News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/18th August 2024
Arsenal began their Premier League title campaign with a strong performance, securing a 2-0 victory over Wolves at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. The win was marked by goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, setting a promising tone for Mikel Arteta’s squad as they aim to challenge Manchester City’s dominance.
Kai Havertz, the German forward, opened the scoring for Arsenal in the first half, capitalizing on a precise cross from Bukayo Saka. Saka, the England winger, then sealed the win with a powerful strike after the break, ensuring that Arsenal took all three points from the match.
This emphatic start to the season was crucial for Arsenal, especially after Arteta acknowledged the need for near perfection to overcome Manchester City’s four-year reign as champions. Despite a record-breaking performance in the 2023/24 season, where Arsenal won more games than ever before, they fell just short of the title, finishing two points behind City and settling for the runner-up position for the second consecutive year.
Arsenal’s last Premier League title was achieved during Arsène Wenger’s legendary ‘Invincibles’ season of 2003-04, and the near-misses since then have only intensified their drive for success. Arteta, known for his innovative and sometimes unconventional approach, has continued to fuel this ambition. In a unique move, he organized a session with professional pickpockets during the close-season to teach his squad the importance of vigilance and attention to detail, both on and off the pitch.
Despite Arteta’s tactics and a promising start, the challenge of dethroning Manchester City remains formidable. Arteta has refrained from signing a high-profile striker, a position many believe is crucial for Arsenal’s title aspirations. His significant close-season acquisition was Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori, who was named only as a substitute. There have been links to Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino, but as of now, no new signings have been confirmed.
The match against Wolves showcased Arsenal’s dominance, with the team quickly asserting themselves. Ben White’s deflected shot was well saved by Wolves’ goalkeeper Jose Sa, and Saka’s subsequent attempt also required a sharp stop from Sa. Arsenal’s pressure eventually paid off in the 25th minute when Saka’s cross found Havertz, who headed home with precision.
Wolves, who struggled to create chances, were briefly stirred into action by Havertz’s goal. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s long-range attempt went just over, and Jorgen Strand Larse’s header was saved by Arsenal’s David Raya. Arsenal continued to dominate, with Declan Rice’s flick leading to a near miss by Gabriel Martinelli, and a close attempt from Havertz.
After the interval, Arsenal remained assertive, with Havertz narrowly missing with a chip and Thomas Partey shooting just wide. Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri also came close with a 25-yard strike that went past the post. Despite a few shaky moments, Arsenal held their composure, and Martin Odegaard’s effort was pushed out by Sa before Saka’s decisive strike in the 74th minute.
Arsenal’s victory over Wolves is a promising start to their title quest, demonstrating their intent and readiness to challenge for the Premier League crown.
