Kai Havertz scored against his former club to help Arsenal secure a 2-1 comeback victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The win maintains the Gunners' perfect start to the Premier League season, where they currently sit second with nine points from three wins.
Joe Cole, the former Chelsea midfielder, was scathing in his assessment of the club's decision to sell the German international to a direct rival. "I think if you’ve got Kai Havertz at your club you’re watching him every day, week in, week out," Cole said in analysis reported by the Daily Mirror. He suggested the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge should have recognized his value and prevented the move.
How did the match unfold?
Chelsea took an early lead through Morgan Rogers, putting Mikel Arteta's side under pressure. The response was led by Havertz, who leveled the score against the team he left in a £65 million transfer. Captain Martin Odegaard then completed the turnaround to seal all three points for the hosts. This result continues a strong defensive record for Arsenal this campaign, having conceded just one goal while scoring six.
What has Havertz achieved since his move?
The 27-year-old forward has now scored four times against Chelsea since his high-profile switch. His overall record for Arsenal stands at 39 goals in 115 appearances, surpassing his Chelsea tally of 32 goals in 139 games. That period at Stamford Bridge included the decisive goal in the 2021 Champions League final. His consistent performance has cemented his status as a key player in north London.
Where does this leave Arsenal now?
With three wins from three, Arsenal's early season form is impressive. They face a trip to face Sunderland on September 12th in their next fixture. The squad will have to manage without the defensive presence of William Saliba and Cristhian Mosquera, who are currently sidelined, as they navigate a busy schedule. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on the club's fixtures and standings pages.
What are pundits saying about Havertz?
Jamie Carragher added to the praise, placing Havertz among the elite. "To displace Kai Havertz out this team, you’re talking about one of the best players in the world, that’s what you have to get," the Sky Sports analyst said. His comments underline the scale of Chelsea's perceived misstep in strengthening a title rival. Arsenal's recruitment, in contrast, looks increasingly shrewd as they build a squad capable of challenging on all fronts. The latest squad information reflects a group high on confidence.
The victory at the Emirates sets Arsenal up well before their journey to the Stadium of Light to play 12th-placed Sunderland.
