Arsenal pass Chelsea test in style with comeback win

Arsenal turned an early setback into a statement victory, recovering from Morgan Rogers’ goal after 77 seconds to beat Chelsea 2-1 in a high-octane London derby.

Kai Havertz restored parity after 25 minutes, cutting in from the right before finding the net with a low left-footed shot past Emi Martinez. Martin Odegaard then completed a flowing move shortly after halftime to put Arsenal ahead.

Chelsea remained dangerous throughout and nearly equalized when substitute Estevao was denied by a superb save from David Raya. Pedro Neto had also struck the post in first-half stoppage time, while Arsenal saw an earlier effort ruled out after a VAR review found Ezri Konsa offside.

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It was a big game, massive game, tough opponent and we got there in the end so brilliant.

The victory kept Arsenal level with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, with both teams on nine points after three games. Chelsea’s first dropped points left them on six, despite their free-scoring start under new manager Xabi Alonso.

“It was a big game, massive game, tough opponent and we got there in the end so brilliant,” Odegaard said. “Our mentality is to keep fighting. We have shown that many times. We never want to concede early but the reaction is top.” Chelsea’s defeat extended their winless run against Arsenal to 12 matches in all competitions.

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Our mentality is to keep fighting. We have shown that many times. We never want to concede early but the reaction is top.