Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Arsenal might have won on Sunday, but Chelsea’s performance and Arsenal’s reaction might just make them the real winners – proving just how much Xabi Alonso’s side has improved overnight.
Last season, Chelsea suffered three defeats in a row against Arsenal under Liam Rosenior, as the Gunners went on to win the Premier League title and the Champions League final. Arsenal are the benchmark.
There won’t be a tougher fixture for Premier League clubs this season than an away game at Arsenal. Yet, Chelsea pushed Arsenal the entire way and were ultimately unlucky not to take something from Sunday.
Pedro Neto of Chelsea challenges Rayan Cherki
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Morgan Rogers – having picked Chelsea over Arsenal – fired the Blues ahead with a stunning volley from 20 yards. Chelsea had chances to make it two, but Kai Havertz levelled inside Emi Martinez’s near post.
Then, Arsenal’s class showed. Chelsea could not match the Gunners for large parts of the second half, and Martin Odegaard took advantage after a lovely move. A 2-1 loss for Chelsea, but a big improvement.
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Ezri Konsa and Kai Havertz tease Chelsea after securing 2-1 win
Arsenal will be delighted with their win, mostly because they know Chelsea are a different animal this season. Just one summer and a change of manager have seen Chelsea become title contenders again.
Arsenal FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League 2026/27
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Meanwhile, Chelsea showed the entire Premier League that they have closed the gap between themselves and Arsenal. Last season, it was 33 points. This season, it will be a fraction of that, come next May.
Clearly, the win meant plenty to Arsenal’s players. Kai Havertz and Ezri Konsa both teased Chelsea, with Konsa posting: “Lions tamed. 3/3.” Havertz put aside his former Chelsea allegiance: “LDN. Still red.”
Kai Havertz needs to remember his biggest career landmark
Winning the Premier League is a big achievement, and Mikel Arteta ended Arsenal’s wait last season. But Arteta could not deliver a Champions League trophy, with the elite competition surely the biggest trophy.
Arsenal FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League 2026/27
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Back in 2021, Havertz was wearing the blue of Chelsea and scoring the goal that saw Thomas Tuchel’s side win the Champions League under Thomas Tuchel. Now, he’s teasing his old side after a narrow win.
Respect should be given to his old club, the side that brought him to the Premier League and allowed him to join Arsenal. At Stamford Bridge, after more time under Alonso, it will be interesting to see who wins.