- Arsenal striker Kai Havertz gave his team the edge over Wolves in what was a dominant match
- Coach Mikel Arteta praised Havertz’s adaptability and the squad’s growing confidence
- Despite the performance, Arsenal remains in the transfer market but is in no rush to make hasty decisions as Osimhen’s speculations continue
Arsenal began the game very decisively looking out for opportunities with patience and, after controlling the early play, they soon scored when Kai Havertz headed in a cross from Bukayo Saka.
At that point, it seemed like Arsenal would score a second goal almost immediately. However, Wolves began to improve and created some chances of their own.
Arsenal responded and scored a second goal when Havertz set up Saka, who fired the ball in at the near post.
The only downside to an almost perfect start to the season was Declan Rice limping off late in the game, possibly due to a calf injury.
We won, with a lot of positives - Arteta
The opening game of a new season can sometimes lead to frantic activity in the transfer market as clubs look to address exposed weaknesses. But Arsenal's composed 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, August 18 provided further proof that they might not need to scramble for an attacking addition after all.
Kai Havertz, who many questioned after a slow start last season, delivered a crucial goal within 25 minutes, heading home a brilliant cross from Bukayo Saka.
Originally expected to play mainly in midfield, Havertz has found his groove as a forward, justifying Arsenal’s £67.5 million investment. "It was great, the action [for the first goal]," said Arteta.
After losing out on preferred target Benjamin Sesko, who renewed his contract with RB Leipzig, Arsenal has remained judicious in the market. While still exploring signings like Mikel Merino and Nico Williams and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen their measured win over Wolves suggests they can afford to continue with their calculated approach.
Wolves pushed for an equalizer, but Saka’s trademark finish in the 74th minute ensured Arsenal’s victory. Standout performances from David Raya, Saka, and Declan Rice, who returned early from Euro 2024, highlighted Arsenal’s depth and readiness.
Arteta emphasised the players’ commitment, saying, "They wanted to come back and be here early.
“A lot of positives to take from the game. I thought, especially in the first half, we had a really strong performance, created a lot of situations, and conceded a big chance, that’s true. Overall, with the 1-0 it wasn’t enough and credit to Wolves, they put some pressure [on us].
“They forced us into two easy giveaways, especially in the middle of the park, they created a bit of uncertainty for the team, and when we were in that moment, Bukayo creates an unbelievable moment to score the second one.
“If you want to become a top, top team, then you need to be consistent in winning and have to find ways [to win] and we certainly did that in the second half.
“In the Premier League, you have to fight and dig in, and every game is a nightmare, and you have to be very clear with that. Today, we played a really good opponent - look at the players that they brought on in the second half. So, you really have to earn it, and we have earned it. We won, we take a lot of positives, we move,” he added.
Victor Osimhen's potential transfer to Arsenal appears to be in doubt after Arteta emphasized the need for improvement in midfield control and playing out from the back but made no mention of strengthening the forward line in his post match interview after Wolves win.
This omission, coupled with Kai Havertz’s impressive performance, where he not only scored but also assisted, raises questions about whether Arsenal is still prioritising the Nigerian international forward, Victor Osimhen.
With Havertz showing his ability to deliver in key moments, Arteta might feel less urgency to bolster the attacking position, putting Osimhen’s move to North London in serious jeopardy.
As they prepare for a tough trip to Aston Villa, Arsenal can continue their transfer business from a position of strength rather than urgency.
Transfer round-up: Issues surrounding Arsenal’s new signing, Riccardo Calafiori
Previously, TheRadar reported that Arsenal fans have been well over the moon following the announcement of their latest signing.
They are now more confident than before that the club is headed in the right direction after the transfer completion of Spanish goalkeeper, David Raya and former Bologna defender, Riccardo Calafiori.
