Ødegaard Hails Arsenal’s Fightback in Chelsea Win

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard praised his side’s character after the reigning Premier League champions came from behind to defeat big-spending Chelsea 2-1 in a pulsating London derby at Emirates Stadium.

‘It was a big massive game, a tough opponent, really hard for us against a really good team. It was a big fight and we got there in the end so yeah, brilliant,’ Ødegaard said after the final whistle.

The Norwegian midfielder was particularly impressed with Arsenal’s response after Chelsea stunned the home crowd by taking the lead inside two minutes through £117 million summer signing Morgan Rogers. The winger volleyed past David Raya after Arsenal failed to clear Reece James’ free-kick, handing the visitors the first goal Arsenal had conceded this season.

‘We always want to keep fighting and have showed that many times. Conceding early is never ideal but our reaction was top, could have scored some more goals and got our reward. I think it was a brilliant performance,’ Ødegaard added.

Arsenal quickly recovered from the setback and subjected Chelsea to sustained pressure, with Emiliano Martinez denying Bukayo Saka while Jorrel Hato and Wesley Fofana produced important blocks to keep the visitors ahead.

The pressure eventually told in the 25th minute when former Chelsea forward Kai Havertz found a way past Martinez at his near post with a well-placed finish to bring Arsenal level.

Chelsea, who spent close to £350 million during the summer transfer window, threatened to restore their advantage before half-time. James tested Raya from outside the box before Pedro Neto struck the post following an impressive solo run.

Arsenal, however, completed the comeback five minutes after the restart when Ødegaard scored the winner. Havertz’s clever dummy created the opening for the Arsenal captain, who calmly beat Martinez to register his second Premier League goal in three matches.

Ødegaard also reserved praise for Havertz, whose movement played a key role in the winning goal.

‘He’s a really smart player, moves so well and takes a lot of attention from the defenders. When he makes the run and I come from behind, I’m always free so it was a brilliant goal and I’m happy,’ he said.

Chelsea pushed for an equaliser late on and substitute Estevao appeared to have rescued a point for the visitors, but Raya produced a superb fingertip save to preserve Arsenal’s lead.

The defeat extended Chelsea’s miserable run at Emirates Stadium, with the Blues now having lost their last five Premier League matches at Arsenal’s home ground.