Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta led team to a 2-0 win over Wolves at the Emirates Stadium to start the Premier League season in style.

In Arsenal’s first game of the 2024–25 season, Kai Havertz scored the first goal in the first half.

Arteta’s team was hard for Wolves to handle. They picked up where they left off last season with a well-deserved three points to start the season.

Havertz scored the team’s first goal of the season by expertly hitting Bukayo Saka’s cross into the box from the right side past Jose Sa.

The England player then dealt a blow to the guests just as the game started to turn around by taking a fake goal and making it 2-0 to Arsenal.

After a year off, Jurrien Timber returned to competitive play on a day that will be remembered by all who were there.

Here’s how the players did against Wolves at the Emirates.

Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images

Arsenal player ratings vs Wolves

David Raya – 6.5

Raya was more than ready to go when he was told to. He made an amazing save to stop Jorgen Strand Larsen in the first half and then held Wolves off in the second.

Ben White – 6.5

White started the new season the same way he finished the old one: by doing a great job supporting Saka on the right side of defense. Always wanted to get something done and worked quickly to get things done.

William Saliba – 6

The day wasn’t as exciting for Saliba as it was for those in attack, just like it was for Raya. The center-back was sure of himself, cool, and collected when needed. It’s very important that he can read the game that way.

Gabriel Magalhaes – 6

Like his partner in central defense, Gabriel was strong when he had to be. He was also as clean as ever and had a good handle on the threat Wolves were trying to make.

Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6

Zinchenko always looked to make something happen however, it wasn’t always useful. The Ukrainian caused some anxiety as his progressive thinking jeopardised his defensive positioning.

Declan Rice – 6.5

After making the move to Arsenal, many questioned if Rice could make the next step and provide going forward. The midfielder is thriving under Arteta in that department, which he showed through his activity in front of goal against Wolves.

Thomas Partey – 5.5

It’s clear why Arteta is hoping to sign Mikel Merino this summer as the only frailty coming from Arsenal’s midfield was Partey. The Ghanaian lost control several times in the second half and failed to limit the danger.

Martin Odegaard – 8

Not only is Odegaard a leader and a magician with the ball at his feet, but the Arsenal skipper is one of the hardest workers in the squad. The midfielder pressed tirelessly and made things happen out of nothing.

Bukayo Saka – 9

A goal and an assist on the opening day capped off a sensational performance from Saka. It’s difficult to believe that the Englishman had a limited pre-season due to his participation at the Euros. Set Havertz up delightfully and finished his goal ruthlessly, when he’s at his best there are very few better.

Kai Havertz – 8

Havertz pressed high and was meaningful with every movement on the ball, he linked so well with Saka and scored an expertly taken goal.

Gabriel Martinelli – 5

It’s clear that Martinelli means well however, the Brazilian looked very indecisive when it counted. On several occasions during the game, the winger made the wrong call and rarely caused Wolves problems.

Substitutes

Jurrien Timber – 6.5

Explosive pace and a clear goal to be direct. Timber appears to be so much stronger than Zinchenko on the left side and left many happy with his cameo after spending so much time away from the action.

Leandro Trossard – 6

Came on to replace Saka on the right which was a decision that surprised many, introduced late on.

Gabriel Jesus – 6.5

Looked lively as soon as he came on the pitch, so direct and so difficult to dispossess when at full pace.