Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku made the perfect start to life back at Chelsea, marking his second debut for the club in the Premier League with a goal in Sunday’s London derby against Arsenal. The 28-year-old showed exactly why Chelsea splurged £97.5 million to bring him back from Inter Milan, shrugging off Brazilian centre back Pablo Mari inside the box to meet Reece James’ cutback for a tap-in. 

A full-house Emirates stadium was stunned in silence after a ball over the backline from Mateo Kovacic freed Reece James on the right wing, from where the right back squared the ball inside the box for a simple tap-in for Lukaku. 

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This was Lukaku’s 114th goal on his 253rd appearance in the Premier League, taking his tally ahead of Arsenal legend Ian Wright in the all-time top-scorer’s list. The Belgian has previously scored on his debuts for West Bromwich Albion, Everton, Manchester United and Inter Milan. 

Lukaku became one of the most coveted strikers in Europe after a goal-laden spell with Inter Milan. The Belgian scored 24 Serie goals last season, firing the Nerazurri to their first Scudetto since 2010. 

Arsenal started the half
brightly, buoyed by the returning fans, as Bukayo Saka and Kieran Tierney
combined well on the left flank to create threatening openings in the early
stages. 

However, Chelsea were well placed
to deal with the threats in their box, and it took only 15 minutes for the first
goal to arrive.

Arsenal won both ties against Chelsea
last season, but haven’t won three in a rown against their London rivals since their
golden years February 2004. Star striker Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, who is on
the bench, might have to play a part in order to change the current situation
into a win.

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But history is against Arsenal
and manager Mikel Arteta, who is yet to win a Premier League match where his
side was trailing at half time.

The two teams come into the fixture
with contrasting forms, with Arsenal having losing their opening fixture 2-0 against
new boys Bretford. Chelsea, who added a UEFA Super Cup to their Champions League
triumph last season, beat Crystal Palace 3-0 in their opening fixture of the 2021-22
season.