EPL: Arsenal Come From Behind to Beat Chelsea 2-1

Arsenal came from behind to defeat Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, maintaining their perfect start to the Premier League season.

Chelsea stunned the home crowd after just 77 seconds when Morgan Rogers reacted quickest to a dangerous set-piece and fired a volley past David Raya. The goal was Arsenal’s first conceded in the league this season and gave Xabi Alonso’s side an early advantage.

The hosts responded strongly and gradually took control of the contest. Kai Havertz restored parity in the 25th minute, finishing from inside the area after Arsenal had sustained pressure around the Chelsea penalty box.

Arsenal continued to look dangerous after the break and completed the comeback five minutes into the second half. Captain Martin Odegaard found space following a clever move involving Havertz and struck a precise finish to put the champions 2-1 ahead.

Chelsea refused to surrender and created opportunities as they searched for an equaliser. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was forced into an important late save to deny Chelsea’s Estêvão and preserve the home side’s advantage.

The victory underlined Arsenal’s resilience after conceding so early and extended their unbeaten run against Chelsea. The Gunners have now avoided defeat in their last 12 meetings with their London rivals across all competitions.

For Mikel Arteta, the result also maintained Arsenal’s 100 per cent league record after three matches. They have collected nine points, keeping pace with Manchester City at the top of the table.

Chelsea, meanwhile, suffered their first league defeat of the campaign under Alonso. The former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen coach had overseen an unbeaten opening before the trip to north London.

Rogers’ early strike was particularly significant because Arsenal had reportedly been interested in signing the forward during the summer transfer window. His goal briefly appeared to give Chelsea the perfect start, but the champions responded with composure.

Havertz, facing his former club, was central to Arsenal’s turnaround, scoring the equaliser before contributing to the move that created space for Odegaard’s winner.

Chelsea pushed for another late response, but Arsenal defended their lead to claim an important victory in one of the season’s first major Premier League contests.