Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley
Arsenal got the better of London rivals Chelsea in an entertaining Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Gunners welcomed the Blues to north London with both teams having won each of their opening two matches to begin the campaign.
Chelsea raced out of the traps and took the lead inside the opening two minutes when Morgan Rogers' strike from outside the box found the corner of the net.
Arsenal fought back and, after some heavy pressure, restored parity in the 26th minute when Kai Havertz' strike squeezed past Emiliano Martinez.
Arsenal took the lead five minutes after half-time courtesy of Martin Odegaard and there were no further goals as the Gunners clinched all three points.
Emiliano Martinez Taunted by Arsenal Supporters Outside the Emirates Stadium
Reuters
Martinez, considered one of the best goalkeepers in world football, was named in Chelsea's starting lineup for the second time since his £7.5m move from Aston Villa this summer.
The 33-year-old made eight saves in the match but ultimately could not prevent his side from tasting defeat to the reigning Premier League champions.
Martinez, who played for Arsenal from 2010-2020, making 38 appearances in that time, did not travel back to west London with the rest of his teammates. Instead, Martinez decided to leave the Emirates Stadium by foot shortly after the match.
The Argentine's actions caused chaos, with hundreds of Arsenal fans instantly recognising him and crowding around him as he made his way out of the area.
Martinez was taunted by many Arsenal fans as he departed the stadium, with some chanting: 'Emi, what's the score?' while others launched obscenities at him. Chants of 'Arsenal!' could also be heard.
Jamie Carragher Questions Emiliano Martinez Following Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Via Reuters
Martinez has been criticised by Jamie Carragher for his performance against Arsenal. The Liverpool legend believes Martinez isn't the player he once was.
He said on Sky Sports after Havertz's equsliser, per Football365: “I think the goalkeeper saves that two or three years ago.
“What Chelsea have done, it’s better for everyone that Robert Sanchez isn’t in goal because he’s not quite at the level despite being a good goalkeeper.
“You go and get someone who has been a great goalkeeper and who in the eyes of many is still one. But they’re not bringing in the goalkeeper who won the World Cup.
“It isn’t a mistake, it was a great deal for £7.5m and he’s still a really good goalkeeper and he’s better than Sanchez. It will make everyone feel a bit more confident as well.
“The first Arsenal goal isn’t a mistake, it’s just a goalkeeper who isn’t quite as sharp or quick as he once was to get down. There’s a difference between that and a keeper dropping a cross, it’s just a goalkeeper not reacting quick enough.
“Martinez has been a brilliant goalkeeper, and he’s still a very good goalkeeper, but he’s not the goalkeeper who won the World Cup. That was a little insight into that.”
Chelsea return to action on Wednesday when they welcome Leeds to Stamford Bridge for their Carabao Cup third round clash.