77 seconds. That was all it took for Chelsea to send a chill through the Emirates. From a poorly cleared free kick, Morgan Rogers pounces and shoots first time. Arsenal concede their first goal of the season and already have to chase the game.
But the champions do not panic. Arteta sticks with his 4-2-3-1, with Havertz up front and Tzolis on the left, and Arsenal gradually establish their pressing in the London side's half. Calafiori thinks he has equalised in the 12th minute, but the goal is ruled out for offside.
Havertz brings his side back into it
The reward comes in the 25th minute. Very active in his movement, Havertz drifts wide, receives the ball from Rice and finds the far corner with a precise strike. 1-1. The German does not stop at scoring: he drops deep, combines with teammates and draws the defenders out, creating space for Ødegaard and the wide players.
And Tzolis once again confirms his importance. Since his arrival, the Greek has brought pace, drive and the ability to create differences. In the 50th minute, he beats his man down the left again and picks out Havertz. But the number 29 cleverly lets the ball run through. Ødegaard surges in behind and puts Arsenal ahead. 2-1.
Chelsea push, Raya stands firm
Chelsea do not give up. Alonso keeps his attacking approach and his players create several chances. Pedro Neto even hits the post, before Estêvão is denied by a superb Raya in the 89th minute.
Arsenal hold on until the end. Three matches, three wins. And from this derby, Arteta can take away the growing influence of a decisive Havertz and the increasingly evident impact of Tzolis, who has become a genuine attacking weapon for the Gunners within a matter of weeks.
Chelsea, for their part, leave beaten but with confirmation that the Alonso project has real potential.
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