PREM: Chelsea 3-2 Arsenal

Marco Silva earned a first win as Everton boss

Marcos Alonso's late goal gave Chelsea a 3-2 win over Arsenal in a frantic encounter in Maurizio Sarri's first competitive game at Stamford Bridge.

Alonso swept home from close range after being found by sub Eden Hazard, meaning Unai Emery's Arsenal have lost two from two this season.

 

But Arsenal found themselves level at the break through Mkhitaryan's 20-yard effort (37) and Iwobi's close-range finish (41), with both sides visibly neglecting their defensive duties.

Arsenal crumbled again late on to allow Chelsea the winner, continuing the Blues' 100 per cent start in the Premier League under Sarri.

 

Chelsea initially had the run of Arsenal and were ahead through Pedro as Hector Bellerin was caught high up the pitch, allowing Alonso acres to square for his Spanish compatriot in even more space. He duly swept past former Blues goalkeeper Petr Cech.

 

Aubameyang was head-in-hands just after, blazing over from eight yards from Bellerin's centre, and it was 2-0 just 55 seconds later after Morata was left one-on-one with Shkodran Mustafi from Cesar Azpilicueta's simple ball from deep.

Morata wrestled Mustafi away, before sliding past Cech as Arsenal fans got a case of déjà vu at Stamford Bridge, where they now haven't won in eight.

Mkhitaryan blazed over at the other end in a similar position to Aubameyang, but the Armenian made up for it with a fierce drive from the edge of the box, despite Kepa Arrizabalaga getting a touch.

Arsenal levelled through Iwobi's slammed finish from 10 yards, picked out by Mkhitaryan after Chelsea gave him the freedom of west London, and Emery's side would have gone into half-time ahead if the Nigerian hadn't blazed over from near the penalty spot in space again.

 

Space was handed out in abundance again after the break; Kepa was down low to save from Aaron Ramsey's effort, while N'Golo Kante headed just over at the other end, but Chelsea got their winner with nine minutes remaining.

Sub Hazard danced past Alexandre Lacazette with ease on the left, before finding Alonso eight yards out to sweep through Cech's legs.

It would have been worse for Arsenal had Cech not kept out Hazard and former Gunners striker Olivier Giroud twice late on, but it ended 3-2 on an evening which showed neither defence in good light.