Arsenal kick-off the new Premier League season with the arrival of Wolves and Gary O’Neil as they will hope to repeat the double again over a side that produced some tenacious challenges to Mikel Arteta over the years. A comfortable start to the title challenge is what fans will be hoping for.
Jurrien Timber is back in training although Takehiro Tomiyasu is out and will be for several weeks according to Arteta. Riccardo Calafiori is available for selection although whether he starts is still up in the air after an impressive pre-season from Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Wins over Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon in two Emirates Stadium friendlies allowed the Gunners to build momentum ahead of the Premier League’s return. With the likes of Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester City to come in the first five games, all away from home, that succession of victories will be key if Arteta’s hopes of a strong start are to come true.
Kai Havertz was used both in midfield and up top and seeing where he features remains something of a question. Meanwhile, this is one of just two games that will be played before the transfer window slams shut with concerns growing over prospective business.
Tom Canton and Kaya Kaynak are at the Emirates Stadium to bring all the build-up to this afternoon’s game. Updates and team news to follow…
KEY EVENTS
Player ratings
Kai Havertz outstanding today. He’s my MOTM. Bukayo Saka made the difference in moments in the way the best players do too. Thomas Partey’s display left a little to be desired however.
Read Kaya Kaynak’s full Arsenal player ratings here.
