Kai Havertz struck against his former club to pull Arsenal level with Chelsea in a fiercely contested Premier League London derby at the Emirates Stadium.
Chelsea had taken the lead inside two minutes when Morgan Rogers met a loose ball outside the box and drove a low finish beyond David Raya. Arsenal were forced to respond immediately, with the visitors’ early breakthrough giving the contest a frantic opening.
The hosts began to dominate possession and territory as Mikel Arteta’s side pressed Chelsea back. Arsenal appeared to have equalised from a set-piece, but the effort was ruled out after an offside infringement during the build-up.
Kai Havertz equalises for Arsenal against Chelsea
Havertz eventually restored parity in the 25th minute with a composed finish that showcased his ability to find space in crowded areas.
The Germany international collected the ball on the right before cutting inside on his left foot. He carried it towards the edge of the area and sent a low shot through a cluster of defenders and into the near corner.
Emiliano Martinez got a hand to the effort, but could not prevent it from finding the net as Arsenal were rewarded for their sustained pressure.
The equaliser was another significant moment for Havertz against Chelsea, the club he left for Arsenal in 2023. He had also scored the decisive goal when Arsenal eliminated the Blues in the Carabao Cup semi-final earlier this year.
Arsenal continued to look the more threatening side after levelling, with Bukayo Saka and Christos Tzolis supporting Havertz in the forward line and Martin Odegaard attempting to dictate the tempo in midfield.
Chelsea, managed by Xabi Alonso, remained dangerous on the break, with Rogers and Cole Palmer offering a threat whenever the visitors escaped Arsenal’s press.
Both sides went into half-time level at 1-1 after an absorbing opening 45 minutes, with Havertz’s goal ensuring the former Chelsea forward once again made his mark in the fixture.
