Arsenal produced an impressive comeback against Chelsea on Sunday, September 6, defeating the Blues 2–1 in one of the biggest matches of the early 2026/27 Premier League season. The victory gives the defending champions three wins from three league matches.
Chelsea strike first
Chelsea made a dream start when Morgan Rogers gave the visitors the lead just 77 seconds into the match. Rogers’ early volley caught Arsenal off guard and immediately put Mikel Arteta’s side under pressure.
Arsenal responded by increasing the pressure and creating several opportunities. Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, a former Arsenal player, was called upon several times to keep his team ahead.
Havertz brings Arsenal level
Arsenal eventually found their equaliser in the 25th minute through Kai Havertz.
The German forward cut inside before producing a low finish that beat Martínez and made it 1–1. Arsenal continued to control much of the attacking play before half-time, although Chelsea remained dangerous on the counter-attack.
Ødegaard completes the comeback
Arsenal took the lead just five minutes into the second half.
Captain Martin Ødegaard finished a beautifully constructed attacking move in the 50th minute to make it 2–1. Havertz played an important role in the move, cleverly allowing the ball to run through to Ødegaard, who finished confidently.
Chelsea pushed hard for an equaliser as the match entered its final stages. Substitute Estêvão came particularly close, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya produced a crucial late save to preserve his team’s lead.
Arsenal maintain perfect record
The result means Arsenal have won all three of their Premier League matches this season and remain level on nine points with Manchester City.
The victory also extended Arsenal’s unbeaten run against Chelsea to 12 matches in all competitions.
Manager Mikel Arteta praised his team’s response after conceding so early, saying the performance showed that Arsenal can improve even further after winning the league last season.
For Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, the defeat was his first Premier League loss in charge of the club. Chelsea showed attacking promise but once again struggled defensively, having conceded seven goals across their opening three league matches.
Why the result matters
Arsenal’s comeback sends an early warning to their Premier League rivals. Despite falling behind almost immediately, the champions remained composed, controlled large periods of the match and eventually secured all three points.
Chelsea, meanwhile, demonstrated that they can compete with the champions but still have defensive problems to solve if they are to challenge for the title.
