Havertz Punishes Former Club as Arsenal Extend Perfect Start Against Chelsea

Kai Havertz once again proved decisive against his former club as Arsenal overturned an early Chelsea lead to secure a 2-1 victory and preserve their 100 per cent start to the Premier League season.

Chelsea stunned the Emirates Stadium when Morgan Rogers put the visitors ahead after only 77 seconds, but Arsenal’s response underlined the champions’ resilience as Havertz equalised before Martin Ødegaard completed the comeback shortly after half-time.

For Havertz, the equaliser carried another layer of significance. The German forward, who left Chelsea for Arsenal in 2023, has now scored three Premier League goals against his former club.

His latest effort came in the 25th minute when he cut inside from the right and sent a low shot through Maxence Lacroix’s legs and beyond Martínez at the near post.

It was the turning point in a first half in which Arsenal repeatedly threatened Chelsea’s defensive structure.

The Gunners had already seen a potential equaliser ruled out for offside, while Martínez produced important saves to keep Chelsea in front. Neto then struck the post shortly before half-time as the visitors remained dangerous on the counter.

Arsenal, however, returned from the interval with greater purpose.

Five minutes into the second half, Havertz again became central to the decisive moment. Tzolis sent a low delivery into the area and Havertz’s dummy allowed Ødegaard to receive the ball in space before the Arsenal captain fired high into the net.

The goal completed Arsenal’s comeback and gave Ødegaard his second league goal of the campaign, according to the match statistics.

Chelsea, managed by former Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, refused to surrender and continued to search for an equaliser. Estêvão came closest late on, but Raya produced a superb save to preserve Arsenal’s advantage.

The defeat ended Chelsea’s perfect start under Alonso and leaves them with six points from their opening three league matches. Arsenal, meanwhile, remain unbeaten and sit on nine points alongside Manchester City at the top of the table.

The victory also strengthened Arsenal’s recent dominance of the fixture. Chelsea have now gone 12 consecutive competitive matches without beating their London rivals.