Arsenal turned a frantic London derby in their favour on Sunday, coming from behind to defeat Chelsea 2-1 at Emirates Stadium and maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season.
Chelsea made the sharper opening and stunned the home crowd inside two minutes when Morgan Rogers struck at 2′. The visitors had an early foothold in a fixture that had already generated plenty of pre-match anticipation, but Arsenal gradually imposed their passing game and territorial control.
The equaliser arrived in the 25th minute through Kai Havertz, whose goal brought Arsenal level before the interval. The hosts had more of the ball across the match, finishing with 54.6 per cent possession, and their greater control was reflected in a 16-13 edge in total shots and a 9-5 advantage in efforts on target.
Arsenal returned from the break with renewed purpose, and captain Martin Ødegaard delivered the decisive moment at 50′. His goal completed the turnaround and gave the Gunners a lead they protected through a competitive final half-hour.
Chelsea continued to push for a leveller, but the derby became increasingly physical. João Pedro was booked for the visitors at 14′, with Cole Palmer also shown yellow at 45′. Maxence Lacroix and Rogers went into the book for Chelsea in the second half, while Arsenal’s Christos Tzolis and Mikel Merino were cautioned as the home side saw out the result.
Arsenal’s five corners to Chelsea’s three underlined the pressure the home side created, while 14 shot assists to Chelsea’s 10 illustrated their ability to sustain attacks. There was no late breakthrough for the visitors, and the final whistle confirmed a third straight league victory for Arsenal, who move to 3-0-0. Chelsea leave north London at 2-0-1 after a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful display.
Arsenal next face Sunderland on Saturday, September 12, while Chelsea will look to respond against Hull City on the same day.
