"How does it feel to taste defeat in the EPL?" Arteta gifts first loss to 'close friend' Alonso... Arsenal comes from behind for 2-1 victory over Chelsea, securing three straight opening wins

*This content was translated by AI.

'Defending champions' Arsenal defeated London rival Chelsea and surged to three consecutive opening victories.

Arsenal, managed by Mikel Arteta, came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 in their third-round home match of the 2026–2027 English Premier League (EPL) at Emirates Stadium in London on the 7th (Korean time). With this win, Arsenal extended their league winning streak to three games and their overall season streak to four. Meanwhile, Chelsea suffered their first defeat under manager Xabi Alonso, dropping to two wins and one loss.

In a matchup between close friends Mikel Arteta and Alonso at the helm, Chelsea seized the early advantage. Just two minutes into the match, Morgan Rogers converted a free-kick delivery with a right-footed volley to score the opening goal.

Arsenal responded in the first half. In the 12th minute, Ricardo Calafiori found the back of the net from a chaotic corner kick situation, but the goal was disallowed after video assistant referee (VAR) review ruled Ezri Konsa offside. However, in the 25th minute, Kai Havertz cut in from the right and fired a precise shot through the legs of Mads La Cour to equalize.

Arsenal's go-ahead goal came five minutes into the second half. After Christ Trossard threaded a pass into the penalty area, Havertz skillfully laid it off for Martin Ødegaard, who finished with a powerful left-footed shot. Arsenal then maintained their defensive organization and held on to secure the one-goal lead.

After the match, Arteta expressed satisfaction, saying, "It was an enjoyable and beautiful game from start to finish." Alonso acknowledged the loss, stating, "We started well but struggled against Arsenal's intense pressure for the next 15 minutes."

Both teams will immediately move on to their midweek fixtures. Arsenal travels to face Napoli in a UEFA Champions League (UCL) away match on the 10th, while Chelsea hosts Leeds United in the third round of the Carabao Cup on the same day.

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*This content was translated by AI.