Defending champions Arsenal rallied from behind to defeat Chelsea in an exciting London derby at the Emirates Stadium.
Chelsea shocked the home supporters by scoring an early goal in the second minute with a volley from £117m summer recruit Morgan Rogers, following the Gunners’ inability to clear Reece James’ free-kick.
That was the inaugural goal conceded by Mikel Arteta’s team this season.
Even with a strong beginning, Chelsea had failed to secure a clean sheet in their last 18 Premier League matches, and Xabi Alonso’s team had to endure constant Arsenal pressure.
Emiliano Martinez thwarted Bukayo Saka, while Jorrel Hato and Wesley Fofana both executed important blocks before the Gunners equalized in the 25th minute when ex-Chelsea striker Kai Havertz found the back of the net at Martinez’s near post with a precise shot.
In a top-notch game, Chelsea—who invested nearly £350m during the summer transfer period—narrowly missed the chance to regain the advantage.
After captain James compelled David Raya to make a save from distance, Pedro Neto struck the post following an impressive solo effort before Martin Odegaard secured it in the 50th minute.
The Arsenal skipper outpaced Martinez following Havertz’s smart feint, marking the Norwegian’s second goal in three Premier League matches.
Chelsea’s substitute Estevao believed he had leveled the score at the end of the match, but Raya made an impressive fingertip save as the Blues suffered their fifth consecutive league defeat at Emirates Stadium.
