Morgan Rogers could hardly have delivered a clearer reminder of why Arsenal wanted him this summer, scoring after just 77 seconds for Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.
The £117million signing gave Xabi Alonso’s side a dream start against the Premier League champions, although Arsenal eventually recovered to secure a 2-1 victory.
For Rogers, however, another impressive individual contribution continued an excellent opening to his Chelsea career.
Rogers punishes the club that wanted him
Rogers arrived in north London carrying an obvious subplot.
Arsenal had made the England international their leading attacking target earlier this summer and contacted Aston Villa over a potential deal.
Chelsea ultimately moved more decisively.
As The Guardian reported when Chelsea agreed their £117m move, Arsenal were also keen on Rogers before Alonso’s side won the race for his signature.
ReadChelsea highlighted only yesterday why Arsenal may already regret losing the Morgan Rogers transfer race.
It took him less than two minutes to strengthen that argument.
Chelsea kept a second ball alive following Reece James’ free-kick before it dropped to Rogers outside the penalty area.
The 24-year-old reacted instantly, steering his first-time finish beyond David Raya to silence the Emirates.
It was also Rogers’ first career goal against Arsenal.
£117m signing keeps delivering for Chelsea
The final result means Rogers will take little satisfaction from his goal, but his individual start at Stamford Bridge continues to justify Chelsea’s enormous investment.
He scored on his Premier League debut against Fulham before creating a goal in the 4-3 victory over Brighton.
His strike against Arsenal means Rogers has now registered a goal contribution in each of his first three Premier League appearances for Chelsea.
There were understandable questions when the Blues committed £117m to a player Arsenal had hoped to sign for considerably less.
Three league games cannot settle the debate over a British-record transfer fee.
But Rogers has already shown exactly why Alonso wanted Chelsea to move aggressively for him.
Arsenal ultimately took the three points on Sunday.
Rogers still made sure they received an uncomfortable reminder of the player they missed.
