MAKING the first appearance of his second spell at Chelsea, Belgium international Romelu Lukaku marked his return to England’s top division after a two-year absence by scoring one goal and playing a part in the other in a 2-0 win at Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

“Dominant,” was how Lukaku described his display that saw him bully Arsenal’s patched-up defense into submission.

Lukaku failed to score in 15 appearances for Chelsea in his first spell at the London club from 2011-14 — two seasons of which were spent out on loan. It took him 15 minutes to score against Arsenal, having been thrown into the team at the first opportunity by Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel.

The way he pinned Arsenal center back Pablo Mari and then shrugged off the same player as he ran into the area to convert Reece James’ cross demonstrated a striker at the top of his game.

It was just what Chelsea missed last season, even though the team managed to win the Champions League.

Lukaku was also involved in Chelsea’s second goal, scored by James in the 35th. A pass from the left was dummied by Lukaku, who had dragged Arsenal’s defense out of position, and that allowed Mason Mount to set up the right back for a rising finish into the net.

Arsenal also lost its opening game 2-0, at Brentford. It is the first time the team has opened a league campaign with two losses without scoring.

Meanwhile, Tottenham striker Harry Kane entered as a 71st-minute substitute against Wolverhampton — to applause from Spurs fans despite his apparent desire to join Manchester City — and wasted a one-on-one opportunity before his team sealed a 1-0 win at Molineux.

The only goal came in the ninth minute, a penalty earned and converted by Dele Alli.(SD-Agencies)