Matchday: Arteta Wins the Battle of Old Friends After Early Setback, Martinez Has Mixed Performance

The second round of the Premier League featured a major clash as Arsenal and Chelsea faced off in a London derby. Both teams were regarded as title contenders in the new season, and Arsenal completed a comeback after Chelsea struck early, scoring once in each half.

Fast start battle! The Blues' tactical goal gets them on track, but the team remains in a period of adjustment.

Chelsea achieved a unique league record in this match, becoming the first team in Premier League history to score within five minutes in each of their first three league matches of a season.

Chelsea had previously scored after four minutes against Brighton, and even faster against Fulham, taking only 31 seconds. They continued that trend in this match, taking the lead in the second minute (77 seconds). James' set piece was only partially cleared, Hato passed to Rogers, who struck directly without controlling the ball to score.

This was Arsenal's first conceded goal of the season. The only team still keeping clean sheets in the Premier League season is Hull City, who drew 0-0 at home with Aston Villa yesterday.

Former England international Sturridge approved of Chelsea's fast-start approach: “In my view, Chelsea's start in this match was quite good.” However, he remained doubtful about the team's overall coordination.

Chelsea's unusual approach to corners, Arsenal regain control

Thanks to their early goal, Chelsea held the advantage on the scoreboard and also had the initiative tactically.

During the match, Chelsea manager Alonso used a special defensive strategy, with only five outfield players defending inside the box and the other five trying to counterattack outside it, aiming to reduce Arsenal's threat from corners.

As an important scoring source during last season's title challenge, Arsenal's set-piece advantage declined somewhat after new rules were introduced, and Alonso used another method to limit them. The plan worked well, forcing Arteta to send players who had originally joined attacks back into defense.

Arsenal gradually found their rhythm thanks to their greater experience and longer period of preparation together. Calafiori soon scored, but the goal was ruled out by VAR. Arsenal did not have to wait long for another goal.

Mixed contribution! Martinez concedes a decisive near-post goal

Arsenal's equalizer came from Havertz cutting in from the right and finishing with a low shot into the near corner. It was the fourth time in his career that he had scored against his former club.

Chelsea goalkeeper Martinez shared some responsibility for the goal, as he clearly positioned himself toward the far corner when Havertz cut inside, leaving a large gap during the save attempt. Interestingly, Martinez had previously played for Arsenal.

Overall, Martinez made eight saves in the match. If Chelsea had not had him in goal but instead Robert Sanchez, who had just left on loan, Chelsea might have suffered a much heavier defeat.

With age, Martinez's physical condition is clearly not the same as in his younger years, but his experience is unquestionable. He has become arguably the most cost-effective goalkeeper Chelsea have found in the transfer market.

In fact, Arsenal goalkeeper Raya was even more impressive today. He made four fewer saves than Martinez, but his saves were crucial, especially his late stop against Estevao that denied the opponent an equalizer.

Old friends reunion: Arteta has the last laugh, but is this a title-defining three points? Too early to say

Besides Havertz and Martinez facing their former clubs, the reunion between Spanish compatriots Arteta and Alonso in the London derby was also widely discussed, with more attention paid to every move they made on the touchline.

In the 86th minute, Alonso brought on Welbeck and used a note to communicate tactical instructions. Broadcast footage showed the note contained a formation diagram with three players pushed forward.

As Chelsea's new manager, Alonso has far less time building chemistry with the team compared with Arteta and Arsenal, but the performance shown in the match was still encouraging. Commentator Zhan Jun said after the game that although Chelsea suffered their first defeat of the season, the team's overall performance was better than in the previous two rounds.

Another pair of childhood friends, Konsa and Rogers, representing different sides in this match, also became a focus. Konsa admitted after the game that although Rogers was his friend, they were opponents on the pitch, and he made decisive tackles while defending.

With this comeback victory, Arsenal moved back near the top of the table. After three rounds, the only teams with perfect records are Arsenal and Manchester City. However, it may be too early to conclude that the Premier League title race has become a two-team battle.

Based on the match, some details in this key contest became decisive factors. Chelsea are improving, and their schedule is a major advantage. Their large squad and the benefit of not having European competition give them opportunities to overtake others later.

Regarding Arsenal's issues, Zhan Jun added: “The gap between the starters and substitutes is a little large now. With three competitions ahead, substitutes such as Gyokeres, Zubimendi and Madueke in league matches need to step up.”

The Champions League begins this week, and how teams manage their schedules will greatly affect future trends. The season has only just started, and more excitement is still to come.

(Sohu Sports original: Kola)