Arsenal secured a convincing 2-0 victory at home against Wolverhampton Wanderers, with goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka kicking off their latest Premier League title challenge on Saturday.
Although the performance was not entirely polished in the warm summer sun, Mikel Arteta’s team, considered the primary contenders to disrupt Manchester City’s dominance, earned the win.
Havertz opened the scoring with a header from a Saka cross in the 25th minute. However, it wasn’t until Saka’s precise finish in the later stages that the home side appeared more secure in their lead.
Wolves had opportunities of their own, with Rayan Aït-Nouri and Rodrigo Gomes missing chances to challenge Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya while the score remained at 1-0.
“I am really happy. With the first game, there is some uncertainty in how you will respond,” Arteta commented.
“We had a moment after 1-0 where we lost control, but after Saka’s goal, we became much more comfortable. The way the players approach their tasks is incredible, and I am very pleased.”
Saka’s powerful strike was pivotal in securing all three points for Arsenal.
It has been three months since Arsenal narrowly missed out on their first English title in 20 years during a dramatic final day against Everton.
The atmosphere at the Emirates was notably relaxed this time around as Arsenal managed the game without fully exerting themselves.
Wolves, featuring new signings Jørgen Strand Larsen and Gomes, played a respectful match, enjoying possession but posing minimal threat.
Arsenal dominated the first half, taking the lead when Saka had the space to find Havertz, who expertly headed into the corner, giving Wolves’ goalkeeper José Sá no chance.
Arsenal’s focus slipped momentarily, and Wolves nearly equalized when Hwang Hee-Chan’s cross was headed by Larsen, forcing Raya into a good save.
The Gunners struggled to find their rhythm after halftime, but the points were secured when Saka, Arsenal’s most potent attacker, cut in from the right and struck a left-footed shot past Sá.
“Saka is unbelievable. There are not many players like him on the planet, and he is still so young,” Havertz praised his teammate.