It is very quiet from the Martin Ødegaard critics. – Once again, the Norwegian Arsenal captain was named the best of the match. Martin Ødegaard, who many experts thought was past his heyday before this summer’s World Cup finals, eats his words and has to admit that he is fantastically good.

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After three Premier League rounds, only Manchester City and Arsenal have a full pot, at the bottom of the table without points you find Coventry and Fulham.

Arsenal turned against Chelsea in pulsating London derby

The reigning champions came back from beating big-spending Chelsea in a captivating local clash at the Emirates Stadium.

Chelsea shocked the home crowd when they took the lead in the second minute. The £117m signing of the summer, Morgan Rogers, knocked in a volley after Arsenal failed to clear Reece James’ free-kick.

It was the first time Arsenal’s defence conceded a goal this season.

Despite the lightning-tight start, Chelsea have not kept a clean sheet in their previous 18 Premier League games, and Xabi Alonso’s side had to endure wave after wave of Arsenal attacks.

Emiliano Martínez saved Bukayo Saka’s finish, while Jorrel Hato and Wesley Fofana provided important blocks. Then, in the 25th minute, Arsenal equalised. Former Chelsea striker Kai Havertz defeated Martínez at the near post with a well-placed finish.

In a high-quality game – Chelsea spent close to £350 million in the summer window – the visitors came close to taking the lead again.

First, captain James forced David Raya into a save from outside the box, then Pedro Neto hit the post after a brilliant solo raid. But then Martin Ødegaard decided the game in the 50th minute.

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The Arsenal captain defeated Martínez after a clever turn from Havertz – the Norwegian’s second goal in three Premier League games.

Chelsea substitute Estevão thought he had equalised completely in injury time, but Raya delivered a brilliant fingertip save as the Blues lost their fifth straight league game at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners passed the first big test

This was Arsenal’s first real test against a rival who had also won their first two games – and they passed with flying colours, having exposed Chelsea’s defensive weaknesses.

Along with Manchester City, Arsenal are one of only two teams with a full pot after three games – but this year’s success came after an unexpected setback.

Arsenal’s first league title in 22 years was built on solid defence, and it will be questioned how they conceded so early against their London rivals.

Nevertheless, the fighting spirit and character that led them to their Premier League triumph last year are still strong. They had to dig deep before they could celebrate their eighth straight league win – a streak that stretches back to last season.

Arsenal’s failure to sign an elite striker in the transfer window has raised questions, but it was two familiar faces that turned things around for Arteta’s men: Havertz and Ødegaard.

It was also a solid first start for Ezri Konsa in red and white. His £55m move from Aston Villa has gone somewhat under the radar, but he contributed as Arsenal secured three points before travelling to Napoli for their Champions League opener on Wednesday.

Chelsea have goals – but also holes

Chelsea finished in 10th place last season – a whopping 33 points behind Arsenal.

Although Alonso has a lot to catch up, this match provided proof that they will fight at the top this time.

Alonso, however, will have to overcome his team’s defensive weaknesses.

Chelsea have goals in them – Rogers has scored two and provided one assist in his first three games, and João Pedro and Cole Palmer also contribute – but at the back there are gaps.

Chelsea have not kept a clean sheet in the league since January 17, and although they pushed Arsenal all the way in, they will be disappointed with both goals they conceded.

Argentina keeper Martínez will feel he should have done better on Havertz’s equaliser, while Chelsea’s defence was exposed on Ødegaard’s winning goal.

Player of the match