Premier League: Title challengers start campaign with a win
Arsenal 2 - 0 Wolves
Arsenal began their Premier League campaign with a straightforward win against Wolves at the Emirates Stadium.
Kai Havertz opened the scoring for the Gunners in the first half, heading in from Bukayo Saka’s cross from the right. After the break, Saka added a second with a powerful left-footed strike into the right corner, capitalising on a quickly taken free-kick that caught the visitors off guard.
A closer look at the match
Although Arsenal weren't at their best, they were always in control and fully deserved the victory against determined opposition.
Wolves debutant Jorgen Strand Larsen had a good chance in the first half, but his header was well saved by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
Substitute Matheus Cunha had an opportunity to equalise, but Raya comfortably dealt with his weak effort as Wolves pressed for a goal. Despite their efforts, Wolves manager Gary O’Neil will have few complaints about the result, as his team struggled to create clear chances throughout the match.
Premier League: 2024/2025 season (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
Arsenal v Wolves today. pic.twitter.com/RgY20eXCIK
— Mark Leech (@Len_Scap) August 17, 2024
More pictures from X/Twitter user @Len_Scap
Havertz relentless work rate caused problems for Wolves throughout the afternoon, though much of Arsenal’s best chances in the first half came from their relentless pressing and Wolves’ mistakes when trying to play out from the back.
With Wolves finding it difficult to break through the sea of red and white shirts, Saka had two opportunities to increase Arsenal’s lead.
Martin Odegaard’s powerful long-range strike, which Sa managed to tip away, was Arsenal’s standout effort in the second half until Saka sealed a solid start to the season for Arteta’s team.
The best reaction
DJ, an Arsenal fan from Islington, told us: "The manager should be happy with how the season started. We started the game very well and the opening goal that gave us the lead at halftime had fans inside the stadium feeling like the match was just a continuation of the last campaign where we came so close to the title."
Rebecca, another Arsenal fan, added: "I am happy with the performance. I thought the players looked shaky but it was a great start. We are probably going to need to win almost every home game if we are going to win the Premier League this season."
Thank you for all of your support at the Emirates today.
— Wolves (@Wolves) August 17, 2024
We'll see you all back at Molineux next week 💛 pic.twitter.com/4gR00nDR13
George, a Wolves fan, was positive despite the defeat. He said: "It was always going to be a difficult match. There were some positive signs and I am confident for this season."
