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

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

'Defending champions' Arsenal surged to three consecutive opening victories by defeating London rival Chelsea.

Under the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta, Arsenal secured a 2-1 comeback victory over Chelsea in their third-round home match at Emirates Stadium in London on the 7th (Korea time) of the 2026–2027 English Premier League (EPL). With this win, Arsenal extended their league streak to three consecutive victories and achieved four straight wins for the season. Meanwhile, Chelsea suffered their first defeat under manager Xabi Alonso, dropping to a record of two wins and one loss.

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

Arsenal launched a counterattack. In the 12th minute of the first half, 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 that Ezri Konsa was offside. However, in the 25th minute of the first half, Kai Havertz, cutting in from the right toward the center, scored an equalizer with a precise shot threading through the legs of Marc Cucurella.

Arsenal's comeback goal came in the 5th minute of the second half. Havertz skillfully controlled a pass from Christian Nørgaard into the penalty area, and Martin Ødegaard finished with a powerful left-footed shot. Thereafter, Arsenal maintained their defensive organization to hold onto the one-goal lead.

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

Both teams will immediately move on to their midweek fixtures. Arsenal faces 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.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.View Original