Arsenal staged an impressive comeback, overturning a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw with Chelsea and maintain their undefeated start to the Premier League season. The thrilling match took place at Stamford Bridge and saw late goals from Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard.
Chelsea, managed by Mauricio Pochettino, initially appeared in control and took the lead in the 15th minute through a composed penalty converted by Cole Palmer.
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The penalty was awarded after Arsenal defender William Saliba effectively fended off Mykhailo Mudryk, whose header unintentionally struck Saliba’s hand. Referee Christopher Kavanagh confirmed the penalty decision after consulting VAR.
Mudryk, a constant threat in attack, extended Chelsea’s lead with a stunning goal three minutes into the second half, arrowing the ball into the top right corner of the net, leaving Arsenal goalkeeper Raya helpless.
There was some debate over Mudryk’s intention, whether he meant to cross or aim for the goal, but the enthusiastic crowd, who had witnessed their team struggle in recent months, did not mind.
The match showcased some nervy moments for both Raya and Chelsea keeper Robert Sánchez, who committed errors in this action-packed encounter.
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Sánchez’s poor distribution led to Arsenal’s 76th minute goal, as Declan Rice capitalized on the loose ball before the Chelsea defenders could react and slotted it past the out-of-position goalkeeper into the open net.
Rice, a former Chelsea youth player, explained that he had to make a quick decision on what to do with the ball.
“Instead of striking it with power, I had to curl it. It was an instinctive choice between passing to a teammate or taking it on myself,” he told the BBC.
Buoyed by their goal, Arsenal continued to attack, forcing Chelsea to defend deep in the final quarter of the match.
In the 84th minute, substitute Trossard silenced the Stamford Bridge crowd with a precise finish from a superb cross by Bukayo Saka, securing a valuable point for Mikel Arteta’s team.
Arsenal returned to second place in the league standings, level on 21 points with leaders Manchester City, while Chelsea currently sits ninth with 12 points.
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