The sun beamed down on the Emirates to kick-off the Gunners’ campaign, and Mikel Arteta’s looked intent on ensuring an expectant bunch of supporters were appeased. Arsenal were excellent to begin the content and were certainly good value for their lead having previously forced Jose Sa into a couple of saves.
Kai Havertz continued from where he left off in 2023/24 as he converted Bukayo Saka’s pinpoint cross to hand the hosts the lead.
However, there was a slight malaise in the aftermath as Wolves started to have more joy. Gary O’Neil’s side sought to win possession back high up the pitch and play over Arsenal’s press, and their bravery was almost rewarded before the break. David Raya, though, superbly prevented Jorgen Strand Larsen from equalising.
Half-time thoughts?
Excellent up until the goal, Wolves then grew into it. Such a good Raya save to deny Larsen.
Arteta will not be pleased with work OOP. Some gaping central voids. #ARSWOL
— Pain In The Arsenal (@PainInThArsenal) August 17, 2024
There was a sense that Arsenal needed to move through the gears after the break, but the upsurge instead came from Wolves as the Gunners wobbled. Rayan Ait Nouri came close from distance before Matheus Cunha spurned a golden opportunity following a rare William Saliba error.
However, just as it looked as if Arsenal were sleepwalking into something other than a victory, Saka eased the tension in the Emirates with a fierce drive after cutting inside Ait Nouri with less than 20 minutes remaining.
After that, it was all about managing the contest with Wolves’ momentum being stymied. Jurrien Timber’s introduction certainly helped on that front, as Arsenal started 2024/25 with a win and a satisfying clean sheet. Arteta will know, though, that there’s plenty of room from improvement.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves player ratings
Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their opening weekend victory.
Goalkeeper & Defenders
David Raya (GK) – 7.5/10 – Tested infrequently, but his save from Larsen was top-drawer. This was a good start to the season for Raya.
Ben White (RB) – 6/10 – Rodrigo Gomes is a dynamic customer who beat White once or twice, but the Arsenal defender wasn’t troubled too much. White was smart with his movement in the build-up to escape Gomes’ cover shadow.
William Saliba (CB) – 5/10 – Saliba’s still got some work to do a central centre-back in possession. The Frenchman was really sloppy with the ball and it could’ve cost Arsenal.
Gabriel (CB) – 6/10 – Outside of a couple of first half fouls, Gabriel didn’t seem particularly busy. This was a rare occasion when the Brazilian outperformed his partner with the ball.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – 6/10 – Arsenal had success progressing down the left with Zinchenko in the first half, with the Ukrainian offering quality in transition, too. Withdrawn as Arteta opted for greater security at 1-0.
Midfielders
Thomas Partey (DM) – 6/10 – Enjoyed some of his first half work, but he’s just too unreliable in the build-up phase and there were gaping central chasms for Wolves to exploit.
Declan Rice (CM) – 6/10 – A bit leggy and it won’t be a surprise if Rice drops into a deeper position next weekend. He didn’t even record a set-piece assist!
Martin Odegaard (CM) – 6.5/10 – The skipper produced moments that made you purr, but it felt he was somewhat on the periphery in this one. Would’ve liked to have seen him drop deeper when Arsenal were struggling in the second half in order to restore control.
Forwards
Bukayo Saka (RW) – 9/10 – Saka was bright from the very outset, and he was Arsenal’s match-winner in their season opener. After teeing up Havertz’s header, Saka put the game beyond doubt with an excellent strike.
Kai Havertz (ST) – 8/10 – Led the line efficiently. Won his headers and threw himself about. Linked up well with Saka in the opening stages. Golden Boot charge is on!
Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – 6/10 – This was a performance out of Martinelli’s 2023/24 playbook. The Brazilian brought plenty of energy, but his execution in the final third let him down. Think a switch to the right flank might do him good.
Substitutes
- Jurrien Timber – 7/10
- Leandro Trossard – 6/10
- Gabriel Jesus – 6/10
