Arsenal were able to get off to a winning start in the Premier League with a 2-0 triumph over Wolves on Saturday afternoon.
Ultimately, this was a fairly routine victory for Arsenal. However, David Raya was forced to impress at times, as Mikel Arteta’s side did give up a couple of opportunities.
Goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka were enough to get the Gunners the win, and they dominated for much of the match.
Saka was the star of the show overall. He assisted Havertz’s opener with a terrific cross into the box, and then put the result beyond doubt with a firm finish after the break.
Arsenal fans heaped praise on Saka after the final whistle, and the Hale End academy graduate deserved the plaudits.
However, the 22-year-old may well have one regret about his afternoon’s work. He picked up a booking for kicking the ball away in frustration during the second half, and that was not the only decision made by referee Jarred Gillett that Saka will feel he was on the wrong side of.
Dermot Gallagher has say on Bukayo Saka incident in Arsenal vs Wolves
Not only did the England star pick up a booking, but he also felt that he ought to have been awarded a penalty in the first half.
The Arsenal winger went down in the penalty area after a coming together with Wolves defender Toti Gomes.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher, speaking to Sky Sports, gave his verdict on Gillett’s controversial call not to point to the spot.
He said: “No penalty for Saka, he stands on the ball himself. There was minimal contact but not enough to give a penalty.”
Former Liverpool and Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock then added: “I’m a big fan of Saka, I really like him but there’s a real feeling on social media that he’s getting a reputation for himself. And he’s got to be careful because he does go down very easily in situations in the box and refs will be aware of that.”
This was not the only call that went against the Gunners. Gallagher has also shared his view on an incident that saw Havertz throttled by a Wolves player.
Mikel Arteta must control himself
Despite perhaps feeling slightly hard done by by the referee, Arsenal were still able to win this match fairly comfortably. However, there will be future occasions this season when refereeing decisions cost the Gunners points, at least from the perspective of Arteta and Arsenal fans.
Arteta has reacted strongly to refereeing controversies before, landing himself in hot water in the past. This time around, the former midfielder must show that he can keep a lid on his temper, as the North London club can’t afford for the manager to rack up bookings and suspensions.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
