Arsenal secured a 2-0 win over Wolves at the Emirates Stadium in the opening game of their Premier League campaign.
Goals from Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz were enough to give Arsenal victory on home soil in front a packed and passionate crowd.
Mikel Arteta’s side controlled the majority of the match, though Wolves had their moments and showed some fight. It is clear that there are higher levels to reach for the Gunners, but they were able to get the job done on Saturday all the same.
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, applauds the fans following the team’s victory during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Wolverhampt…
Bukayo Saka has hit new level
Despite having not had a full pre-season, given his involvement in the latter stages of Euro 2024, Saka was still able to define this match.
The Hale End academy graduate picked out Havertz for his opener with a wonderful cross, and then secured the result after the break with a venomous strike, after Wolves has shown signs of life.
Arsenal fans were dazzled by Saka in this match, and the winger is just getting started. He is now the absolute star of this team, comfortable with that mantle, and a player with enough stature to impose his will on games.
David Raya has truly arrived at Arsenal
David Raya spent last season on loan at the Emirates Stadium from Brentford, and had one or two iffy moments between the sticks, and had to cope with the pressure of replacing fan-favourite Aaron Ramsdale in the pecking order.
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This summer, the Euro 2024 winner’s switch to North London was made permanent. He is the established Arsenal No. 1 now, and looks absolutely confident and assured in the role. The Spanish shot-stopper made a couple of impressive and vital saves against Wolves, his use of the ball was intelligent, and it was clear that he brings a sense of control to the back line.
Mikel Arteta should persist with Gabriel Martinelli
Arsenal fans criticised Gabriel Martinelli in pre-season, and the Brazilian did not have the best season last time around. On form, Leandro Trossard deserves to be ahead of him in the pecking order.
However, Martinelli at his best can be a game-changer. His blistering pace sets him apart from his teammates, and he has shown in the past how devastating an attacker he can be.
He isn’t back to his best yet, but he needs game time to get there, and it seems that Arteta is still willing to afford him that. The final touch or decision still isn’t there, but there were signs of improvement against Wolves.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is up for Arsenal fight
Oleksandr Zinchenko fell down the pecking order at Arsenal last season. The signing of Riccardo Calafiori and the return to fitness of Jurrien Timber suggest that the Ukrainian left-back will struggle to nail down a starting role this season, too.
However, Zinchenko has welcomed this competition, and was given he nod against Wolves. At his best have be transformative to the way that the Gunners go forward as a team, and his display against the Midlands outfit showed that he won’t be cast aside to the outskirts of the squad so easily.
There is much more to come from Arsenal
Arsenal deserved their victory despite not being at their best. Nor, by rights, should they be at their best. Arteta’s squad is still building up its fitness, match sharpness, and familiarity with new tactical ideas that were introduced over the summer.
The fact that the best is still very much to come should excite Arsenal fans.
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