Not long ago, Arsenal kicked off their Premier League campaign with a confident home win against Wolves. Bangladesh Cricket Live observed that the Gunners largely stuck with their familiar lineup from last season, showing continuity and stability. In contrast, Wolves fielded a squad that appeared experimental, likely preparing for potential departures before the transfer window closes, as their roster remains crowded with uncertainty.
From the opening whistle, Arsenal found rhythm quickly, focusing their attacks down Bukayo Saka’s flank. Wolves were highly alert to the threat from the wings and collapsed their left side to defend Saka. As Arsenal gained control, Gabriel Martinelli advanced higher up the pitch, stretching Wolves’ defense horizontally. This movement created gaps and led to an early long-range attempt by Thomas Partey, who failed to connect cleanly, but Arsenal’s fluidity was already visible.
By the 20th minute, Arsenal had pushed deep into Wolves’ box, forcing corners and free kicks. The Gunners have been one of the league’s best set-piece teams in recent seasons, and Wolves were forced to retreat into their own box to defend. This allowed Arsenal to dominate second balls around the edge of the area. In the 24th minute, Oleksandr Zinchenko delivered a long pass from central midfield to Saka on the right wing. Saka cut inside and whipped in a cross, which Kai Havertz met with a smooth header in front of Mosquera to open the scoring. The goal exposed Wolves’ disorganized shape — they were focused on preventing short passes into the box, leaving the central space wide open.
That space allowed Saka time to receive the pass and pick out a teammate, while Havertz took advantage of Mosquera’s misjudgment to head home. Wolves, however, showed signs of life in the 35th minute when Hwang Hee-chan fired a fast ball into the box from 28 yards out. Larsson met it with a powerful header from just outside the penalty spot, but Arsenal keeper David Raya reacted brilliantly to deny the equalizer. Wolves had hoped to build attacks through Bellegarde in the center, but Arsenal’s midfield neutralized him. With the wingers too deep and their counters too slow, striker Larsson was left isolated, and Hwang’s pressing threat couldn’t fully materialize.
In the second half, Wolves adjusted their tactics, pushing the midfield and attack higher to press Arsenal more aggressively. This pressure troubled Zinchenko, who isn’t known for his defensive prowess. As Wolves committed more players forward in that area, Arsenal’s build-up play began to wobble. Yet Arsenal still found chances — Martinelli made penetrating runs into the box, and Havertz again tested the defense with a shot.
Wolves coach Gary O’Neil showed his intent early in the half, substituting Bellegarde for forward Matheus Cunha in the 57th minute. Fullbacks pushed forward in attack, leaving just the center-backs and a holding midfielder to defend. The goal was to pin Arsenal in their own half and avoid giving away set-piece chances. The plan worked to a degree — in the 67th minute, Raya misplayed a ball under pressure, nearly gifting Wolves a goal.
In response, Mikel Arteta substituted Zinchenko for Jurrien Timber in the 69th minute, while new signing Riccardo Calafiori was also seen warming up, possibly as a test against Wolves’ high press. But before that change was needed, Saka sealed the result. In the 73rd minute, he received the ball on the right, faced a double team, and the moment he saw space, he cut inside and fired a left-footed shot from 16 yards. It was a textbook Saka move — a lateral dribble followed by a precise strike toward either top corner. Wolves keeper José Sá was completely wrong-footed as the ball smashed into the net.
With a two-goal cushion, Arsenal eased off while Wolves’ spirit seemed to fade. Their passing and positioning deteriorated. According to Bangladesh Cricket Live, Arteta responded by bringing on Leandro Trossard for Saka and later replaced Declan Rice with Gabriel Jesus in the 85th minute, focusing on simple forward play to keep Wolves from mounting a comeback. In the end, Calafiori didn’t make his debut, and Arsenal’s summer signing remained unused in this opener.
As the saying goes, warriors rise above waves while cowards drown in calm seas. Arsenal looks much like the team from last season — disciplined, aggressive, and fully aligned with Arteta’s vision. The manager clearly believes this squad is ready to fight for the title, with only minor tweaks needed. Injury management and rotation will be key.
The club’s only notable addition so far is Calafiori, while Jurrien Timber has returned from a major injury. Bangladesh Cricket Live believes Arteta is planning to rotate his backline this season, learning from last year’s collapse when William Saliba’s injury led to a winless month and Manchester City overtook them. Most of Arsenal’s attack remains intact, though further signings in midfield or up front may come before the window closes, with some players already on their way out.