Arsenal's Martin Odegaard scores their side's second goal of the game during the Premier League match at Emirates Stadium, London. (Image: PA)
Arsenal's Martin Odegaard scores their side's second goal of the game during the Premier League match at Emirates Stadium, London. (Image: PA)
Arsenal overcame Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening, passing an early test against one of the most exciting attacks in the Premier League.
After a goal from summer target Morgan Rogers within the opening two minutes of the game, it looked like an uphill battle, but Arsenal responded superbly, continuously knocking on the door until they claimed the lead early in the second half.
Ezri Konsa came in for his first start in an Arsenal shirt and played a big part in keeping the Chelsea front three quiet with an assured performance and a big tackle on Rogers to announce himself to the Arsenal fans.
At the other end, Kai Havertz scored the equaliser to continue his impressive run of form. The finishing can sometimes waver but aside from that there’s no doubt over Havertz’s quality, but his availability has often been an issue. His contract is slowly creeping down, so this season is an important one for him to prove his fitness before the Gunners contemplate a new deal.
One of the biggest x-factors in the first few games has been Martin Ødegaard, netting the winner here and pulling the strings in a man of the match display.
If Havertz and Ødegaard can maintain their current level of form and, crucially, stay fit for the majority of the season, then missing out on a marquee attacking signing will be a lot more palatable for the fans.
Christos Tzolis got the nod on the left wing and bounced back from a subpar game against Aston Villa with an assist for Ødegaard’s winner. His technical ability and clever movement add a nice balance to Arsenal’s attack, dovetailing with Riccardo Calafiori’s roaming to give Arteta a plethora of options when looking to break teams down.
Many tipped Arsenal to be the favourites to win the league before a ball was kicked and nothing validates that more than the rotations, fluidity of movement and clear understanding this group have together on and off the ball.
Having won three from three, and the Community Shield so far, Mikel Arteta now has the Champions League to contend and the added strain of two games per week. The 11 looks fairly nailed through the opening games, but now it’s time for the squad to step up and play their part ahead of a trip to Sunderland at 8pm on Saturday as Arsenal look to continue their perfect start.