Arsenal came from behind to defeat Chelsea 2-1 in an entertaining London derby at the Emirates Stadium, with captain Martin Odegaard scoring the winner early in the second half.
Chelsea made a dream start when Morgan Rogers opened the scoring just two minutes into the game, but Arsenal responded strongly to overturn the deficit and maintain their impressive start to the season.
Chelsea strike early but Arsenal respond
The visitors took advantage of Arsenal’s failure to clear Reece James’ free-kick, with Rogers meeting the loose ball with a powerful volley to beat David Raya.
It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded this season and briefly gave Chelsea control of the contest.
However, Chelsea struggled to contain Arsenal’s sustained pressure. Emiliano Martinez kept the visitors ahead with a save to deny Bukayo Saka, while Jorrel Hato and Wesley Fofana also produced important defensive interventions.
Arsenal eventually found their equaliser in the 25th minute. Former Chelsea forward Kai Havertz got on the end of the opportunity and beat Martinez at his near post with a composed finish.
The goal shifted momentum back towards the champions as both sides continued to create openings in an increasingly open contest.
Odegaard completes Arsenal turnaround
Chelsea threatened to restore their lead after the interval. James tested Raya from distance before Pedro Neto came close with a superb individual effort that struck the post.
Arsenal then delivered the decisive moment in the 50th minute.
Havertz’s intelligent dummy created space for Odegaard, who finished past Martinez to put the hosts ahead. It was the Arsenal captain’s second Premier League goal in three matches.
Chelsea pushed for an equaliser as the game entered its final stages, with Arsenal forced to defend their narrow advantage.
Substitute Estevao appeared to have rescued a point for Chelsea late on, but Raya produced an outstanding fingertip save to preserve Arsenal’s lead.
The defeat extended Chelsea’s difficult record at the Emirates, with the Blues now having lost their last five Premier League visits to Arsenal’s home ground.
For Arsenal, the comeback provided another statement victory against a Chelsea side that spent close to £350 million during the summer transfer window.
