Premier League Start
Arsenal produced a spirited comeback at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, overturning an early Chelsea lead to secure a 2-1 victory and maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season.
Chelsea stunned the home crowd after just 77 seconds when Morgan Rogers fired the visitors ahead, but goals from Kai Havertz and captain Martin Ødegaard completed Arsenal’s comeback and secured a third consecutive league victory.
The result leaves Arsenal on nine points from three matches, level with Manchester City at the top of the table, while Chelsea remain on six points after suffering their first defeat of the campaign.
Chelsea made the perfect start when a Reece James free-kick caused confusion inside the Arsenal penalty area. After the Gunners failed to clear, Jorrel Hato’s header fell to Rogers on the edge of the box, and the £117 million summer signing produced a first-time volley that flew into the bottom corner.
The goal was particularly significant given Arsenal’s reported interest in Rogers during the summer before Chelsea secured his signature.
Arsenal responded with sustained pressure and thought they had levelled when Riccardo Calafiori finished from close range following another dangerous set-piece. However, the goal was disallowed after VAR determined that Ezri Konsa had been offside in the build-up.
The pressure eventually paid off in the 25th minute.
Kai Havertz collected the ball on the edge of the Chelsea box, cut inside and drilled a low effort towards the near post. Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was unable to keep it out as the former Chelsea forward restored parity.
Chelsea remained dangerous on the counter, with Pedro Neto striking the post just before half-time, but Arsenal continued to control much of the contest.
The hosts completed the turnaround just five minutes after the restart.
Christos Tzolis delivered a dangerous low ball into the Chelsea penalty area, with Havertz cleverly allowing it to run through to Ødegaard. The Arsenal captain had time and space to finish calmly and put the champions 2-1 ahead in the 50th minute.
Chelsea refused to surrender and introduced fresh attacking options as Xabi Alonso sought a way back into the game. The visitors created several opportunities but struggled to find a second equaliser.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya produced one of the decisive moments of the match in the 89th minute, tipping Estêvão Willian’s curling effort over the crossbar to preserve the home side’s advantage.
Arsenal held on to claim all three points and extend their unbeaten run against Chelsea to 12 matches across all competitions.
For Chelsea, the defeat ended their perfect start under new manager Xabi Alonso, although their attacking display suggested they remain capable of challenging at the top end of the Premier League.
For Mikel Arteta’s side, the victory was another demonstration of their resilience. Arsenal conceded almost immediately but responded with sustained pressure, quality in attack and composure when it mattered most.
With three wins from three, the defending champions have delivered an early warning to their rivals as the Premier League title race begins to take shape.
