Arsenal enhanced their case for a Premier League title defence with a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Chelsea’s big-money signing Morgan Rogers put the away side ahead within two minutes, but the Gunners took control of the game shortly after, suffocating the Blues’ ability to play through the lines.
Goals from former Blues frontman Kai Havertz and captain Martin Odegaard were enough to seal the derby with a win, with Chelsea struggling in midfield yet again, ending the game with two full-backs in the middle of the park.
Capable of more
“I think it’s an indication for us of how capable we are to perform at an even higher level than last season,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports.
“And it depends on how we maintain and sustain that desire, that humility, and continue every day to try to find a better version of myself and the team.
“We still have a lot to grow and a lot to offer, and this is the ambition of the team.”
“I think it was an exceptional performance,” he added. “I think I enjoyed every minute of it from the beginning to the end, and the beginning was tough, but I enjoyed it because the team reacted in a spectacular way.”
READ MORE: FC Porto vs Manchester City betting tips, prediction and how to watch
Too many goals conceded
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso said after the game that his side conceding seven goals in three Premier League games to start the season will sound alarm bells within the dressing room.
He said: “My priority is to win games. Normally you win games when you don’t concede many goals. It’s something we need to address. We need to be tighter, more clinical, more balanced but this takes time.
“We wanted to compete, win here. We knew we were not that far but it went their way. We could have scored for 2-1 and you never know what happens.
“The result is the result; I can’t argue against that. But we need to take it, not happy. It hurts. Disappointed for sure. This is our first defeat.”
READ NEXT: Club Brugge vs Aston Villa betting tips, prediction and how to watch
