Chelsea’s winless streak against Arsenal stretched further as the reigning Premier League champions came from behind to defeat their London rivals 2-1 in a pulsating encounter at Emirates Stadium.

Chelsea made the perfect start when £117 million summer signing Morgan Rogers volleyed home in the second minute after Arsenal failed to clear Reece James’ free-kick. It was the first goal Mikel Arteta’s side had conceded this season, but the early setback only appeared to awaken the champions.

Kai Havertz restored parity in the 25th minute before captain Martin Odegaard completed Arsenal’s comeback five minutes after half-time. Despite Chelsea’s late pressure, David Raya produced a stunning save to deny Estevao and preserve three points for the Gunners.

Chelsea’s winless streak against Arsenal reaches another painful chapter

The Chelsea’s winless streak against Arsenal continued on a night when Xabi Alonso’s expensively assembled team had the opportunity to make an early statement against the defending champions.

Chelsea had won their opening two league matches and arrived at Emirates Stadium full of confidence after spending close to £350 million during the summer transfer window. Their explosive beginning suggested they might finally have the attacking quality to trouble Arsenal, but their defensive weaknesses soon resurfaced.

Arsenal responded to Rogers’ spectacular opener by taking control of possession and repeatedly testing the Chelsea defense. Bukayo Saka was denied by Emiliano Martinez, while Jorrel Hato and Wesley Fofana made important blocks as the visitors struggled to contain the pressure.

Chelsea had entered the match without keeping a clean sheet in their previous 18 Premier League games, and that worrying statistic eventually caught up with them.

In the 25th minute, Declan Rice supplied the assist as Havertz found space inside the penalty area before beating Martinez at his near post. The former Chelsea forward’s finish brought Arsenal level and shifted the momentum firmly towards the hosts.

London derby turns into a battle of attacking quality

The London derby developed into an absorbing contest after the equalizer, with both sides producing moments of genuine quality.

Chelsea nearly regained the lead through their captain. James tested Raya from outside the penalty area, forcing the Arsenal goalkeeper into action, before Pedro Neto came even closer after embarking on an excellent individual run. His effort beat Raya but struck the post.

Arsenal, however, showed the greater composure when another decisive opportunity arrived.

Five minutes into the second half, Havertz cleverly allowed the ball to run across him, creating space for Odegaard to attack the area. The Arsenal captain made no mistake, beating Martinez to put the Gunners ahead for the first time.

The goal was another encouraging sign for Odegaard, who has already made a far more productive start to the campaign than he managed last season. Including his goal in the Community Shield against Manchester City, the Norwegian has now scored three times in 2026-27, compared with just one goal for Arsenal throughout the previous campaign.

Chelsea refused to surrender, but Arsenal’s defensive organisation improved as the match entered its final stages.

Odegaard’s goal completes Arsenal comeback

Odegaard’s goal proved decisive, although Arsenal needed some late heroics from Raya to protect their advantage.

Chelsea substitute Estevao appeared destined to equalise in the closing stages after finding an opening inside the penalty area. His effort looked capable of beating Raya, but the Arsenal goalkeeper reacted brilliantly to produce a fingertip save and keep the ball out.

It was a crucial intervention because Chelsea had already demonstrated that they possessed enough attacking talent to punish Arsenal whenever the hosts lost concentration.

For Arteta, however, the victory was about more than maintaining a perfect start. Arsenal had been presented with their first serious examination of the season after winning their opening two Premier League matches, and they responded to adversity with the character expected from champions.

The Gunners conceded earlier than they would have wanted, but they did not allow the setback to derail their performance. Instead, they gradually imposed themselves on the game before finding the two goals required to overturn the deficit.

Arsenal’s familiar faces deliver another statement

Questions had been raised during the summer about Arsenal’s failure to recruit an elite centre-forward, but two players already familiar with Arteta’s system ultimately decided this contest.

Havertz’s equalizer provided the platform for the comeback, while Odegaard’s second-half strike supplied the winning moment. Their performances offered a timely reminder that Arsenal’s attacking solutions do not necessarily depend on a major new signing.

There was also an encouraging debut for Ezri Konsa, whose £55 million move from Aston Villa had received relatively little attention compared with Arsenal’s other transfer activity. The defender produced a composed performance in his first start in red and white.

The victory extends Arsenal’s winning run to eight consecutive Premier League matches dating back to last season and leaves them alongside Manchester City as the only teams with perfect records after three games.

Chelsea, meanwhile, will be left wondering how a match they started so brilliantly ended in defeat.

For Arsenal, the comeback was an early statement of intent. Chelsea’s winless streak against Arsenal remains another unwanted reminder that closing the gap to the champions will require more than expensive additions.