s eye-catching attack attemp

Two of the Premier League's in-form teams face off at the Emirates. Follow it all live with ESPN.

Defending Premier League champions Arsenal face their first big test of the league season as they welcome unbeaten Chelsea to the Emirates on Sunday.