Welbeck's note to James can't save Chelsea as free-kick hits Rice's head in 2-1 Arsenal defeat

Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates on 6 September 2026, the defending champions preserving a 100% start and a five-point lead. The moment everyone will remember came in the 87th minute: substitute Danny Welbeck handed Reece James a piece of paper before a free-kick 25 yards out. James then struck the ball straight into Declan Rice's head. Chelsea finished with 10 men, left fourth.