Chelsea’s 100 per cent record is over after a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, despite the Blues making a scintillating start as Morgan Rogers fired home a volley inside the opening two minutes.
The goal broke a Premier League record, but it was Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard who ultimately turned the game around and secured victory for the champions. Chelsea had a golden opportunity to rescue a point late on, but David Raya produced a superb save to deny Estevão and preserve Arsenal’s lead.
The first half was an exhilarating affair, resembling a basketball match at times as the game repeatedly swung from end to end, with Chelsea creating plenty of opportunities of their own.
The Blues more than matched Arsenal during the opening 45 minutes, but their intensity dropped after the break. Chelsea struggled to get out in attack for long periods, allowing Arsenal to gain control and ultimately see out the victory.
Despite the loss it was encouraging for the Blues:
GK: Emi Martinez - 6.5
He could have done much better for Kai Havertz’s goal, with his step to the right ultimately costing him as the shot found the near post. I was never fully convinced by him in the first half; at times, he looked little more than a slightly improved version of Robert Sanchez.
CB: Josh Acheampong - 7
Up against Christos Tzolis and he did really well to marshall the threat from wide. Was the better of three defenders and justified his inclusion in the squad, also got forward to help in attack.
CB: Wesley Fofana - 6
The French defender doesn’t look like a world-class centre-back and has a tendency to create nervous moments. He was caught flat-footed for the second goal and could have done more to prevent it, leaving Chelsea vulnerable at a crucial moment.
CB: Maxence Lacroix - 6.5
Won plenty in the air but missed a lot of the ground passes. Felt Havertz had a better game than he did.
Booked for a soft challenge and dissent against the ref.
RWB: Pedro Neto - 7.5
Was Chelsea’s main outlet on the right, regularly finding space and getting in behind the defence. He had a superb chance at the end of the first half that struck the post, and his performance justified the decision to start him ahead of Malo Gusto. He consistently tested the left-back, and if he can improve his delivery, he has all the ingredients to become a regular first-team starter.
DM: Romeo Lavia - 7
Had a very good game and, like many, I was disappointed to see him come off. He brought a real intensity to Chelsea’s pressing that seemed to disappear after his substitution. I also loved the square-up with White, it was exactly the kind of edge and aggression the game needed.
If he can get the ball forward quickly then he will be a regular alongside Caicedo.
DM: Reece James - 6.5
Passing was a joy to watch as he switched plays, mostly to Neto nicely. Shame about his involvement in the second Arsenal goal by letting Odegaard run off him.
Had two shots on target, one saved by David Raya and Gabriel.
LWB: Jorrel Hato - 7
Thought he largely dealt with Saka and White pretty well down that side and was surprised to see him come off early in the game. Never had the attacking input, like in previous games though.
AM: Cole Palmer - 7
A relatively quiet game for him. He had a decent chance in the first half, but there was little else to remember from the number 10. He worked hard and tried to make things happen, but ultimately struggled to get into the game or create many opportunities.
AM: Morgan Rogers - 7.5
Sent shockwaves through the stadium when he scored in the second minute with a tidy finish. Was in the game but largely quiet for the second half, with opportunities limited. An inflated rating for the goal possibly.
ST: Joao Pedro - 7
Can’t remember a shot from him with the Brazilian largely marshalled by his compatriot, while his hold up and bringing Chelsea up the pitch by winning free-kicks and taking the ball on.
Booked for a silly “kicking the ball away”. Was also lucky that his poor clearance allowed for an Arsenal goal that was ruled offside.
Substitutes
Pep Chavarria (on for Hato) - 6
Malo Gusto (on for Lavia) - 6.5
Estevao (on for Neto) - N/A
Danny Welbeck (on for Rogers) - N/A
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