Martin Odegaard scored Arsenal’s winning goal against Chelsea (Credits: REUTERS) Jamie Carragher fears the writing is already on the wall for Arsenal’s title rivals following Sunday’s 2-1 win over Chelsea. The reigning champions were rocked early on against their London rivals when Morgan Rogers, who came close to joining the Gunners in the summer, volley the visitors ahead after just 77 seconds. Mikel Arteta’s side responded positively, however, and were level in the 25th minute when Kai Havertz beat Emi Martinez at his near post and continued his excellent record against his old club. Arsenal dominated at the start of the second half and it was no surprise when they took the lead five minutes after the restart through captain Martin Odegaard. Exclusive Premier League previews Get ahead of the start of the season with our weekly football newsletter. Sign up now for free. The home side missed opportunities to extend their lead and were indebted late on to their goalkeeper, David Raya, who made a stunning late stop to deny Estevao. That effort aside, Arsenal were largely untroubled by Chelsea’s much vaunted forward line with Ezri Konsa enjoying a largely comfortable home debut, capped by a roof raising tackle on his former Aston Villa teammate Rogers. Konsa was given his chance in the starting line-up as a consequence of injuries to William Saliba and Cristhian Mosquera and Carragher believes Arsenal’s continued defensive excellence, especially in light of the France international’s absence, should represent a concern to the chasing pack. Ezri Konsa’s tackle on Morgan Rogers raised the roof at the Emirates (Picture: Getty) ‘The worrying thing for everyone else already, is that Saliba who was genuinely world class, arguably the best centre back in world football has not played a minute of football so far this season and it doesn’t look like anyone can score against them,’ Carragher told Sky Sports. ‘They get a goal today Chelsea but didn’t really one big chance in the game, a lot of efforts from outside the box. ‘Raya made a great save from Estevao at the end but that would have been a great goal but didn’t really open them up and that’s without their best defender. Ezri Konsa and Gabriel kept Chelsea at bay (Picture: Getty) ‘So that is a worry but a great start for him (Ezri Konsa) and that tackle there, supporters love that type of thing.’ Konsa, meanwhile, was delighted to make such a positive impression in front of his new fans. He said: ‘I felt at home since the first moment I joined, the boys have been top, the staff have been top. ‘Buzzing to make my debut at home and three points is the most important. ‘It got the crowd going. If you get it wrong it is bad but if you get it right it’s always a good feeling. On another day I think we score three or four.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
The first heavyweight encounter of the Premier League season was previewed in some quarters as the immovable object versus the irresistible force. Arsenal do not give an inch. Chelsea have been fun and free-scoring under Xabi Alonso. Yet that overlooked something pretty fundamental. The percussive force of Arsenal’s game when they have the ball and want to make something happen.Chelsea landed a significant blow after 77 seconds when Morgan Rogers put them in front with nicely executed volley from the edge of the area. It was not only the first goal that Arsenal have conceded this season but one with rich narrative strands. Rogers was chased by Arsenal over the summer only to join Chelsea for £117m. Continue reading...
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
