The first heavyweight encounter of the Premier League season was previewed in some quarters as the immovable object versus the irresistible force. Arsenal do not give an inch. Chelsea have been fun and free-scoring under Xabi Alonso.
Yet that overlooked something pretty fundamental. The percussive force of Arsenal’s game when they have the ball and want to make something happen. Chelsea landed a significant blow after 77 seconds when Morgan Rogers put them in front with nicely executed volley from the edge of the area.
It was not only the first goal that Arsenal have conceded this season but one with rich narrative strands. Rogers was chased by Arsenal over the summer only to join Chelsea for £117m. The story here was about Arsenal’s reaction.
For a blistering spell that culminated in Kai Havertz’s equaliser on 25 minutes, they threatened to blow Chelsea off the pitch. Arsenal’s confidence shone through. They had not lost to their cross-town rivals in eleven previous meetings in all competitions, winning eight, but it was rooted in more than that.
They had too much for Chelsea and they knew it. Martin Ødegaard’s goal shortly after half-time proved the difference – it followed a stunning feint by Havertz – and it continued Arsenal’s perfect start to their title defence. It is now three wins out of three.
They will take some stopping. Then again, everybody already knows this. It was possible to feel a blast from the past as Alonso lined up with three central defenders.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
