Arsenal passed its biggest test so far in the defence of its Premier League title in style as it hit back from conceding inside two minutes to beat Chelsea 2-1 on Sunday.
Morgan Rogers volleyed the visitors ahead after 77 seconds but Arsenal’s response was emphatic with Kai Havertz equalising after 25 minutes and Martin Odegaard finishing off a flowing move shortly after the break for the decisive goal.
Chelsea was never out of contention in an absorbing high-octane duel and substitute Estevao was denied a late equaliser by a superb save from David Raya.
Victory left Arsenal level at the top with Manchester City with both sides on a maximum nine points after three games.
Chelsea’s first dropped points left it on sixth in standings.
-REUTERS
Player Ratings
Arsenal
Starting Lineup: Raya (7.3), White (7.3), Konsa (7.8), Gabriel (7.3), Calafiori (6.4), Rice (7.9), Lewis-Skelly (6.3), Saka (7.3), Ødegaard (8.4), Tzolis (8.5), Havertz (8.2). Substitutes: Piero Hincapié (6.3), Martín Zubimendi (6.0), Mikel Merino (6.0), Viktor Gyökeres (6.0)
Chelsea
Starting Lineup: Joao Pedro (6.3), Rogers (7.7), Palmer (6.5), Hato (7.0), James (6.9), Lavia (6.5), Neto (7.0), Fofana (6.9), Lacroix (6.5), Acheampong (5.6), Martinez (7.5). Substitutes: Bad Taste (6.5), Pep Chavarria (6.1)
Published on Sep 06, 2026