KAI HAVERTZ inspired an Arsenal fight-back as they beat London rivals Chelsea to continue their perfect start.
The Gunners were chasing the game after their former transfer target, Morgan Rogers, volleyed the visitors ahead on 77 seconds.
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But Arsenal kept their cool and equalised when Havertz fired inside the near post midway through the first half.
Havertz then set up Arsenal’s second – even though he won’t get credited with the assist – as his excellent dummy created the space for Martin Odegaard to turn in from close range.
Chelsea gave Havertz his break in Premier League football when they shelled out big money to sign him from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020.
But he has enjoyed tormenting them – scoring four goals in seven head-to-heads – since he moved across the capital three years later.
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Here is the verdict of SunSport’s Simon Collings on how each Arsenal player performed…
David Raya – 7
Given his high standards, he will be a little disappointed at Rogers’ shot creeping past him. Showed his class late on, however, with a truly stunning save to deny Estevao.
Ben White – 7
Continued his good start to this season with another decent showing. Combined nicely with Bukayo Saka on the overlap and put in a couple of dangerous crosses.
Ezri Konsa – 7
Handed his full debut as Cristhian Mosquera missed out due to injury. After a steady first half, he truly announced his arrival with a crunching tackle on Rogers after the break. A solid and promising debut.
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Sunday 6 September
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Saturday 12 September
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Sunday 6 September
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Saturday 5 September
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Gabriel – 8
Grew into the game and made a couple of huge tackles and blocks as Chelsea pushed for an equaliser. Partnership with Konsa will take time to develop, but there were some green shoots here. Led the backline well.
Riccardo Calafiori – 7
As always, the Italian caused chaos by cropping up in some dangerous attacking positions. Had an early goal ruled out for offside. Arsenal’s left flank is a different beast when Calafiori is fit and firing.
Declan Rice – 7
Playing a deeper role this season, so much so that his nickname of ‘The Horse’ may have to be changed. Still having a big influence on games, though, and led from the middle of the park.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6
Became the first English teenager to start each of Arsenal’s first three Premier League games of a season. Put himself about and seemed to enjoy the fast tempo of the game, but did not pull up any trees.
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Bukayo Saka – 7
Looked bright during the first half and was only denied a goal thanks to a top stop from Emi Martinez. The Chelsea goalkeeper had to be at full-stretch, again, after the break to deny Saka once more. Unlucky to finish the game without a goal or assist.
Martin Odegaard – 8
Scored his second league goal of the season – which means he has already doubled his tally from last term. At the heart of Arsenal’s best attacking play and looks transformed after a good World Cup this summer with Norway.
Christos Tzolis – 7
Kept his place despite being hooked at half time in the previous win at Villa Park. The Greek has, clearly, put that behind him and justified his selection by setting up Odegaard for his goal.
Kai Havertz – 8
The German loves a goal against his former club, and he got Arsenal back on level terms midway through the first half. Martinez should have, perhaps, done better but the German deserved the goal for an excellent all-round performance.
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Substitutes:
Martin Zubimendi (Lewis-Skelly 66′) – 7
Finished last season running on fumes, but looks back to himself. Another lively cameo off the bench and he so nearly scored thanks to a great ball from Odegaard.
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Piero Hincapie (Calafiori 66′) – 6
This feels like it will be a popular sub for Arteta this season, when Arsenal are looking to see out games. Steady.
Mikel Merino (Odegaard 77′) – N/A
Viktor Gyokeres (Havertz 77′) – N/A
Noni Madueke (Saka 90′) – N/A
Subs not used: Arrizabalaga, Guimaraes, Eze, Dowman