Arsenal secured a comfortable 2-0 victory at home against Wolverhampton Wanderers, thanks to goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, marking the start of their latest Premier League title pursuit on Saturday.
Although the performance was not without its struggles under the summer sun, Mikel Arteta’s team, often seen as the closest contender to end Manchester City’s reign, deserved the victory.
Havertz opened the scoring with a header from a Saka cross in the 25th minute. However, the hosts seemed uneasy until Saka’s precise strike doubled their lead in the final moments of the match.
Wolves did create opportunities, with Rayan Aït-Nouri and Rodrigo Gomes missing key chances to test Arsenal’s goalkeeper, David Raya, while the score was still 1-0.
“I’m really happy. With the first game, you have some uncertainty in how you will respond,” stated Arteta. “We had a tricky moment after the first goal, but once Saka scored, we felt more at ease. The dedication of the boys is incredible, so I’m very pleased.”
Saka’s impactful goal was crucial for Arsenal to secure all three points.
It has been three months since Arsenal narrowly missed out on their first English title in 20 years, losing on a tense final day against Everton.
The atmosphere around the Emirates Stadium was relaxed this time, with Arsenal securing victory without needing to reach their full potential.
Wolves, featuring new signings Jørgen Strand Larsen and Gomes, played a disciplined match, enjoying a fair share of possession but failing to pose a significant threat.
Arsenal controlled the first half and took the lead when Saka had the space to find Havertz, who successfully directed his header into the corner, leaving goalkeeper José Sá with no chance.
Arsenal’s intensity waned, and Wolves nearly capitalized on a chance when Hwang Hee-Chan’s cross was met by Larsen’s header, which Raya saved.
The second half saw Arsenal struggle at times, but the victory was secured when Saka, who was Arsenal’s standout performer, cut in from the right and fired a left-footed strike past Sá.
“Havertz praised Saka, saying, ‘He is unbelievable. There are not many players like him in the world, and he’s still so young.’”