Arsenal beats Chelsea to remain perfect in Premier League title defence – ARS vs CHE Player Ratings

Arsenal's Martin Odegaard celebrates after scoring against Chelsea. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Arsenal passed ​its biggest test so ‌far in the defence ​of its Premier ⁠League title in style as it hit back from ‌conceding inside two minutes to beat ‌Chelsea 2-1 on ‌Sunday.

Morgan ⁠Rogers volleyed the ⁠visitors ahead after 77 seconds but Arsenal’s response was ​emphatic with ‌Kai Havertz equalising after 25 minutes and Martin Odegaard finishing off a ‌flowing move shortly ​after the break for the decisive ⁠goal.

Chelsea was never out of contention in an ‌absorbing high-octane duel and substitute Estevao was denied a late equaliser by a superb save from David ‌Raya.

Victory left Arsenal level at ​the top with Manchester City with both ⁠sides on a maximum ⁠nine points after three games.

Chelsea’s first ‌dropped points left it on sixth in standings.

-REUTERS

Player Ratings

Arsenal

Starting Lineup: Raya (7.3), White (7.3), Konsa (7.8), Gabriel (7.3), Calafiori (6.4), Rice (7.9), Lewis-Skelly (6.3), Saka (7.3), Ødegaard (8.4), Tzolis (8.5), Havertz (8.2) | Substitutes: Piero Hincapié (6.3), Martín Zubimendi (6.0), Mikel Merino (6.0), Viktor Gyökeres (6.0)

Chelsea

Starting Lineup: Joao Pedro (6.3), Rogers (7.7), Palmer (6.5), Hato (7.0), James (6.9), Lavia (6.5), Neto (7.0), Fofana (6.9), Lacroix (6.5), Acheampong (5.6), Martínez (7.5) | Substitutes: Malo Gusto (6.5), Pep Chavarría (6.1)