Arsenal got their top-flight campaign underway at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon as they welcomed Wolves to North London.
Of course, Arsenal were the heavy favourites heading into this fixture. Not only were the Gunners on home soil but they proved to be one of the best sides in English football last season. Their supremacy told as they secured a 2-0 win, thanks to goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.
Paul Merson had backed Arsenal to beat Wolves and to do so comfortably at that. Mikel Arteta’s side weren’t always made comfortable by the visitors, but they got the job done.
Arsenal Insider’s live blog for the clash against Wolves as we provides pre-match build-up, team news, match coverage and all of the best post-match reaction.
GOAL
Saka doubles Arsenal’s lead with a fierce strike that flies in at the near post. A perfect response to Wolves’ show of resolve.
[Link]
Chance
A rare William Saliba error gifts a chance to Wolves, but Raya is behind the tame effort.
[Link]
Yellow card
Saka goes into the book for kicking the ball away in frustration. The game has become scrappy.
[Link]Close!
No long after Havertz is involved in a tangle that rouses the Arsenal fans, Thomas Partey side-foots an effort wide from outside the box.
[Link]
The Gunners are deservedly ahead at the break, but clearly have more gears to click into. The players are back out on the pitch.
[Link]
Close!
Good work down the left by Martinelli who sees his shot deflected just over the bar for a corner.
[Link]
Yellow card
Wolves defender Toti Gomes is booked for bringing Havertz down as Arsenal threatened to break.
[Link]Penalty claim
Saka looks to have beaten his man in the area before being clipped, but his complaints are waved away.
[Link]GOAL!
Kai Havertz nods in! Saka swings in a teasing cross and the German striker beats the onrushing ‘keeper to the ball.
[Link]Chance
The ball breaks to Saka on the edge of the area but his shot is tame. Soon after, Declan Rice skies an effort. Pressure is building on the visitors.
[Link]Shot
Ben White unleashes a fierce strike from range, but it is straight at the goalkeeper. Moments later, Bukayo Saka digs out an effort from a tight angle, which is also kept out.
[Link]Penalty claim
Brilliant work from Odegaard sets Havertz away, who goes down in the penalty area under pressure. Referee waves it away. Looks like the right decision.
[Link]A good interception from Saka almost leads to something in the Wolves box but it is snuffed out.
[Link]The importance of a strong start
Mikel Arteta will be under no illusions – Arsenal need to hit the ground running this season. The margins for error at the top end of the Premier League table are now so narrow that the Gunners will need to produce near-perfection over the course of the campaign if they are to be crowned champions.
Home fixtures against sides they are expected to beat, with all due respect to Wolves, are hurdles that the North London club must confidently and consistently clear. We may just be getting started with this season, but it’s must-win stuff from the off.
[Link]Arsenal fans return to the Emirates
No surprises with Arsenal XI, but some frustration perhaps
Mikel Arteta hasn’t sprung any surprises with his starting XI, though after Gabriel Jesus impressed in pre-season, he may feel somewhat hard done by to be on the bench.
Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard could also be frustrated by having been selected amongst the substitutes in order for Gabriel Martinelli to be afforded the chance to play his way back into form.
[Link]Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, and Ethan Nwaneri on the bench
Substitutes: Aaron Ramsdale, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, Jorginho, Reiss Nelson, Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah.
[Link]Arsenal starting XI confirmed
David Raya; Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz.
Havertz is set to led the line, with Gabriel Jesus only making the bench. This means that Declan Rice will push forward into the more advanced left-eight role, with Thomas Partey sitting deeper to protect the back four.
[Link]Arsenal arrive at Emirates Stadium
Arsenal get Mikel Merino transfer boost
Emirates Stadium looking fresh and ready for new season
Arsenal’s opening day triumphs
How did Arsenal fare v Wolves last season?
The Gunners have won their last six Premier League encounters against Wolves, doing the double over them last season.
On December 2nd, 2023, Arsenal beat the Midlands side 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium, thanks to early strikes from Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.
On April 20th, 2024, the North Londoners secured a 2-0 triumph over Gary O’Neil’s side at Molineux, with Odegaard once again amongst the goals. The Norwegian playmaker sealed the result with a late finish, after Leandro Trossard had put Arsenal ahead on the stroke of half-time.
Arteta and Odegaard will both be keen to keep their impressive runs against Wolves going this afternoon.
[Link]Debut for Riccardo Calafiori v Wolves?
Arsenal predicted XI v Wolves
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
