Midway through the second half at the Emirates, Martin Ødegaard collected the ball on the inside of the right flank and slipped a clever pass to Kai Havertz. Havertz’s flick set the pace for a surging Bukayo Saka, who took a shot that forced Chelsea keeper Emiliano Martínez to parry the effort away from the post. That fluid sequence was just one of many moments that illustrated how Arsenal, now sitting on maximum points after three consecutive victories, are reaping the rewards of having their three key attackers back on the pitch. Before kickoff most of the pre‑match chatter centred on Chelsea’s new front three – João Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer – and the question of how the Gunners would cope with their pace and power.
The early stages seemed to confirm the anxiety when Rogers struck a thunderbolt just 77 seconds in, silencing the crowd. Yet Arsenal quickly settled, demonstrating that their own offensive unit can match, and even exceed, the threat posed by the visitors. Rogers was one of three high‑profile forwards Arsenal missed out on during the summer window, alongside Vinícius Júnior and Julián Álvarez. Despite those absences, the club’s existing talent pool appears more than capable of stepping up.
The crucial factor, as manager Mikel Arteta has repeatedly stressed, is simply having his best attackers available – a luxury that injuries denied the side for much of the previous two campaigns. This match marked the first time since December 2024 that Ødegaard, Havertz and Saka started together in three consecutive league fixtures. The decisive moments came from the partnership of Ødegaard and Havertz. After Havertz’s precise strike from the edge of the box that sent the ball into Martínez’s near post to level the score, Ødegaard later finished a composed move, capitalising on a dummy from Havertz to slot home the winner.
Sky Sports analyst Gary Neville praised the duo, declaring them the two best players on the pitch as they were subbed off to a roar from the Emirates crowd. Saka also enjoyed a strong showing, repeatedly attacking down the right wing and earning a standing ovation for his relentless energy. The clamor for a marquee forward remains understandable. Arsenal’s recent attempts to secure a big‑name signing have so far proved fruitless, but the club recognises the need for additional firepower.
In an ideal scenario, a high‑profile striker would lead the line, yet the current trio’s chemistry offers a viable alternative. When Ødegaard, Havertz and Saka stay fit, Arsenal can still produce a prolific attack – as demonstrated in the 2023/24 season when the side notched a club‑record 91 Premier League goals.
A notable development this season is Ødegaard’s resurgence in front of goal. The captain, who managed only a single goal in 36 appearances last term, now boasts three winners in the opening four games.
His increased presence in the box mirrors a similar strike he scored in the Community Shield, signalling a newfound confidence and positional awareness. Artista highlighted the transformation, noting, "He’s fit, and his confidence is at one of the highest levels I’ve seen. After missing so much football last season, he and Bukayo have a point to prove." The synergy between the three attackers is evident in the statistics. Against Chelsea, Ødegaard supplied Saka with ten passes and Havertz with seven, while also making intelligent off‑the‑ball runs that create space for his teammates.
He praised Havertz’s movement, saying, "He’s a very smart player, his runs draw defenders, and when I arrive from behind I’m often free." Arteta echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the chemistry fuels creativity: "When you see how they link, it’s fantastic. They enjoy what they do, they play with intent, and that’s what I loved to see today." Havertz, also on three goals in four matches, has proven himself an all‑round asset. He contributes as an aerial threat, a runner in behind, and a link‑up player for the midfield, working tirelessly to stretch opposition defences. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher summed it up succinctly: "To replace Havertz you would need one of the world’s best players." Collectively, the three have accounted for all six of Arsenal’s league goals after three games, but the victory over Chelsea also showcased a broader team effort.
The Gunners displayed greater fluidity in the final third compared with earlier fixtures against Coventry and Aston Villa. Havertz frequently drifted to the right, Saka alternated between central positions and the opposite flank, and even newer signings like Christos Tzolis and Riccardo Calafiori contributed across the attacking zone. Arteta described this as an added layer of dynamism, threat, intent and aggression in the attacking phase.
Chelsea, on the other hand, struggled to cope with Arsenal’s constant movement, repeatedly finding themselves exposed by runs into the half‑space where Ødegaard and Saka excel. Looking ahead, the primary challenge for Arteta will be preserving the health of his key players. Injuries have plagued Arsenal in recent seasons, prompting calls for a blockbuster signing. For now, however, fans can relish the current formula: a fit, confident, and inter‑connected trio leading the charge.
As long as Ødegaard, Havertz and Saka remain on the field, Arsenal’s attack will continue to operate at a higher level, offering hope for sustained success in the Premier League.