League: EPL Sport: Soccer Country: England Category: Scores & Results

Arsenal defeats Chelsea 2-1 as midfield depth concerns surface

3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 7:31 PM

Last updated Sep 6, 2026

Arsenal defeats Chelsea 2-1 as midfield depth concerns surface

Summary

Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Martin Odegaard scored the winning goal for the hosts following a defensive lapse involving Reece James. Manager Xabi Alonso finished the match with two natural right-backs, James and Malo Gusto, operating in the midfield. Chelsea’s central options are currently depleted due to an injury to Moises Caicedo, who suffered a setback after returning from a previous issue. Chelsea also missed out on several transfer targets on deadline day following the departure of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City. The club maintains faith in its current squad despite failing to secure a direct replacement for Fernandez.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Arsenal won 2-1 against Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
•Martin Odegaard scored the decisive goal for Arsenal.
•Chelsea is currently without injured midfielder Moises Caicedo.
•Chelsea sold Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City on deadline day.
•Manager Xabi Alonso utilized right-backs in midfield roles during the loss.

Latest Updates

7:31 PMYahoo Sports — Two right-backs in midfield - are Chelsea short despite £349m spent?
7:31 PMBBC Sport — Two right-backs in midfield - are Chelsea short despite £349m spent?

What they're saying

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Chelsea ended Sunday's 2-1 defeat by champions Arsenal with two right-backs alongside each other in midfield - how did they get here?
— Yahoo Sports