Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka each set each other up for goals as Arsenal started the 2024-25 Premier League season with a typical 2-0 win over Wolves at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners scored in the first half through Havertz but labored at times before Saka doubled the advantage midway in the 74th minute to salt away the three points.
David Raya only needed to make two saves, both in the soft underbelly period of the early second half, but Arsenal rarely felt in real trouble in taking 18 of the game’s 25 shot attempts.
Wolves had little but shots from distance and a soft penalty claim against Jurrien Timber, and they’ll hope for better in Week 2 while also feeling some hope in how they looked against Premier League title hopefuls after selling Pedro Neto and Max Kilman this summer.
Arteta has Gunners looking like his side out of the gate
It didn’t take long for Arsenal to assert control over the Week 1 proceedings in North London and it really didn’t feel like anything but an impending ‘W’ even as the Gunners suffered through an early second-half malaise.
A kind witness would say the mistakes were down to over-confidence, but the key part of that word is the second half; Arsenal looked like Mikel Arteta in his playing days — intense, intentional, and not without technical flair.
Look out, Premier League — the Gunners look good already.
Arsenal vs Wolves player ratings
(from fotmob.com)
No bystanders for Arsenal, who looked comfortable with and without the ball. Goalkeeper David Raya won’t get a lot of headlines for his clean sheet but he was a big part of the machine on Saturday. Matheus Cunha looked curious on the bench to start the game and his decent role off the bench underlined the initial curiosity.
Arsenal vs Wolves player ratings (from fotmob.com)
Arsenal vs Wolves player ratings (from fotmob.com)
What’s next?
Arsenal get a huge test from old pal Unai Emery and Aston Villa at Villa Park at 12:30pm ET Saturday in Week 2’s marquee match.
Wolves host Chelsea a day later at 9am.
How to watch Arsenal vs Wolves, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10 am ET, Saturday (August 17)
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV channel: USA Network
Streaming: Watch via NBC.com
Arsenal vs Wolves live updates! - By Nick Mendola
Arsenal vs Wolves live score: 2-0
Kai Havertz, 25'; Bukayo Saka 74'
Arsenal vs Wolves video highlights
Relief for the Gunners — Bukayo Saka goal makes it 2-0
And it comes from Bukayo Saka.
It’s a goal to go with his assist, and like the helper it’s typical Saka.
The England star takes care of a Havertz set-up, who also has a goal and an assist.
Call it, friendo.
More Arsenal giveaways
This time it’s Matheus Cunha who has a chance to equalize, and he’s not far off.
His touch pushes the all just a bit too far in front of him, though, and the adjustment costs him just a bit of power.
David Raya isn’t super comfortable with the save, but keeps up a good day. Outshot 10-3 in the first half, Wolves have three to Arsenal’s four in the second frame.
Wolves growing in confidence
O’Neil’s men have been looking better, and now they are gifted a half-chance.
Thomas Partey gives the ball away under pressure, and Rayan Ait-Nouri darts onto the loose ball.
He fizzes a shot wide of the post, and a diving David Raya was in desperation mode as he saw the ball miss the iron.
Havertz misses chance to double lead
Oh, this is sweet from Gabriel Martinelli coming out of the break.
Defenders are pulled to Martinelli — two for sure, and you could easily count a third — and the Brazilian spots Havertz but the German misses the frame with his bid for a brace.
Halftime — Arsenal 1-0 Wolves
It was almost exclusively Arsenal’s half, and their 1-0 lead is — if anything — too small.
The Gunners have taken 10 shot attempts to Wolves’ three while keeping 64% possession.
Matheus Cunha and Pablo Sarabia time?
Saka to Havertz opens the scoring!
Bukayo Saka is so good with crosses from out wide, and his timing and precision are both on point as the Gunners go in front.
Saka sweeps in a ball and Ka Havertz pounces, putting Arsenal up 1-0 in the 25th minute.
Arsenal attack early but Wolves aggression clear
Bukayo Saka’s just had a shot saved by Jose Sa after a quarter-hour in North London, as Arsenal work to create room.
Work is key, as Wolves look prepared to defend but are doing so aggressively — Gary O’Neil clearly wants the Gunners to know they’ll be tested all day.
Arsenal vs Wolves team news
Mikel Arteta opts for more in the midfield, putting Thomas Partey in the XI while keeping Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard on the bench and Kai Havertz in a more advanced role.
Jose Sa is at the back of Wolves’ unit to no one’s surprise, but perhaps it’s eyebrow-raising to see Matheus Cunha and Pablo Sarabia on the bench for Gary O’Neil.
Arsenal lineup
Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Havertz
Wolves lineup
Sa, Doherty, Mosquera, Toti, Ait-Nouri, Bellegarde, Lemina, J. Gomes, R. Gomes, Hwang, Strand Larsen
Arsenal team news, focus
OUT: Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), Kieran Tierney (thigh)
There will be some early-season sharpness and fitness concerns for at least four key Arsenal players after they only joined their teammates in training a week ago and appeared in the final two games of preseason. Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and David Raya all missed the first few weeks of preseason while resting and recovering from EURO 2024 action this summer. Arteta will have no choice but to use more of his first-team squad this season, and he shouldn’t wait around to do so.
Wolves team news, focus
OUT: Enso Medina (knee), Leon Chiwone (ankle), Nelson Semedo (suspension)
Having already sold their two best players, Wolves will be even more shorthanded this weekend with Matheus Cunha already ruled out and fellow attacker Daniel Podence likely to join him, and starting right back Nelson Semedo suspended for his red card against Liverpool on the final day of last season. Wolves have thus far made four first-team signings during the summer transfer window: 6-foot-4 forward Jurgen Strand Larsen (Celta Vigo - 24 years old), winger Rodrigo Gomes (Braga - 21), central midfielder Tommy Doyle (Manchester City - 22) and right back Pedro Lima (Sport Recife - 19).
Arsenal vs Wolves prediction
What’s not to like about Arsenal in this one? What’s to like about Wolves? Let’s not overthink it. Arsenal 3-1 Wolves.