Premier League: Arsenal were tested by Chelsea and showed character in a 2-1 comeback win

Arsenal showed the character of a champion as they came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 in a thrilling Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. In the heavyweights’ first big meeting of the season, Mikel Arteta’s side overcame an early setback in the London derby and held their nerve to maintain their perfect start.

Chelsea needed just 77 seconds to break the deadlock and take the lead. Reece James’ long free-kick caused problems inside the Arsenal box before the ball fell to Morgan Rogers who quickly adjusted to volley into the corner beyond David Raya. It’s been another blistering start from Chelsea, who have scored in the opening four minutes in each of their first three league games.

Arsenal responded with increasing pressure and began to find space around Chelsea’s defence. Riccardo Calafiori briefly thought he had equalized but the goal was ruled out for offside. The pressure finally paid off in the 25th minute when Kai Havertz found the net against his former club.

Havertz collected the ball on the edge of the box and produced a level finish to draw Arsenal level. The German’s goal gave the home side renewed momentum, but Chelsea remained dangerous whenever they broke forward. Rogers again came close to scoring, while Pedro Neto hit the post as the visitors threatened to take the lead again.

The game continued to be high-tempo, with Arsenal enjoying long periods of possession and Chelsea looking to attack quickly when opportunities opened up. The tactical battle between Arteta and Xabi Alonso has added another layer to an already intriguing London derby, with both managers entering the game with perfect records after two matches.

Arsenal took control early in the second half. Martin Odegaard put the visitors ahead in the 50th minute after a slick attacking move opened up the Chelsea defence. The Arsenal captain finished off the move with a pinpoint strike to give his team the lead for the first time.

Odegaard’s goal was another example of the attacking patterns that Arteta has worked into his team. Arsenal moved the ball quickly through Chelsea’s defensive shape before creating an opening for their captain, who had already scored in the Community Shield against Manchester City.

Chelsea refused to disappear from the competition. Alonso made the changes as the visitors looked for an equalizer as Arsenal looked for a third goal to put the game beyond doubt. Bukayo Saka went close and Chelsea continued to threaten on the counter as the game remained open.

The biggest late moment came in the 89th minute. Substitute Estevao cut inside and curled a dangerous effort into the top corner, but Raya produced an excellent fingertip save to turn the ball over the bar. It was a crucial save from the Arsenal keeper as Chelsea pushed hard for an equaliser.

Arsenal saw out the closing stages to secure three points from a game that demanded a response from the champions. They were forced to chase the game from the opening minutes, but Havertz and Odegaard turned the game around before Raya’s late save ensured Chelsea were out.

The win leaves Arsenal on nine points from three games, level with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. Chelsea remain on six points after their first defeat of the campaign. Arsenal also extended their Premier League unbeaten run against Chelsea to 10 games.

For Arsenal, the result was an important early statement. Chelsea had the quality to hurt them and showed by taking the lead almost immediately, but the champions responded with poise, attacking intent and enough defensive resilience to protect their advantage.

Chelsea will feel they were in the game until the final whistle, but Arsenal had the quality to decide the key moments. It’s still early in the season, yet it was the kind of contest that could prove significant as the title race heats up.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

06 Sep 2026 23:24 IST