Arsenal showed why they remain one of the strongest teams in the Premier League with a 2-1 comeback win over Chelsea on Sunday. The champions fell behind inside the opening minutes but responded with goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard to secure a third straight league victory.

The result was especially important because Arsenal had been questioned after failing to sign the elite striker they wanted during the summer transfer window. The club spent close to £200 million on new players, but their search for a world-class forward ended without a deal.

However, the early signs suggest Arsenal may not need a new striker to keep scoring goals.

Havertz and Odegaard stepped up when their team needed them most, while Bukayo Saka and the rest of the attacking players continued to create problems for Chelsea.

Arsenal had already started the season strongly with wins over Coventry City and Aston Villa. But Chelsea was their first major test, especially after their London rivals spent close to £350 million since the end of last season.Chelsea could hardly have made a better start.

New signing Morgan Rogers, who arrived for around £117 million, gave the home side the lead in only the second minute. The early goal put Arsenal under pressure and gave Chelsea confidence in front of their home supporters. Instead of falling apart, however, Arsenal slowly took control.

The champions remained patient and continued to play their football. They moved the ball quickly, created space and looked for openings in the Chelsea defence. Their reward came before half-time.

Havertz found the equaliser and gave Arsenal the momentum they needed going into the second half. The Germany international has already shown that he can play an important role in Mikel Arteta’s attack, and his goal against his former club was another reminder of his value. Then came Odegaard’s moment.

The Arsenal captain scored in the 50th minute to complete the comeback and give his team the lead. It was another important goal for a player who appears to have rediscovered his best form.

Odegaard has now scored three goals in four appearances in all competitions this season. That is a major improvement after he scored only once in 36 appearances last season.

For Arsenal, his return to form could be just as important as any new signing.

Odegaard controls the pace of the game, creates chances and helps connect the midfield with the attack. His understanding with Saka and Havertz gives Arsenal another dangerous attacking option. The winning goal also showed the importance of Riccardo Calafiori.

The defender made an excellent run before delivering the ball that helped create the opening for Odegaard. His movement added another attacking option and showed the difference Arsenal can make when several players contribute at the same time. Chelsea, meanwhile, will be disappointed with the result.

They spent heavily during the transfer window and have built a squad full of young talent. But the match showed that having expensive players does not always guarantee results. Chelsea started brilliantly, but Arsenal handled the pressure better and found a way back into the game.

That ability to respond is becoming one of Arsenal’s biggest strengths.The champions have now won their first three league games of the season and have conceded just one goal. They have also won eight league matches in a row going back to last season.

Those numbers are impressive, although it is still too early to talk about another Premier League title.There will be tougher tests ahead, particularly in Europe and against other title contenders. Arsenal’s next league game is away at Sunderland, while they will begin their Champions League campaign against Napoli.

Still, this win over Chelsea sends a clear message.

Arsenal may not have signed the big-name striker they wanted, but they have plenty of players capable of deciding important matches. Havertz and Odegaard showed that on Sunday. The bigger story is that Arsenal continue to find different ways to win.They can dominate games, defend under pressure and, when necessary, come from behind.

For Chelsea, the defeat is a reminder that spending money is only the beginning. For Arsenal, the victory is another sign that their squad has the quality and mentality to compete at the highest level.

The season is still young, but Arsenal have made the perfect start. If Odegaard continues to play at this level and Havertz keeps contributing goals, the champions could once again become very difficult to stop.