The Arsenal-Chelsea this Sunday was worth gold. This London derby at the top of the 3rd day of the Premier League pitted two declared title contenders against each other, both authors of a perfect start to the season with 6 points on the clock. On the one hand, Arsenal is banking on continuity under the leadership of Mikel Arteta to defend its status as reigning champion, on the strength of its convincing successes against Coventry and Aston Villa. On the other hand, Chelsea displays a completely transformed face thanks to the Xabi Alonso effect. Buoyed by XXL recruitment and spectacular play, the Blues approached this clash with the ambition of asserting their pretensions and breaking a curse of nine games without a victory against the Gunners.
The first period was played at a frantic pace. On their first opportunity, Chelsea caught the Emirates Stadium cold in the 2nd minute thanks to a low strike from their star recruit Morgan Rogers following a free kick (0-1, 2nd). But Arsenal’s reaction was not long in coming. After a goal denied to Riccardo Calafiori for offside (12th), Mikel Arteta’s men confirmed their clear domination. Served by Declan Rice, Kai Havertz played against Maxence Lacroix to equalize from the left (1-1, 25th). Between duels engaged, yellow cards collected, scuffles and a final scare for the locals when a shot from Pedro Neto hit the post, the two rivals parted back to back at the end of an electric first act.
Martin Odegaard punishes Chelsea from the start
As soon as they returned from the locker room, the match swung in favor of the locals, who immediately imposed their law. After a combined acceleration from Christos Tzolis on the left side and a superb feint from Kai Havertz, captain Martin Odegaard adjusted Emiliano Martinez with his left foot to score his 3rd goal in 4 official matches and give the Gunners the advantage (2-1, 50th). Caught by the throat and struggling to contain the attacks of an inspired Bukayo Saka, Chelsea tried to react with the coaching of
Despite a few London opportunities poorly negotiated by Cole Palmer and the entry into play of the young Estêvão who stood out with a very nice shot deflected by Raya (89th), the score did not change. This capital victory allows Arsenal to secure a third consecutive victory in the league, join Manchester City at the top of the Premier League with 9 points and continue their hegemony against Chelsea by extending their unbeaten streak to ten games against their London rival. For their part, the residents of Stamford Bridge showed some good things but it was slightly insufficient to leave with something from their neighbor.
