Martin Ødegaard scored the decisive goal as Arsenal came from behind to beat London rivals Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium, sealing a dramatic comeback and handing the Gunners a statement victory.
The match-winning strike was Ødegaard’s first goal to decide a Premier League game since the final league match of the 2024/25 campaign.
Arsenal went into the clash having yet to concede in the new season, but that record lasted less than two minutes as Chelsea took an early lead.
Morgan Rogers opened the scoring with a well-placed volley following a chaotic sequence from a free-kick. The goal also saw Chelsea make Premier League history, becoming the first team to score within the opening five minutes of each of their first three league matches.
Arsenal immediately looked for a response from another set piece, with Ødegaard delivering a dangerous ball towards the near post. Riccardo Calafiori, however, failed to make proper contact, while Emiliano Martínez retained possession despite appearing to take a heavy kick to the head from Gabriel Magalhães.
The Gunners thought they had levelled when Calafiori pounced on a loose ball after another set piece, but VAR intervened and the goal was ruled out after Ezri Konsa was judged to have touched the ball while in an offside position.
Arsenal continued to push forward, with Bukayo Saka forcing a save from Martínez with a powerful effort towards the near post.
Chelsea remained dangerous on the counter, with Cole Palmer and Reece James testing Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya from distance.
The sustained pressure eventually paid off when former Chelsea attacker Kai Havertz found a way past Martínez to bring Arsenal level and give the hosts renewed momentum.
With the game finely balanced, Ødegaard produced the decisive moment, scoring to complete Arsenal’s comeback and secure a 2-1 victory over Chelsea.
The result gives Arsenal a major boost in the London rivalry, while Ødegaard’s decisive contribution underlines his importance to the Gunners as they continue their Premier League campaign.
