Arsenal issues bold statement by defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0, sending a warning to Manchester City

LONDON – Arsenal have emerged as strong contenders to challenge Manchester City for the English Premier League title this season. Mikel Arteta's team kicked off their campaign with a confident 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at home on Aug 17.

Goalscorer Kai Havertz told : “We can be happy but there was some room to improve.

“The first 20 minutes were good. We had good chances. We then lost a bit of control of the game and our press didn’t work.”

The Gunners know that a strong start to the season is key and their first big chance came as early as the 15th minute, when Bukayo Saka was allowed time in the box to hit a promising strike towards the bottom right corner.

Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa, however, was equal to it and denied the winger with a fine save.

The first half continued in the same manner, with Arsenal pressing and increasing the pressure on their opponents and Saka being the hub of the team’s attacking play.

The opener came in the 25th minute, as Havertz jumped highest to connect with a perfect cross from Saka and place a close-range header past the helpless Sa.

While the Gunners were in control of the game, they had to be alert in defence as well.

Shortly before half-time, goalkeeper David Raya – signed on a permanent deal in the summer – pulled off a fantastic save from Jorgen Strand Larsen following a precise cross into the box.

After the break, Havertz had a chance to make it two in the 51st minute but the German forward fired a weak shot well wide when he was free inside the box.

Another chance for the Gunners came seven minutes later, but Thomas Partey’s low shot from the edge of the box sailed wide of the post.

Gary O’Neil’s Wolves side came close to an equaliser in the 62nd minute, when Rayan Ait-Nouri smashed the ball towards goal from outside the box and it only just failed to hit the target.

At this point, as Arsenal struggled to increase their lead, Arteta stood on the touchline looking concerned, while there were also nervous faces among the crowd at the Emirates.

The Arsenal boss then opted to introduce Jurrien Timber – back from a lengthy injury layoff – for just his fourth Arsenal appearance to bolster the defence.

It was in attack that more firepower was needed, however, and captain Martin Odegaard nearly scored in the 70th minute but his shot was palmed out for a corner kick.

The second goal finally came four minutes later, much to the relief of the home fans, as the 22-year-old Saka pounced on a loose ball inside the box and beat Sa with a brilliant shot to calm Arsenal’s nerves.

Said Havertz: “Saka is unbelievable. There are not a lot of players like him on the planet and he is still so young. He can get better.

“It is very rare to see a young player like this perform every week at the highest level.”

With a two-goal cushion and time running out, the Gunners held on for the vital three points as they await City’s clash with Chelsea on Aug 18.