Premier League champions Arsenal produced a stirring comeback to beat Chelsea 2-1 in a pulsating London derby at the Emirates Stadium.
Martin Odegaard scored the decisive goal shortly after half-time as Mikel Arteta’s side maintained their perfect start to the season and inflicted another painful away defeat on their rivals.
Chelsea had threatened to spoil the occasion by taking the lead after only two minutes through British-record signing Morgan Rogers.
Arsenal failed to properly clear Reece James’ dangerous free-kick, allowing the £117million summer arrival to guide a composed volley beyond David Raya.
It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded this season following clean sheets against Coventry City and Aston Villa.
However, the early setback failed to unsettle the champions, who quickly began pushing Chelsea towards their own penalty area.
The visitors entered the contest having gone 18 consecutive Premier League matches without recording a clean sheet and their defensive vulnerability was soon exposed again.
Emiliano Martinez initially prevented Arsenal from equalising, producing an important save to deny Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal rallied from 1-0 down to beat Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium in a dramatic London derby on Sunday
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Jorrel Hato and Wesley Fofana also made crucial interventions as Chelsea attempted to survive relentless pressure from Arteta’s players.
Their resistance was finally broken in the 25th minute by former Blues forward Kai Havertz.
The Germany international found space inside the penalty area before beating Martinez at his near post with a precise finish.
Havertz resisted the temptation to celebrate wildly against his former club, but the Emirates erupted as Arsenal restored parity.
Morgan Rogers fired Chelsea into an early lead against Arsenal
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Despite spending close to £350m during the summer transfer window, Chelsea arrived in north London facing questions about whether Alonso had been able to mould his expensive arrivals into a coherent team.
The visitors provided a spirited response and came agonisingly close to regregaining the lead before the interval.
James tested Raya with a powerful effort from outside the penalty area before Pedro Neto embarked on a brilliant solo run and struck the post.
The forward’s attempt left Raya beaten, but Arsenal survived and swiftly punished Chelsea after the restart.
Odegaard put the hosts ahead in the 50th minute following an intelligent contribution from Havertz, whose clever dummy created the opening for his captain.
The Norwegian remained composed and fired beyond Martinez to register his second goal in three Premier League appearances.
Kai Havertz celerates scoring for Arsenal against Chelsea on Sunday
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Arsenal were forced to defend during a tense conclusion as Chelsea introduced Estevao in search of an equaliser.
The Brazilian youngster believed he had rescued a point in the closing moments when his effort threatened to find the net.
Raya had other ideas, producing a magnificent fingertip save to protect Arsenal’s advantage and secure another important victory for the champions.
Chelsea’s players were left devastated at the final whistle after coming within inches of avoiding defeat, with their Arsenal rivals jubilant. With three wins from as many games, Arteta’s dream start has continued.
