The number 7 participated in both goals and was a key player in the solid performance and victory in the Gunners’ debut
August 17
2024
– 14:16
(updated at 14:16)
Arsenal, the runner-up of the last Premier League, kicked off the 2024/2025 season with a 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton at the Emirates Stadium in London. Havertz and Saka scored the goals of the match. With this, the Gunners begin their quest for their first title in the competition in 21 years on the right foot.
The first half started with both teams studying each other in the initial five minutes. However, as time passed, Arsenal grew into the game, controlling the play and forcing goalkeeper José Sá to make important saves. The Gunners’ pressure paid off in the 24th minute when Havertz headed the ball into the net after a cross from Saka. After that, the Wolves managed to push forward but did not pose much of a threat. Toward the end, Arteta’s team was able to launch an attack but struggled with finishing.
In the second half, Mikel Arteta’s team experienced a drop in performance, allowing their opponent to gain more ground in the match, though without much danger to Raya’s goal. Even so, it was the Gunners who had the best chances and extended their lead with a beautiful goal from Saka. After that, the match became more comfortable.
FIRST HALF
At the start of the game, both teams looked to pass the ball to analyze each other. However, as time went on, Arsenal asserted themselves in the match and began to bombard the goal of Portuguese goalkeeper José Sá. Between the 17th and the 20th minute of the first half, the Wolves’ keeper made three saves to prevent the Gunners from scoring.
The deadlock did not last long as Mikel Arteta’s team opened the scoring in the air. In the 24th minute, Saka crossed from the left for Havertz, who arrived before Sá and touched the ball into the net. 1-0 to Arsenal.
After falling behind, Wolverhampton pushed more into attack, creating two chances in quick succession. First, in the 28th minute, after a set piece, Bellegarde took a free kick that went just over the crossbar. A few minutes later, after a cross from the right, Larsen headed the ball hard for a good save by Raya.
As time went by, the game lost intensity. Gary O’Neil’s team tried to go on the attack. While the Gunners had more possession, they made quick movements in the attacking field but lacked precision in their finishing. Despite the late pressure, Mikel Arteta’s team could not extend their lead and went into the second half with a narrow advantage.
SECOND HALF
The second half began with a slightly slower pace; Arsenal did not return with the same intensity as in the first, while the Wolves enjoyed more possession in the attacking half. Even so, it was the Gunners who had more attacking volume during this period. Havertz and Partey threatened but did not hit the target.
The Wolves spent more time in the attacking half but struggled to create clear chances. In their most dangerous opportunity, Raya saved a shot from Matheus Cunha. In the 22nd minute, after a mistake in ball distribution by Saliba, Nouri seized the ball and played it to the Brazilian striker, who shot directly at the Spanish goalkeeper.
After the scare, the Gunners improved in the game. In the 24th minute, Odegaard received the ball at the edge of the area and took a shot. However, José Sá saved it for a corner. Three minutes later, the story changed as Mikel Arteta’s team extended the score. Saka received the ball on the right and made an individual play. He moved to the middle and struck powerfully with his left foot to score the second and extend the lead. 2-0 to Arsenal.
After the second goal, the match became sluggish, and both coaches opted to make changes to their teams, resulting in little action. The home side had a drop in intensity, while the Wolves tried to break through with long balls but failed to bother Raya’s goal.
In the second half, referee Jared Gillet added five minutes of stoppage time. During the additional period, the Wolves mounted an attack that caused some alarm. In the 48th minute, after a mistake in ball distribution, Daniel Podence shot first time, prompting another great intervention from Raya. Following that, the match ended with a solid victory for the Gunners, who started their campaign for their first Premier League conquest in 20 years.
SCHEDULE
In the next round, Arsenal will face a tough challenge. They will play against Aston Villa at Villa Park Stadium in Birmingham next Saturday at 1:30 PM (Brasília time). Meanwhile, Wolverhampton will host Chelsea on Sunday at Molineux Stadium at 10:00 AM.