Mikel Arteta hailed Arsenal's evolution after a 2-1 victory over Chelsea, with captain Martin Odegaard scoring the decisive goal. The win at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, September 6, kept the Gunners level on points with Manchester City after three matches, as reported by the Daily Mirror Football.
Arteta's side now sits third in the Premier League with six points from two games, having scored four goals without conceding. They are three points behind leaders Manchester City. The manager pointed to the performance as proof of progress. "I think it's an indication for us of how capable we are to perform at an even higher level than last season," Arteta said.
How did Arsenal beat Chelsea?
Arsenal took an early lead through Kai Havertz, but Chelsea's Morgan Rogers equalized to set up a tense second half. The match was decided by captain Martin Odegaard, who fired home the winner. This was Chelsea's first defeat of the season under their new manager, Xabi Alonso. The result followed Arsenal's Community Shield triumph over Manchester City and league wins against Coventry City and Aston Villa. Chelsea had previously beaten Fulham and Brighton in the league and Sunderland in the EFL Cup.
Odegaard's influence was a major talking point. The Norwegian has already scored three goals this season, a significant increase from his single league goal in the previous campaign. Arteta highlighted his captain's condition. "First of all, Martin is fit, he feels confident, I think one of the highest that I've seen him," the manager noted. This form is vital as Arsenal prepares for a busy schedule, which fans can track on the club's fixtures page.
What does this mean for Arsenal's season?
The 100% start represents Arsenal's best opening to a Premier League season in over two decades, since their last title win 22 years ago. The team's defensive solidity, with a +4 goal difference, provides a strong platform. Competing with Manchester City at the top so early is a positive sign, and the current standings reflect a tight title race.
Arteta's comments about evolution suggest a tactical and mental shift from last term. The ability to grind out results against direct rivals like Chelsea, especially after conceding an equalizer, points to greater resilience. This win adds to the momentum gained from the season-opening Community Shield victory.
What are the upcoming fixtures?
Attention now turns to European competition. Arsenal faces a Champions League match against Napoli on Wednesday. After that, the focus returns to the Premier League with an away trip to face Sunderland on the weekend of September 12. Sunderland currently occupies 11th place in the table.
Chelsea, meanwhile, must regroup quickly. They have an EFL Cup tie against Leeds United on Wednesday, September 9, before league matches against Hull City on September 12 and Brentford on September 18. Arsenal's squad depth will be tested during this period, and the latest player availability is always listed on the injuries page.
The victory over Chelsea demonstrates Arsenal's current strength and sets a benchmark for the campaign. With key players like Odegaard in top form, the team looks ready to challenge on all fronts. Their next test is against Napoli in the Champions League this Wednesday.
