Three things we learned from Arsenal win as Kai Havertz settles striker debate for good | OneFootball

Arsenal pass an important test even at this early stage of the season, as Martin Odegaard provides further cause for optimism

In the Premier League's first heavyweight clash of the season, Arsenal landed the decisive blows.

A 2-1 win over Chelsea was further proof of exactly why the Gunners are favourites to defend their title.

It could have been a very different afternoon, with an alternative narrative almost inevitably materialising early on.

Mikel Arteta's side, though, ensured those became minor subplots, as Arsenal showed they can be the full package.

When they trailed, Arsenal had the ambition and flowing combinations in attack. When the time came to defend, the Gunners locked things up.

Arsenal show mettle after early scare

Within one minute and 17 seconds, Arsenal had conceded for the first time this season.

Against a side set to be one of their main title rivals, and with an attack offering a constant threat, this was a major test for the Gunners, not just of their quality but of their composure too in a red-hot London derby.

At times they left themselves open on the counter, but the intent in attack was there. Riccardo Calafiori was denied by the offside flag, Havertz tested Martinez, and only a wonderful headed clearance from Romeo Lavia denied Bukayo Saka a certain goal.

Arsenal fell behind early, but emerged victorious against Chelsea

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Arsenal's right-hand side was a constant threat and it was no surprise that was where the goal came from, Kai Havertz cutting inside and beating Martinez at his near post.

The hosts produced another burst after the break and Martin Odegaard gave them the lead, an advantage they never looked like giving up.

Arsenal have already shown they are elite front-runners and here was evidence they can do it the hard way, against tough opposition too. Another marker has been laid down.

Captain Odegaard leads from the front

Central to Arsenal's positive response to falling behind was their captain.

His clever, low free-kick almost led to Calafiori turning in for an immediate equaliser. Odegaard then pounced on a loose ball to scoop a pass in behind for Saka, who tested Martinez at his near post.

There was zip to everything Odegaard did, whether he was setting Arsenal away on the counter or operating in tight areas.

The telling contribution came five minutes after half-time, with a goal that was eerily similar to Odegaard's sublime finish in the Community Shield last month.

This time he did not sit the goalkeeper down, but the late run into the box was just as well-timed and the finish no less ruthless.

With two goals in the opening three Premier League matches, Odegaard has already bettered last season's tally. One more and he'll have matched what he managed in the 2024-25 campaign too.

No debate over Arsenal's striker

As he has for every competitive match so far this season, Havertz led the line for Arsenal over Viktor Gyokeres.

The German missed almost the entirety of the first half of last season and he is quickly showing Arsenal exactly what they missed.

Havertz can be frustrating at times, drifting offside when it feels sloppy and taking an extra touch that seems unnecessary.

When free in the box in the first half, he opted to flick it off to Odegaard instead of shooting, highlighting that he is not a forward with the most selfish striker instincts.

He is, though, the best forward for what Arsenal need. Havertz leads the press, holds the ball up, and brings the best out of those around him.

Equaliser: Kai Havertz

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There was a lovely flexibility to Arsenal’s attack, with Havertz often drifting out to the right and Bukayo Saka moving centrally.

Havertz’s sensational dummy let the ball run through for Odegaard's goal. Later in the half, his flick nutmegged Wesley Fofana and set up a chance for Saka.

Arsenal play their best football with Havertz in the side. Gyokeres came on for his first minutes of the season and the ball bounced off him.

The Swede looked clumsy and offered too many turnovers when Arsenal were looking to see out the match. There is no argument to be had over who should be starting for Arsenal in attack.