Kai Havertz has spoken of his desire for Arsenal to get revenge on Aston Villa after opening his account in the Gunners' 2-0 home win over Wolves to kick off their 2024-25 Premier League season.
German striker Havertz scored the first goal in the 25th minute to put his team within three points of the game when Bukayo Saka fired in 16 minutes from time.
Arsenal's seventh consecutive win over Wolves was a more exciting moment for the hosts than their 2-0 defeat to Villa at the Emirates Stadium on April 14, which severely damaged their failed bid to catch Manchester City in last season's conference.
Villa, who finished fourth and will join Arsenal in the Uefa Champions League this season, are their opponents in their first away game of the campaign on August 24 (5.30pm BST).
Expect a big game next week ✊ pic.twitter.com/Wa4g4i7vz1
– Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 17, 2024
Aston Villa vs Arsenal
“We will be hungry to win this game, especially after last season,” said Havertz. “We will do everything to win it.
“We were happy in general with the pre-season, and we played well especially in the last two games [home wins over Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon]. That prepares you very well for the Premier League.”
Villa also started the season with a win in London, beating West Ham 2-1 at the London Stadium with goals from Amadou Onana and John Duran.
They first beat Arsenal 1-0 last December to end a four-game losing streak and will now look to stop Havertz from adding 10 goals and seven assists in 15 league games.
Back home in N5 with a win ❤️
Check out the highlights from today's 2-0 Wolves win 👇 pic.twitter.com/MoiWNQVPF9
– Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 17, 2024
Arsenal vs Wolves: Score a goal
Havertz set up a goal for Saka, who finished three more than himself as Arsenal's top scorer with 16 in 2023-24. “When he gets those balls in those places, you know he's a big threat,” said Havertz about the England player.
“He can put it anywhere you want. The timing of the ball and the running was good, so it was a good goal.”
The 25-year-old said Wolves pushed Arsenal, with Jorgen Strand Larsen going close when David Raya saved the Norwegian striker's header in the first half.
“We all felt that way after the final whistle,” thought Havertz. “The work was great, especially in the second half.
“We defended deep at times – so we're good, we're happy not to concede a goal and score two goals. It's a good result for us.”
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