Story perspectives

Arsenal beats Chelsea 2-1, extending perfect league start

9/9/2026

Summary

Arsenal Beats Chelsea

Arsenal defeated Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates, preserving a perfect league start.
Morgan Rogers, Chelsea’s £117 million signing, scored after 77 seconds, giving Arsenal their first concession.
Kai Havertz equalised in the 25th minute, beating Emiliano Martinez at the near post.
Martin Ødegaard netted the winner five minutes after halftime, assisted by Christos Tzolis.
Arsenal rose to second, level on points with Manchester City, and extended league streak to eight wins.

Summary

Arteta Moves Ødegaard

Mikel Arteta says moving Martin Ødegaard closer to the box could produce fifteen Premier League goals.
By January 2026, three injury spells limited Martin Ødegaard’s minutes more than any prior season.
Martin Ødegaard’s expected-goals per 90 rose to 0.4, up from 0.08 the previous year.
In the title season, Martin Ødegaard recorded fewer shots per 90 than Christian Norgaard and Riccardo Calafiori.

History

Historical Context

The Gunners’ 2-1 win over Chelsea echoes the 2003-04 ‘Invincibles’ season, when Arsène Wenger’s side finished the league unbeaten with 26 wins, 12 draws and 90 points. That 49-match unbeaten run still defines Arsenal’s ambition, and club now eyes a similar streak to challenge Manchester City’s dominance. Only Preston North End had a full unbeaten season in 1888-89, underscoring the rarity of Arsenal’s feat.

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Arsenal Beats Chelsea

Arsenal defeated Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates, preserving a perfect league start.
Morgan Rogers, Chelsea’s £117 million signing, scored after 77 seconds, giving Arsenal their first concession.
Kai Havertz equalised in the 25th minute, beating Emiliano Martinez at the near post.
Martin Ødegaard netted the winner five minutes after halftime, assisted by Christos Tzolis.
Arsenal rose to second, level on points with Manchester City, and extended league streak to eight wins.

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