The opening Super Sunday of the 2026/27 campaign concluded with the reigning champions, Arsenal, defeating Chelsea 2-1 in a contest that hinted Xabi Alonso could become Mikel Arteta’s primary concern this term. The Gunners had to dig deep; Chelsea made things awkward, yet titleholders typically discover a route to victory when the game deviates from expectations. That was the key takeaway from Arsenal’s 2-1 success over Alonso’s Chelsea at the Emirates.
Chelsea immediately took the game to the champions. Morgan Rogers found the net after just 77 seconds, handing Alonso’s outfit a dream beginning and threatening to turn Arsenal’s first significant challenge of the season into an early stumble. However, Arsenal replied in familiar fashion, like a squad comfortable with adversity.
Kai Havertz equalised in the 25th minute after the hosts dominated lengthy stretches of the opening period. This came after a Riccardo Calafiori effort was disallowed, meaning the defending champions had scored twice within 25 minutes in response to Chelsea’s opener. The visitors kept crafting opportunities, though. Pedro Neto had a chance to edge them ahead, but the post denied him after a beautifully constructed and executed strike.
Yet it was Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard who had the final say, sealing the comeback shortly after the interval by converting a move where Havertz’s clever dummy created the decisive gap. Chelsea remained a threat, with Estêvão Willian forcing David Raya into a crucial late stop. Arsenal held firm through the closing stages to secure all three points.
Arsenal’s winning mindset is turning into a major asset
The result moved Arsenal to three wins in three matches and underscored why Arteta’s squad are once more expected to be central to the title fight. They did not control the game from start to finish. Instead, they fell behind early, weathered the setback, and progressively seized command. That capability is vital for a team aiming to retain a title or add more silverware.
Arsenal’s championship-winning outfit has increasingly merged Arteta’s fixation on organisation and defensive solidity with greater attacking creativity. Against Chelsea, they displayed another essential trait: they can secure victories through multiple approaches.
What the loss means for Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea
Chelsea, meanwhile, will depart the Emirates with confidence, as this was a promising defeat in several respects. Alonso’s team demonstrated why their early-season form had created such buzz. The Blues were direct, aggressive, and able to trouble one of the Premier League’s most disciplined sides.
Their counterattacking play repeatedly produced dangerous moments, while Alonso also showed tactical adaptability, including an unconventional method to neutralise Arsenal’s set-piece threats. Chelsea remain a work in progress. Their style so far has leaned more toward reactive play than the controlled possession approach typically linked with Alonso.
That is partly due to the squad he took over and the players at his disposal, especially in midfield, but it also leaves Chelsea exposed when opponents dominate proceedings. Still, Chelsea pushed Arsenal close and gave them a real contest.
Alonso’s next task is to convert this promise into greater control during matches, allowing him to cause his good friend Arteta more headaches in the championship race.