Bukayo Saka put in a stellar performance to ensure Arsenal’s bid to finally win the Premier League title got off to a great start as they ran out 2-0 winners against Wolves in their opening game of the season. The England man was a nuisance from the beginning until the end and his efforts paid dividends as he got a goal and an assist to power his team to three points.
The Gunners had a lively start, dominating possession but struggling to break through the deep defensive block of their opponents. With Saka and Havertz looking particularly bright in the early stages, though, it seemed only a matter of time before they would break the deadlock.
They did not have to wait too long, either, as it was the English and German forwards who linked up with Saka sending a cross into the box for Havertz to divert home from close range after 25 minutes, and Arsenal’s dominance grew in the wake of that strike.
Wolves should have been reduced to 10 men early in the second-half when Yerson Mosquera put his hand around the throat of Havertz on the ground but the defender somehow escaped punishment. From then on, there was an air of frustration around Arsenal as the half wore on, with Wolves looking more brave and the home team being too wasteful.
Trust in Saka, then, to rise to the occasion, as he cut inside to create the space against his man and lash it into the net to make it 2-0 – fittingly, it was Havertz who played the ball to him in return of the earlier favour.
Goalkeeper & Defence
David Raya (7/10):
Pulled off a fantastic save to deny Jurgen Strand Larsen from equalising in the 36th minute, then rescued Saliba with a second-half stop.
Ben White (6/10):
Got high up, had two shots in the first 15 minutes and was sound overall.
William Saliba (6/10):
It looked like normal service resumed for the immovable rock… but then he went and put a chance on a plate for Matheus Cunha.
Gabriel (7/10):
Put in some quality clearances as he swept up to prevent Wolves from making clear chances.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10):
Useful on the ball as he pushed up on the left to offer support to Martinelli.
Midfield
Declan Rice (6/10):
A bit sloppy and too casual defensively. His passing was safe but not the influential figure Arsenal fans have come to expect.
Thomas Partey (7/10):
Put in great effort to win the ball with his tackles and quick reactions. His passing was sound and he got forward a lot, but occasionally left too much space behind him.
Martin Odegaard (7/10):
Attack
Bukayo Saka (8/10):
Lively right from the beginning. He showed determination to win the ball high up the field and quickly turn it into an Arsenal attack. His cross for the opener was perfect and he got a devilish goal of his own.
Kay Havertz (7/10):
Combined wonderfully with Saka and did a great job to rise up and head in the opener. Despite his movement and positioning, though, he was just too wasteful again.
Gabriel Martinelli (6/10):
Saw enough of the ball but couldn’t get things going on the left wing despite his best efforts. Looked better in the second half but still unable to make the difference.
Subs & Manager
Jurrien Timber (6/10):
Finally made his return and was determined to give Gunners fans something to cheer with an early shot and a promising run right away.
Leandro Trossard (5/10):
On for the last 10 minutes and didn’t have much opportunity to affect the game.
Gabriel Jesus (N/A):
Brought on late as the game had slowed down.
Mikel Arteta (7/10):
He got his team selection and setup right as Arsenal were on top throughout, while bringing Timber on seemed to help provide an extra jolt as his team were perhaps waning, and they soon went on to seal the win through star man Saka.
