Arsenal made a strong start to their Premier League title bid with a 2-0 victory over Wolves at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, inspired by the “unbelievable” Bukayo Saka.
Kai Havertz put Arsenal ahead in the first half with a header from a Saka cross. After the break, Saka sealed the win with a stunning strike to cap off a standout performance.
“Bukayo had an unbelievable action to score the 2-0. With good players it’s like that. With (Lionel) Messi, I know he’s going to come in and do that, but you can’t stop him,”
Arteta said, praising Saka’s goal.
Arteta had emphasized the need for near-perfection to challenge Manchester City’s four-year reign as champions
. “First half we were really good,” he noted. “Really aggressive, really intense. A lot of purpose to our attack. A lot of threat in the box.”
“We generated a lot. We probably should have scored two or three. Second half we became a bit sloppy. What I see is the willingness. With the first game, you have some uncertainty in how you will respond against a really difficult opponent. Score two, clean sheet, win.”
Arsenal enjoyed a record-breaking 2023/24 season, winning more games than ever, but finished just two points behind Manchester City. This was their second consecutive season as runners-up, having not won the title since Arsene Wenger’s ‘Invincibles’ in 2003-04.
Despite near-misses, Arsenal’s hunger for success remains strong. Arteta’s unconventional methods, such as hiring professional pickpockets to teach his squad a lesson in vigilance, underscore his commitment to success.
Arteta has yet to sign the striker many believe is crucial for the title push, though new recruit Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna was named on the bench. Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad remains a rumored target, but Arsenal’s performance on the pitch showed few flaws.
SAKA’S THUNDEROUS STRIKES SINKS WOLVES
Arsenal took control early, with Ben White’s deflected shot saved by Wolves’ Jose Sa. Saka then forced a fine stop from Sa with a low drive. Arsenal’s dominance paid off in the 25th minute when Saka’s precise cross found Havertz, who headed home.
Wolves, who had shown little attacking intent, briefly responded with Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s long-range effort going just over and Jorgen Strand Larse’s header saved by David Raya. Arsenal continued to press, with Declan Rice’s flick reaching Gabriel Martinelli, whose shot deflected narrowly over.
After the break, Arsenal continued to press. Havertz’s chip was saved, Thomas Partey shot wide, and Martin Odegaard’s effort was pushed out by Sa. Saka’s decisive goal came in the 74th minute, finishing a flowing move with a thunderous strike past Sa.
Arsenal’s victory sent a clear message of their intent to challenge Manchester City’s dominance as they aim to secure the Premier League title.
