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 campaign on Saturday.
The match was not the smoothest performance under the summer sun, but Mikel Arteta’s squad, viewed as strong contenders to challenge Manchester City’s dominance, earned the three points.
Havertz opened the scoring with a header from Saka’s assist in the 25th minute. However, Arsenal appeared tentative until Saka’s precise finish in the closing moments sealed the win.
Wolves created opportunities, with Rayan Aït-Nouri and Rodrigo Gomes missing chances that could have troubled Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya while the score was still 1-0.
“I am really happy. With the first game, you have some uncertainty in how you will respond,” Arteta commented. “We had moments after the first goal when we lost control, but after Saka’s goal, we were much more at ease. The way the boys go about their job is unbelievable, so very happy.”
Three months have passed since Arsenal narrowly missed out on their first English title in 20 years during a tense final day against Everton. The atmosphere at the Emirates was notably relaxed this time around as Arsenal won without having to exert themselves fully.
Wolves, introducing new signings Jørgen Strand Larsen and Gomes, played a disciplined match, enjoying their share of possession but offering minimal threat.
Arsenal dominated the first half, taking the lead after Saka found Havertz, who expertly headed the ball into the net, leaving goalkeeper José Sá with no chance.
However, Arsenal’s focus wavered, and Wolves came close to equalizing when Hwang Hee-Chan’s cross was met by Larsen’s header, which Raya saved brilliantly.
Although Arsenal struggled somewhat in the second half, their lead was secured when Saka, the standout player, cut in from the right and scored with a powerful left-foot shot past Sá.
“Saka is unbelievable. There are not a lot of players like him on the planet, and he is still so young,” Havertz praised his teammate.