Arsenal fight back to beat Chelsea 2-1 and maintain perfect start

Arsenal responded to an early Chelsea goal with the kind of comeback that explains why they remain firm favorites to retain the Premier League title.

Morgan Rogers put Chelsea ahead after just 77 seconds at the Emirates Stadium, driving a low volley past David Raya after Arsenal failed to clear Reece James’ lofted free-kick. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded this season, after allowing only one shot on target in their first two league games.

The champions recovered quickly. Kai Havertz equalized against his former club midway through the first half, and Martin Odegaard put Arsenal ahead soon after the interval. The 2-1 win ended Chelsea’s unbeaten start and gave Arsenal three victories from three league matches, leaving them second behind Manchester City on goals scored.

The result also underlined the gap Chelsea still need to close under Xabi Alonso. Chelsea had won their first three matches in all competitions since Alonso took charge in the close season, but their three-man central defense again showed signs of weakness. Their attack, so prolific in wins over Fulham, Luton and Brighton, found fewer openings against Arsenal.

Rogers’ early goal carried extra weight because Chelsea had beaten Arsenal in the close-season race to sign him from Aston Villa. Arsenal had refused to match Chelsea’s £117 million ($158 million) offer for the England midfielder. His finish suggested why Chelsea made him the most expensive British player in history, but it was not enough to preserve their unbeaten run.

The match added another intense chapter to the relationship between Arteta and Alonso, who have known each other since childhood in Spain’s Basque region. Their teams produced a far more turbulent contest than the gravel-pitch matches of their youth, with Arsenal ultimately showing the greater composure.