New Delhi: The premier league 2024/25 season has taken off and it’s the last season’s runners-up were taking on Wolverhampton Wanderers as both the sides were looking to make a strong start to their respective campaigns. Mikel Arteta needed a confident start, as the Gunners, frustratingly fell short in the previous two campaigns to win their first English title since 2003/04 campaign, when they lifted their 13th English title.
However, it has already been a long wait for the Gunners, and more frustrating is the fact that they were extremely close to end that drought last season. The Gunners had won 16 of their first 18 games in the top division in 2024, but they suffered a heavy setback to Aston Villa in a pivotal match. Riccardo Calafiori has strengthened a defense that allowed just 29 goals in the league the previous season.
On the other hand, Wolves were looking to put better performances than their previous season as they had a disappointing campaign last time around, finishing 14th in the table. Wolves were looking to end the 2023–24 season on a better note than how it ended, having dropped points in five of their final six Premier League games.
The West Midlands team will face Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Liverpool in their first six games, so they need have their job cut out for them. During the off-season, star player Pedro Neto and captain Max Kilman left Molineux. Gary O’Neil led his squad to the Emirates, where Wolves had won only once in their previous 13 league outings.
How did the match shape
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Kai Havertz of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Emirates Stadium on August 17, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal looked threatening from the very beginning of the game as they had a few good chances to take the lead. Ben White concluded Arsenal’s first prolonged period of pressure with a long-range, deflected shot on target. However, Jose Sa could preserve it easily as the shot didn’t quite cause any sort of trouble for the Portuguese keeper. Subsequently, Saka escaped and tucked in a low effort that the Wolves keeper lunged on to as he kept his side in the game.
However, the first goal came in the 25th minute of the game as it was Saka who bursted into the scene from the wing, floating in a cross that was met by Kai Havertz who headed the ball for Arsenal’s opening goal of this campaign, timing his run to perfection. It was a brilliant goal by the Gunners as Wolves were already looking like they had a mountain to climb, considering the depth in Arsenal’s backline. The first half saw Arsenal maintaining the lead and carrying it into the second half.
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 07: Kai Havertz of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal with team mate Bukayo Saka during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Emirates Stadium on August 07, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal kept up their good play from the previous season as Saka and Havertz combined to give them a 1-0 lead at the Emirates against a more subdued Wolves team. The visitors had gotten off to a very strong start, but Havertz’s header in the 25th minute gave their hosts the upper hand in possession.
Wolves looked much more threatening in the second half but they just couldn’t find a response. Cunha wasted a fantastic opportunity to tie the score after the substitute striker was found free to fire from the edge of the box after Raya and Saliba gave up control at the back. But Raya comfortably collected the flimsy effort in the center of his goal.
However, Wolves were further made to pay for their clumsiness in front of the Arsenal goal as the duo of Bukayo Saka and Havertz combined yet again, but this time it was Saka who fired a wonderful shot from the right flank to beat Sa to make it 2-0 for Arsenal. It was a wonderful goal from the English winger, giving the Gunners a strong start to the 2024/25 campaign.
However, things are looking good for Mikel Arteta’s side as they managed to pull off a good shift against a stubborn Wolves side. However, they need to keep this pressure on other big sides as if they manage to carry the same form consistently, we might just be looking at the next premier league champions. As for Wolves, they do deserve some praise for their bravery, but they were wasteful in front of the goal which could prove a major factor for them.
Arsenal kick their campaign off with an impressive victory against Wolves. It was the duo of Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz that did the job for Arsenal as they get the best possible start of the game. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
