Iwobi scores in narrow Arsenal defeat at Chelsea

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi got his first start of the season at Stamford Bridge where his Arsenal side lost 2-3 to Mauro Sarri’s Chelsea.

Starting alongside the 24-year-old in the attacking third were Mesut Ozil, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, while Nacho Monreal also got his first game of the season at left back.

Chelsea coach, Sarri, named an unchanged side from last week’s win at Huddersfield.

Arsenal created the first chance via Iwobi but Ozil could not convert, and Chelsea ruthlessly punished their London rival straight at the other end. Pedro, the rejuvenated Spanish winger left unmarked, tapped in Marcos Alonso’s low cross following a wonderful pass from new Blues playmaker, Jorginho.

Arsenal should have equalised on 20 minutes but Aubameyang skied his shot from four yards out following Hector Bellerin’s cut back, and Chelsea, again punished the Gunners instantly, making it 2-0 through much-maligned striker, Alvaro Morata.

The Spanish striker collected a raking ball from Azpilicueta, evaded the challenge of Skhodran Mustafi, and sent Petr Cech the wrong for his first Chelsea goal since April.

It was déjà vu for Arsenal as Henrikh Mkhitaryan skied Iwobi’s cut back from the same position as Aubameyang’s earlier clanger.

He, however, made amends immediately, slotting in an Iwobi pass from the edge of the area on 37 minutes.

Arsenal deservedly equalised before halftime when Mkhitaryan returned the favour, crossing low for Iwobi, who ghosted in front of Kante to slot home for 2-2.

The second half was end-to-end with chances at a premium, and it was not until the 72nd minute before the first real opportunity of the half was created, with David Luiz’s long-range free kick comfortably saved by Cech.

A fatigued Iwobi was substituted 15 minutes to the end for Lacazatte as Arsenal freshened things in attack.

Eden Hazard was also brought on by Chelsea and he provided the assist for the winning goal on 80 minutes.

The World Cup silver ball winner skipped past a defender to the byline before delivering a low cross for overlapping defender, Marcos Alonso, to slot in through Cech’s legs for a 3-2 lead.

The Blues had more chances to extend their lead, but Cech was alert to threats from Hazard and Giroud, and Chelsea closed out an entertaining 3-2 win to give Sarri consecutive wins as Chelsea manager, while Arsenal are without a point after two games into the season.