• Arsenal secure 2-0 win over Wolves in Premier League opener
  • Havertz & Saka netted either side of half-time
  • Riccardo Calafiori an unused substitute

Arsenal got their Premier League campaign off to a strong start with a 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

Kai Havertz headed home in a dominant first half but Wolves came out strong after the break and threatened to equalise, only for Bukayo Saka to crash home and steer Arsenal through to the final whistle.

Declan Rice limped off in the final five minutes but took a seat straight on the bench, suggesting his withdrawal may not be anything to worry about.

How the game unfolded

Havertz got in behind following a glorious Martin Odegaard flick nine minutes in, but Mario Lemina just about managed to deny the German as he prepared to pull the trigger.

Ben White saw a long-range effort deflected, before Saka weaved his way into an inch of space and tested Jose Sa with a low strike that stung the gloves of the Wolves stopper.

Arsenal's pressure was relentless and, despite some impressive Wolves defending, a Gunners goal seemed inevitable, and the opener came 25 minutes in. Saka's cross into the box was perfect and landed right on the head of Havertz, who provided the finish needed to get this campaign off to the perfect start.

Ten minutes before the break, Wolves produced an excellent chance of their own. Jorgen Strand Larsen looked destined to thump a header of his own beyond David Raya, but the Gunners goalkeeper produced a sensational save to keep the ball out.

When the half-time whistle blew, Arsenal sat comfortably at 64% possession and ten shots on goal, compared to Wolves' three.

Havertz sliced wide shortly after the restart when he really should have done better, and Thomas Partey struck past the post as Arsenal tried to put an abrupt end to a wave of pressure from the visitors.

Rayan Ait-Nouri's strike from distance caused a sharp inhale of breath as it fizzed wide of Raya's post. Mikel Arteta grew visibly concerned at the improvement from Wolves and responded by replacing Oleksandr Zinchenko with Jurrien Timber with 20 minutes to go.

Arsenal needed somebody to step up and alleviate the pressure and, as he always does, it was Saka who took the responsibility. The winger cut inside and crashed the ball beyond Sa into the back of the net to put Arsenal back on top.

Wolves' ambition faded as the deficit grew, allowing Arsenal to pick up the first win of many this season.

Arsenal player ratings vs Wolves

Formation: 4-3-3