Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz score to launch Arsenal’s title campaign in style

In a season-opener for a team that has twice come agonizingly close to winning the Premier League, finishing just behind Manchester City in back-to-back seasons, Arsenal took to the field with a lineup full of familiar faces. Notably, there were no unexpected players in the starting eleven, a clear sign that the club’s strategy this season revolves around continuity rather than radical changes.

The only fresh face at the Emirates was Riccardo Calafiori, a £42 million defender from Italy. However, his first official appearance for the club was postponed as he spent the entire match on the bench.

Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, remains confident in his current squad, believing that they have what it takes to finally clinch the Premier League title next May. This was evident when Arteta brushed off suggestions that Arsenal needed to sign a new striker during the summer transfer window, firmly stating that the team already possesses top-tier forwards.

Throughout much of the match, this confidence was put to the test. Arsenal dominated play, taking 18 shots, but struggled to find the back of the net, leading to some anxiety among the fans. Despite this, Arteta’s trust in his squad was justified, at least enough to secure a victory against a struggling Wolves team.

Kai Havertz, in particular, faced criticism during the game. Early on, he was easily dispossessed when through on goal, and later, he sent a poorly executed shot wide of the target. However, Havertz redeemed himself by scoring the opening goal, showcasing why Arteta values him. The German forward bravely met a cross from Bukayo Saka, heading the ball into an empty net.

Arsenal had several other opportunities to extend their lead, with Saka forcing good saves from Wolves’ goalkeeper Jose Sa, Declan Rice missing the target, Gabriel Martinelli having a shot deflected over, and Thomas Partey shooting wide. Ultimately, the win was sealed with a moment of brilliance from Saka. Just as the home crowd began to worry that a single goal might not be enough, Saka created a small window of space and curled a stunning shot into the corner of the net.

The match also saw a brief appearance from Gabriel Jesus, who returned to the bench after a strong pre-season. He was joined by Eddie Nketiah, whose future at the club is uncertain amid interest from other teams, and Leandro Trossard, who has also been used as a central forward at times. The discussion about Arsenal needing a new goalscorer seemed less pressing with these options available.

However, tougher challenges lie ahead for Arsenal. This match was against a Wolves team dealing with the usual summer turnover, as the club sold key players like Max Kilman and Pedro Neto for nearly £100 million. Manager Gary O’Neil, fresh off signing a new four-year contract, is trying to temper the expectations of Wolves fans who had hoped for European football last season but saw their team falter towards the end.

Given the circumstances, it was no surprise that Wolves prioritized defensive solidity over attacking ambition. While they relied on Arsenal’s wastefulness in front of goal to stay in the game, there were encouraging signs for their fans. As the match progressed, Wolves grew more comfortable and could have equalized if not for a brilliant save by David Raya. The Arsenal goalkeeper, now a permanent member of the squad after a loan from Celta Vigo, denied Jorgen Strand Larsen’s header with an impressive stop, diving in the opposite direction to where his body was moving.

Wolves had another opportunity to score when Rayan Aït-Nouri shot wide shortly after the hour mark and Matheus Cunha failed to capitalize on a mistake by William Saliba, shooting weakly at Raya. The tension in the Emirates was palpable, but it was quickly alleviated by Saka’s decisive strike.

In the end, Arsenal secured a victory that, while not entirely convincing, was enough to start the season on a positive note. The real tests, however, are yet to come.