Evening Standard
·18 August 2024
Arsenal player ratings vs Wolves: Bukayo Saka razor sharp as Martin Odegaard pulls strings
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Evening Standard
·18 August 2024
Gunners up and running after 2-0 victory
Arsenal kicked off their season with a 2-0 victory over Wolves at Emirates Stadium.
Bukayo Saka was the star of the show, with the winger setting up Arsenal’s opening goal before scoring their second.
Kai Havertz put Arsenal ahead in the first-half and Saka scored the Gunners’ second with just over 15 minutes to go.
Arsenal looked solid at the back, although David Raya made one brilliant save to keep out Jorgen Strand Larsen when the game was at 1-0.
Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action...
David Raya 8
Made a stunning save to keep out Larsen’s header just before half-time. A faultless performance, so neat and tidy.
Ben White 7
Such a consistent performer last season and picked up where he left off with his display. Tried his luck with a few long-range shots.
William Saliba 6
Largely very good, but almost gifted Wolves an equaliser when he played the ball straight to Matheus Cunha. Larsen also ran off him for his big chance that was saved by Raya.
Gabriel 7
Solid performance from the Brazilian, who gave Wolves’ attack very little. The better of Arsenal’s two centre-backs.
Oleksandr Zinchenko 7
A good performance from the Ukrainian, who earned this start after decent form in pre-season. Created a few chances when overlapping Martinelli.
A lot of Arsenal’s best play came through their captain. Combined well with Saka and unlucky not to come away with a goal or assist.
Martin Odegaard caused Wolves problems as Arsenal claimed a 2-0 victory
AFP via Getty Images
Thomas Partey 6
Fluctuated between some great moments and some poor ones. Guilty of giving the ball away too easily at times.
Declan Rice 7
Played in the No8 role and missed one good chance just inside the box. Covered so much ground, as always, and did good work off the ball.
Bukayo Saka 9 | Star man
Looked so sharp, especially in the first-half, despite not having a full pre-season. Setup the opening goal with a great cross, before scoring the second with a good finish.
Kai Havertz 8
Took his goal well by heading home Saka’s cross. Link-play was typically good, but missed a good chance early in the second-half to make it 2-0.
Kai Havertz opened the scoring for Arsenal
AFP via Getty Images
Gabriel Martinelli 7
Looked a lot more like himself after a difficult season last year. Created a few good chances by beating his full-back.
Substitutions
Jurrien Timber (Zinchenko 69’) 6
A bright cameo from the Dutchman. Looked great going forward.
Leandro Trossard (Saka 80’) N/A
Gabriel Jesus (Rice 85’) N/A
Subs not used: Ramsdale, Calafiori, Jorginho, Nwaneri, Nelson and Nketiah