Arsenal, the reigning champions, absolutely just passed their first massive test of the new season, coming from behind to snatch a thrilling 2-1 victory against big-spending Chelsea on Sunday. Kai Havertz and captain Martin Odegaard delivered the goals that kept the Gunners perfect with nine points from three games, only conceding one goal, and making a huge statement right out the gate.
Comeback Kings Crowned in London Derby
Talk about a gut check! Chelsea’s £117m signing Morgan Rogers fired them into a second-minute lead. But Havertz, who’s been with Arsenal since 2023, equalized before halftime. Then, Odegaard, a Gunner since 2021, slotted the 50th-minute winner. This Chelsea team spent close to £350m since last season ended, yet Arsenal, despite shelling out close to £200m in the summer without landing an elite forward like Julian Alvarez, Morgan Rogers, Bradley Barcola, or Vinicius Jr, still found a way. Julian Alvarez stayed at Atletico Madrid, Rogers went to Chelsea, Barcola moved to Liverpool, and Vinicius Jr stayed at Real Madrid. So much for needing that “elite” striker when your existing guys are stepping up like this!
Odegaard’s Electric Form Has the League on Notice
This season, Odegaard is on fire! He’s already bagged three goals in four appearances across all competitions. Last term? Only one goal in 36 appearances. Talk about a glow-up! His captain’s mentality shines, too. After going down early, he said, “Our mentality is to keep fighting. We have shown that many times. We never want to concede early, but the reaction is top. We got our reward in the end and the response was brilliant. We showed our quality with and without the ball and the result reflects that.” Former Manchester United and England player Ashley Young noted how crucial Odegaard’s form will be, calling him “a joy to watch” and “exciting when he gets on the ball.” Young highlighted the incredible connection between Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Havertz down the right side. And don’t sleep on Riccardo Calafiori, whose “brilliant” run and precise pass set up that winning goal. Even Havertz is hyping up his skipper, saying Odegaard is back to his “very best” and is “an unbelievable player” who will “help us a lot this season.”
An Early Marker for Back-to-Back Crowns
This isn’t just one game, either. After sweeping Coventry on opening day and then a mature performance to grab all three points at Aston Villa, this Chelsea win proves Arsenal are serious. They are one of only two clubs, along with Manchester City, with a perfect nine points from three games. Former Premier League winner Chris Sutton isn’t holding back, declaring, “I can’t see anyone stopping Arsenal,” and insists they are still ahead of the rest. Mikel Arteta himself summed it up: “We reacted in an amazing way.”
It’s super early in the season, sure, and bigger tests are definitely coming. But Mikel Arteta’s squad has laid down a massive marker. They’re chasing back-to-back Premier League crowns, and if this early form, this mentality, and these standout performances from players like Odegaard and Havertz are any indication, the rest of the league needs to be ready. Arsenal is coming for that title, and they are not messing around.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by BBC Sport.
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