Arsenal recover from early Morgan Rogers goal to beat Chelsea 2-1

Arsenal produced an impressive comeback to overcome Chelsea 2-1 on Sunday and pass their biggest test so far in the defence of their Premier League title.

The result means Arsenal remain level with Manchester City at the top of the table, with both clubs having won all three of their opening matches and collected the maximum nine points. Chelsea, meanwhile, suffered their first dropped points of the campaign and remain on six.

Arsenal’s task appeared to have become significantly harder within the opening two minutes. Morgan Rogers gave the visitors the lead after only 77 seconds, finishing with a volley to put Chelsea ahead before the match had properly settled.

The early setback did not unsettle Arsenal. They responded with purpose and gradually worked their way back into a compelling contest, with Kai Havertz restoring parity after 25 minutes.

The equaliser gave Arsenal renewed momentum, and the home side continued to press in an absorbing, high-intensity duel. Chelsea remained a threat throughout, ensuring the match stayed finely balanced rather than becoming a straightforward Arsenal victory.

Arsenal eventually completed the turnaround soon after half-time. A flowing move ended with Martin Odegaard scoring the decisive goal, putting the hosts in front for the first time and giving them a lead they would ultimately protect.

Chelsea refused to surrender their challenge. The visitors stayed involved in the contest and continued to search for a second goal, creating late pressure as they attempted to rescue a point.

Substitute Estevao came closest to producing an equaliser, but David Raya made a superb save to deny him. That intervention preserved Arsenal’s advantage and secured a victory that underlined their strong start to the season.

The win was particularly significant because it came against Chelsea after Arsenal had fallen behind almost immediately. Their ability to respond, level the score before the interval and then take control with a second-half goal allowed them to maintain their perfect record after three matches.

For Chelsea, the defeat ended their unbeaten start and represented their first loss of points in the campaign. They had opportunities to remain in contention during an open and energetic match, but Raya’s late save ensured Arsenal held on.

Arsenal’s comeback leaves them alongside Manchester City at the summit on nine points. Chelsea’s total remains six after their first dropped points, while Arsenal can take confidence from the way they dealt with an early setback in one of the most demanding matches of their title defence so far.