Arsenal got their Premier League campaign off to a solid start with a 2-0 win over Wolves at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
In the midst of a feverish atmosphere in North London, excited to embrace another season, Mikel Arteta’s side enjoyed a comfortable first half against the Midlands outfit.
Aside from one impressive save David Raya made to deny a close range header, Arsenal were dominant. Their breakthrough came with 25 minutes on the clock as Bukayo Saka picked out Kai Havertz with an inch-perfect cross into the Wolves penalty area.
The German forward was able to connect with the ball before the goalkeeper could reach it, and guide his header into an empty net. However, the true beauty of the goal lay in Saka’s assist.
Havertz was quick to praise Saka after the final whistle, as the Hale End academy graduate had added a goal of his own after the break to seal the result. It was perhaps, though, his cross for Havertz that will live longer in the memory of many.
Paul Robinson in awe of Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka
Of course, Arsenal fans are used to the 22-year-old delivering magic moments. The England international, despite his youth, has been a key figure for the Gunners for a number of years.
Now, though, Saka seems to have gone up another level again. He is the true star of this Arsenal side, relied upon by Arteta to deliver over and over again.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has now marvelled at Saka’s quality and consistency, having witnessed his cross for Havertz’s goal.
Speaking to the BBC, the pundit said: “It is all about the cross from Bukayo Saka, how many times have we seen him do this?
“An inch-perfect, in-swinging cross into the box, the keeper can’t come for it, the defenders don’t want to knock it into their own net, and Havertz takes full advantage.”
Mikel Arteta must address left wing issue
Whilst Saka, in combination with Ben White and Martin Odegaard, works brilliantly for Arsenal on the right, the Gunners are less fluent on the left flank and have been for some time.
Oleksandr Zinchenko was given the nod at left-back for this game, with Jurrien Timber replacing him from the bench, and summer signing Riccardo Calafiori remaining an unused substitute. Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli started ahead of Leandro Trossard on the wing.
Two of these five players need to prove that they can work in combination in a manner that makes Arsenal more balanced as an attacking force this season.
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