Arsenal maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season with a hard-fought victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, despite falling behind early in the match. Xabi Alonso's Chelsea side capitalized on some rare defensive lapses from Arsenal to score from a set-piece in the opening stages, but Mikel Arteta's champions responded to secure all three points.
The result means Arsenal have now won all three of their opening Premier League fixtures, with all six goals scored so far coming from open play rather than set-pieces—a notable shift from last season, when critics frequently pointed to the team's reliance on dead-ball situations for goals.
Captain Martin Ødegaard was the standout performer for the hosts, delivering what was described as one of his most complete displays in some time. The Norwegian midfielder has often struggled with fitness issues or been unavailable for stretches of previous campaigns, making his influential performance all the more significant for Arteta's side.
Speaking after the match, Arteta praised his captain's current form and the factors behind it. "I think he is enjoying his football," the Arsenal manager said. "His personal life is settled. He is available. He is training. He has his routine and if he is intelligent, he can take a lot of benefits from the players around him. I think he was outstanding today."
The match was not without controversy, however, as defender Gabriel Magalhães became the subject of debate after an incident involving Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. The Brazilian centre-back caught the goalkeeper in the head while contesting a loose ball, sparking discussion over whether the challenge merited a red card. Gabriel ultimately escaped with no sanction, a decision that drew criticism from some observers.
Former England international Wayne Rooney addressed the incident during his Match of the Day analysis, noting the fortune involved in the outcome. "Martínez has got the ball in his hands and he boots him in the head," Rooney said. "I think he's extremely lucky to stay on the pitch."
Despite the contentious moment, the challenge appeared to lack malicious intent, with Gabriel simply competing aggressively for the ball rather than making any deliberate attempt to strike the goalkeeper with excessive force—factors that likely influenced the officials' decision not to issue a dismissal.
The victory over Chelsea, a side considered among the more credible challengers to Arsenal's title defense this season, will be viewed as a significant statement of intent from Arteta's squad. The manner of the win—recovering from an early concession against quality opposition—suggests a team with greater resilience and attacking variety compared to previous campaigns.
With Ødegaard rediscovering his best form and the squad demonstrating an ability to score without depending solely on set-piece situations, Arsenal supporters will be encouraged by the early signs this season. The champions now look to carry this momentum forward as they continue their pursuit of back-to-back Premier League titles, with the win over Chelsea serving as an early marker against one of the league's stronger sides.
Based on reporting from The Guardian (Football Daily).