LONDON: Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka scored as Arsenal comfortably beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 at home on Saturday to step up their challenge for the Premier League title.
It was not a comfortable performance in the summer sunshine but Mikel Arteta’s side, who were once again considered the most likely to stop Manchester City’s dominance, deserved the point.
The home side never looked completely comfortable when Havertz headed in a Saka cross in the 25th minute but Saka’s superb strike doubled their lead in the dying moments.
Wolves had chances with Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rodrigo Gomes both failing to trouble Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya when the score was 1–0.
“I’m really happy. In the first game you’re always unsure about how you’re going to respond,” Arteta said. “After 1-0 we had a moment when we weren’t in control, but after Saka’s goal we were very comfortable. The way the boys do their job is incredible, so I’m very happy.”
It is three months since Arsenal missed out on winning their first English title in 20 years in a thrilling home clash against Everton on the final day of the season – a 2-1 win that ultimately went in vain as City won their fourth consecutive title.
The atmosphere around the Emirates in north London couldn’t have been more relaxed this time around – both on and off the pitch, as Arsenal cruised to victory without much effort.
Wolves gave debuts to newcomers Jorgen Strand Larsen and Gomes, and played well-behaved visitors, keeping enough control of the ball but not posing any significant threat.
Arsenal, who have finished second behind City for the past two seasons, dominated the early stages and took the lead when Saka was given too much time to catch up to Havertz, who sent his header into the corner, leaving goalkeeper Jose Sa with no chance.
However, a sloppy start for Arsenal followed and Wolves came closest to equalising when Hwang Hee-chan’s cross was met by Larsson with a header which Raya saved well. Arsenal struggled after the break but the points were secured when Saka, Arsenal’s top league scorer last season and their most dangerous player on Saturday, cut in from the right and fired a left-footed shot past Sa.
“Saka is incredible. There are very few players like him in the world and he is still very young,” Havertz said.