Mikel Arteta declared Arsenal can surpass their title-winning level after a statement 2-1 victory over Chelsea in north London on Sunday. The win, secured by goals from captain Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz, keeps the Gunners perfect through three Premier League matches.
According to a report from Dawn Sport, Arteta described the performance as exceptional. "I think it was an exceptional performance. I enjoyed every minute of it from the beginning to the end, and the beginning was tough," the manager said. The beginning was indeed tough, as Chelsea's new England midfielder Morgan Rogers scored just two minutes into the contest. That marked the first goal Arsenal have conceded this season.
How did Arsenal respond to the early setback?
Conceding so early could have rattled a team, but Arsenal showed the resilience of champions. They equalized through Odegaard, who has put injury disruptions from last season behind him. Kai Havertz then netted the winner against his former club. The result means Arsenal have taken nine points from a possible nine, scoring six goals and conceding just one. Their goal difference stands at +5. They sit second in the standings, level on points with Manchester City, who also have a 100% record.
This victory followed earlier wins against promoted Coventry City and a 1-0 result at Aston Villa. The team's defensive solidity has been a feature, though Hull City remains the only side with a perfect defensive record after three games. Arsenal's stability in the close season contrasts sharply with Chelsea's summer overhaul.
What does this win say about Arsenal's title defence?
For Arteta, the performance was a clear signal of his team's potential. "It’s an indication for us of how capable we are to perform at an even higher level than last season," he stated. Winning their first league title in 22 years last season set a high bar. Beating a major rival like Chelsea, despite significant squad changes at both clubs, suggests they are ready to meet that challenge again.
Arsenal's summer was defined by stability rather than a major overhaul. Key departures included Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard. Their main addition was defender Riccardo Calafiori, while they also signed forward Christos Tzolis. The core, including Bukayo Saka and goalkeeper Raya, remains intact. This continuity appears to be paying early dividends.
How did Chelsea's new-look team perform?
The match was Chelsea's first dropped points under new manager Xabi Alonso. The Blues conceded their seventh goal in three games under his leadership, highlighting a defensive issue they need to address. Their summer was extraordinarily busy, making 11 signings for a total of £349 million. Rogers arrived from Aston Villa for £117 million ($158.20 million). They also sold 17 players, creating a completely reshaped squad featuring new faces like Pedro Neto and Estevao. Integrating so many new players will take time, as this result showed.
What is next for Arsenal after this win?
Attention now turns to maintaining this momentum. Arsenal's next fixture is an away trip to face Sunderland on September 12. Sunderland currently sit 12th in the table. Fans can view the full upcoming schedule on the club's fixtures page. The quick turnaround tests the squad's depth, but with a 100% record to protect, Arteta will demand full focus. The team's current form of three consecutive wins provides a strong platform as they look ahead to a busy period.
Odegaard's leadership and fitness will be vital, and his goal against Chelsea was a timely reminder of his quality. The Norwegian's ability to dictate play from midfield is a key component of Arsenal's system. His partnership with the industrious Havertz, who now has a goal against his former club, is developing into a potent attacking threat. Arteta will hope this combination continues to fire as they prepare for the challenge at the Stadium of Light.
