Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 to secure three straight wins
Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard score as reigning champions Arsenal come from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1, claiming nine points from three games.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Arsenal secured their third consecutive Premier League victory with nine points.
- Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard scored in a 2-1 comeback win over Chelsea.
- Chelsea spent nearly 350 million pounds in the summer transfer window.
Although Arsenal shelled out close to 200 million pounds on new signings during the summer transfer window, they fell short of landing their primary elite forward target. The club monitored former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez, Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, Paris St-Germain's Bradley Barcola, and Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr.
While Rogers opted to join London rivals Chelsea, Barcola moved to Liverpool, and Vinicius Jr remained at Real Madrid. Nevertheless, reigning champions Arsenal have started the new season just as strongly as they finished 2025-26, when they celebrated their first Premier League title in 22 years.
Following victories over Coventry City and Aston Villa, Mikel Arteta's side had to come from behind to defeat big-spending Chelsea 2-1 in a thrilling derby on Sunday. Goals came from two familiar faces: Kai Havertz, an Arsenal player since 2023, and Martin Odegaard, who joined in 2021.
This maximum haul of nine points from three games, conceding just one goal, marks a successful first major test of the campaign against opponents who have spent nearly 350 million pounds since the end of last season.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
"Our mentality is to keep fighting. We have shown that many times."
Captain Martin Odegaard, who scored the 50th-minute winner, stated after the match that the team never wants to concede early, but the reaction was brilliant and reflected their quality both with and without the ball. Odegaard has netted three goals in four appearances across all competitions this season.
Arsenal's ability to maintain top-tier performance without acquiring a marquee out-and-out striker highlights the tactical flexibility and depth instilled by Mikel Arteta. By relying on midfielders and versatile forwards to share the scoring burden, the team sustains high-level competitiveness against heavily invested rivals.
Former Manchester United and England player Ashley Young noted that Odegaard's form will be vital for Arsenal this campaign, while Havertz praised his teammate for returning to his very best.
Looking ahead, Arsenal will travel to face Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday, following their Champions League opening fixture away at Napoli on Wednesday.
Source: BBC Sport
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