Arsenal kicked off their Premier League campaign with a commanding 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, courtesy of goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka. Mikel Arteta’s squad demonstrated the intensity and commitment needed to mount a serious title challenge this season, particularly after their near miss last year against Manchester City.
David Raya was named Player of the Match, and both Saka and Declan Rice contributed significantly to the team’s performance. All three players were just 34 days removed from their Euro 2024 final appearance with England, but they quickly made an impact for Arsenal, solidifying their title aspirations early in the season.
Ahead of the match, Manchester City will be without Rodri for their opener against Chelsea due to injury, while Phil Foden and Kyle Walker will be entering the match without any pre-season minutes. Meanwhile, Saka, Rice, and Raya have already played three matches since returning from the Euros.
“I’m not surprised,” Arteta said after the game, reflecting on his players’ mentality to quickly return from international duty. “That was their mindset right after the Euros final; they expressed that they wanted to be ready for the first game. After the summer, we discussed a plan, and they were eager to come back early to prepare.”
This summer has seen a significant shift in mentality at Arsenal, with Arteta taking many players not involved in the Euros or Copa America to Marbella for a pre-pre-season camp to get a head start. The urgency to perform has translated onto the pitch, evident in their recent matches at the Emirates.
In a 4-1 friendly victory over Bayer Leverkusen, Arsenal jumped to a 2-0 lead within just 10 minutes, showcasing their aggressive pressing style. They continued this trend by overpowering Lyon just days later, leading 2-0 after 26 minutes and stifling their opponents.
Against Wolves, the Gunners controlled the match, forcing the visitors into a defensive stance. Arteta remarked, “What I’ve seen is the willingness. Whether we’ll win the league or not remains to be seen, but we have to demonstrate that intensity every day in our play and the results we achieve.”
The electric atmosphere at the Emirates was palpable, a feeling noted by Wolves’ manager Gary O’Neil: “Everyone knows these Arsenal fans are sensing another title challenge, potentially their first in several years. This is an intimidating place.”
As for Manchester City, Pep Guardiola will work to get his squad ready, ensuring that Foden, Rodri, and Walker find their rhythm. However, Arsenal carries the emotional weight of their heartache from last season, especially the painful loss on the final day of the title race.
This season, Arsenal is fueled by determination, as evidenced by their eager return to action under Arteta. They don’t just want a title; they are hungry for it. Guardiola previously stated that Arsenal’s message about returning to challenge for years to come was clear, and now, the champions must confront a resolute Arsenal ready to make their mark.
Credit: Sky Sports
