Arsenal Beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 To Kick Off Premier League Season

Arsenal opened their Premier League campaign with a comfortable victory over Wolves at Emirates Stadium.

Kai Havertz headed in a first-half opener for the Gunners from Bukayo Saka’s right-wing cross, and the England forward added a second after the break with a powerful left-foot shot into the right corner after the visitors were caught off guard by a quick free-kick.

While Arsenal were far from their best, they were always in command of the game and earned their victory over determined opponents.

Jorgen Strand Larsen, making his Wolves debut, had his first-half header well saved by Arsenal custodian David Raya.

In a period when Wolves were chasing an equaliser, substitute Matheus Cunha should have done better with a tame effort straight at Raya.

Wolves manager Gary O’Neil, on the other hand, can not complain about the result, as his team created few clear-cut chances throughout the afternoon.

Prior to kickoff, the stadium paid a moving tribute to former Arsenal forward Kevin Campbell, who died at the age of 54 earlier this summer.

Campbell won four major trophies at the club and was a member of the 1990-91 championship team.

And Arsenal’s first goal was reminiscent of Campbell in his prime, with Havertz darting between two defenders and powering a header past Wolves custodian Jose Sa.

The Germany international’s industry posed a challenge for Wolves throughout the afternoon, though Arsenal’s best chances came from their constant pressing and some sloppy passing out of defence from the away side for much of the first half.

With the visitors struggling to break through the red and white shirts, Saka had two chances to make it a more profitable day in front of goal.

Martin Odegaard’s blistering long-range effort, tipped away by Sa, was their best effort in the second period, until Saka completed Arteta’s side’s season-opening victory.

Wolves have earned nearly £100 million from the sales of Max Kilman and Pedro Neto this summer.

However, based on this evidence, they will almost certainly need to reinvest additional funds before the summer transfer window closes on Friday, August 30.

While Norway international Strand Larsen, who joined on loan from Celta Vigo, had his first-half effort saved, fellow newcomer Rodrigo Gomes was relatively quiet on the wing.

Wolves’ attacking play lacked a cutting edge throughout, undermining their relatively healthy 47% possession.

O’Neil’s side created only three noteworthy chances, one of which was gifted to them by Raya and Gunners defender William Saliba, who passed the ball to Cunha on the edge of their own penalty area.

Wolves also covered about eight kilometres less than the hosts, and O’Neill will be aware that more application and guile are required in the months ahead.