BREAKING NEWS:Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira criticizes Mikel Arteta, saying he still has much to learn. He points out that the player Arteta wanted to sell last week was actually the standout performer in yesterday’s match against Wolves.

After finishing as runners-up in consecutive seasons and pushing Manchester City to the wire last year, Arsenal began this season with a strikingly familiar starting lineup. The only new face was Riccardo Calafiori, a £42 million Italian defender who remained on the bench, delaying his competitive debut.

Mikel Arteta, the club’s manager, appears confident that significant squad changes aren’t necessary for Arsenal to finally clinch the Premier League title next May. Despite minimal transfer activity over the summer, Arteta brushed aside suggestions that Arsenal needed a new striker, asserting that the club already boasts top-quality forwards.

However, Arsenal’s lack of a clinical finisher was evident for much of their opening match. Despite dominating possession and racking up 18 shots, they struggled to convert their chances. Arteta’s faith in his current squad, though, paid off—at least enough to secure a victory against a toothless Wolves side.

Kai Havertz’s mixed performance exemplified the team’s challenges. He was easily dispossessed early in the game and missed a promising opportunity after halftime. Yet, Havertz redeemed himself by bravely heading in a cross from Bukayo Saka to open the scoring.

Arsenal continued to create chances, with Saka, Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli, and Thomas Partey all coming close, but it was Saka’s second goal that sealed the win. His precise curling shot into the corner quelled the growing anxiety among the home fans.

Late in the match, Gabriel Jesus made a brief appearance, signaling his return from injury, while Eddie Nketiah, whose future at the club remains uncertain amid interest from other teams, and Leandro Trossard, who has also played as a central forward, remained on the bench. The presence of these options highlighted Arteta’s confidence in his squad’s depth.

Wolves, facing the typical summer upheaval that comes with their business model, were missing key players like Max Kilman and Pedro Neto, having sold them for nearly £100 million.

Their manager, Gary O’Neil, who recently signed a four-year contract, focused on building a defensively solid side, which managed to keep the game within reach due to Arsenal’s wastefulness.

Wolves’ few offensive moments, including a header by Jorgen Strand Larsen that forced a superb save from Arsenal’s David Raya, showed glimpses of potential. As Wolves grew into the match, the Emirates crowd grew tense, but Saka’s late strike ensured Arsenal’s season began with a hard-fought win.