London is Red: Arsenal come back from behind to beat Chelsea in a thrilling London derby

Arsenal came back from a goal down to defeat Chelsea at home. (Image credits – CommonsWikipedia, License Details

Arsenal produced a statement win at the Emirates on Sunday, coming back from behind to beat arch rivals Chelsea 2-1 in a thrilling London derby and maintaining their perfect start to the new Premier League campaign.

Mikel Arteta's side had to claw their way back into the game after an early setback as they responded with incredible character and quality to secure three important points on the head of their London rivals. 

The Blues stunned the Emirates crowd after just 77 seconds on the clock. Reece James’ free kick wasn't dealt with properly inside the box; Morgan Rogers met the loose ball with a brilliant volley that was fired beyond David Raya’s reach.

Arsenal, however, didn't panic and gradually took control in the game as they pegged Chelsea back into a defensive shape with relentless pressure and created multiple opportunities.

Arteta's side finally got their breakthrough in the 25th minute when former Chelsea lad Kai Havertz netted the equaliser, and this goal also marked the German’s third Premier League goal against Chelsea since leaving Stamford Bridge.

The visitors almost restored their lead before half-time when Joao Pedro came agonisingly close from Pedro Neto’s cross, while Neto himself struck the post shortly afterwards.

Arsenal somehow managed the first half and came back into the second half as a completely changed side.

Just five minutes after the break, Arteta’s men completed the turnaround. Christos Tzolis carried the ball forward and found Havertz inside the area, creating space for Martin Ødegaard.

The Gunners' skipper made no mistake and scored the winner of the game.

Chelsea pushed for an equaliser as the game entered its final stages, but Arsenal’s defence was a wall.

Both sides could've scored, but Raya produced a spectacular one-handed save to deny substitute Estêvão, while Emiliano Martínez had earlier made an excellent stop to prevent Bukayo Saka from scoring.

This victory was Arsenal’s third consecutive Premier League win and kept them alongside Manchester City as the only teams with perfect records after three matches.

For Chelsea and new manager Xabi Alonso, meanwhile, it was their first league defeat of the campaign.

The Blues must learn from their mistakes in this game and aim to defend better as a unit.

Arsenal may not have had everything their own way, but their response to going behind was the most remarkable thing of the afternoon.

The Gunners showed the score, which is why they're the champions of England.