Arsenal and Chelsea gave us exactly what you expect from a big Premier League clash: goals, drama, comebacks and plenty to talk about.
Chelsea came flying out of the blocks, but Arsenal refused to let an early setback derail them. The Gunners showed character, turned the game around and walked away with a 2-1 victory that keeps their perfect start intact.
But beyond the scoreline, this game told us a lot about both teams.
So, what exactly did we learn from Arsenal vs Chelsea?
Here are seven things that stood out,
1. Arsenal have learned how to win ugly
The biggest takeaway is resilience. Chelsea scored after just 77 seconds through Morgan Rogers, but Arsenal didn’t panic. They gradually took control, equalised through Kai Havertz and then turned the game around through Martin Ødegaard.
This is important for a team defending the Premier League title: champions don’t always dominate games; sometimes they simply find a way to win them.
2. Chelsea are exciting but still vulnerable
Chelsea showed plenty of attacking quality, but their defensive problems remain obvious. They created opportunities after going behind, yet Arsenal repeatedly found ways through them.
Xabi Alonso has built a Chelsea side that wants to attack aggressively, but Sunday showed that being exciting isn’t enough if you can’t control the game defensively.
3. Kai Havertz is becoming increasingly important
Havertz was one of Arsenal’s biggest difference-makers.
He scored the equaliser and then played a major role in the winning goal, showing that his contribution isn’t limited to scoring. His movement, link-up play and ability to create space were crucial.
4. A good goalkeeper will always win you games
Photograph: Pablo Garcia/The Guardian
Arsenal’s defence wasn’t perfect. Chelsea had chances to equalise late in the game.
But David Raya produced an important late save to preserve the victory. That’s the difference between having a good goalkeeper and having a goalkeeper who wins you points.
5. Arsenal are already sending a message
Three games, three wins and nine points puts Arsenal level with Manchester City at the top of the table.
And perhaps more importantly, Arsenal came from behind against one of their biggest rivals and still won.
The early message is clear: Arsenal aren’t interested in giving up their crown easily.
Arsenal passed their first big test of the season, but Chelsea failed theirs.
