No new striker, no worries - Havertz and Odegaard torment Chelsea
Arsenal defeated Chelsea 2-1 in a London derby, maintaining a perfect start to the Premier League season despite failing to sign a new striker. Goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard secured the win, signaling Arsenal's intent to defend their title.
Why it matters
Arsenal's strong start suggests they remain top contenders for the Premier League title, while Chelsea's heavy spending continues to face scrutiny.
Figure caption, Champions Arsenal come from behind to beat Chelsea
Arsenal shelled out close to £200m on new signings during the summer transfer window but fell short of landing the elite forward they craved.
Former Manchester City goalscorer Julian Alvarez was on their radar but remains at Atletico Madrid, while the Gunners were also interested in Aston Villa 's Morgan Rogers, Paris St-Germain's Bradley Barcola and Vinicius Jr.
While Rogers opted for London rivals Chelsea , Barcola moved to Liverpool and Vinicius Jr has stayed at Real Madrid.
Yet reigning champions Arsenal have started this season as strongly as they finished 2025-26, when they celebrated their first Premier League title for 22 years.
After wins over Coventry City and Aston Villa , they came from behind to beat big-spending Chelsea 2-1 in a thrilling derby on Sunday - thanks to goals from two familiar faces.
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