Arsenal got their Premier League campaign off to a flying start with a 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
Kai Havertz headed home in the first half but Wolves came out strong after the break and threatened to equalise, only for Bukayo Saka to head home and steer Arsenal to the final whistle.
Declan Rice limped off in the final five minutes but sat straight on the bench, suggesting his withdrawal may not be anything to worry about.
How the game happened
Havertz went in behind the brilliant Martin Odegaard on nine minutes, but Mario Lemina was able to deny the German as he prepared to take a shot.
Ben White saw a long-range effort deflected wide, before Saka made 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 good defending from Wolves, a Gunners goal seemed inevitable, with the opener coming on 25 minutes. the campaign started well.
Ten minutes before the break, Wolves produced their best chance. Jorgen Strand Larsen looked set to head past David Raya, but the Gunners keeper produced a superb save to keep the ball out.
When the half-time whistle blew, Arsenal sat comfortably with 64% possession and ten shots on goal, compared to Wolves' three.
Havertz cut wide just after the restart when he should have done better, while Thomas Partey hit the post as Arsenal tried to stem the tide of pressure from the visitors.
Rayan Ait-Nouri's long-range strike whiffed as it curled into Raya's area. Mikel Arteta grew concerned about Wolves' progress and responded by replacing Jurrien Timber with Oleksandr Zinchenko with 20 minutes remaining.
Arsenal needed someone to step up and relieve the pressure and, as he always does, it was Saka who took the responsibility. The winger cut inside and smashed 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 secure their first win of the season.
Formation: 4-3-3
GK: David Raya – 7/10 – Not too busy but his save from Larsen's header late in the first half was excellent.
RB: Ben White – 6/10 – He is always busy defensively and doesn't always win his duels, but White's biggest impact came at the other end of the pitch, where his work in midfield was crucial to Arsenal's success.
CB: William Saliba – 7/10 – Comfortable in the back as he repels almost everything that comes towards his box.
CB: Gabriel – 7/10 – Excellent play with the ball at his feet. Short passes are smart and accurate in long runs.
LB: Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6/10 – Like White, he's played a really important role going forward, but his defensive work needs to improve if he's going to keep Calafiori out of the starting lineup.
DM: Thomas Partey – 6/10 – A regular Party performance that included both good and bad times. Perhaps not at his physical height as the tempo of the game was often slower around him, but the midfielder held his own technically.
CM: Declan Rice – 6/10 – The left side of the field was notably disappointing here. Rice may not have done too much wrong, but his slow movement and uninspired passing didn't help matters, although those around him on the wing didn't give him much support.
CM: Martin Odegaard – 7/10 – Some silky flicks and passes to get Arsenal ahead. Lead by example too.
RW: Bukayo Saka – 8/10 – Apparently hearing the first whistle. He drove at his defender at every opportunity and some of his crosses, including the opener for Havertz, were excellent. He stepped up to score when Arsenal needed him.
ST: Kai Havertz – 8/10 – He led the line well and was a good presence in the box. He kept his goal well and added an assist to Saka's strike.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli – 6/10 – The weakest link in every attack. Had the odd bright spell but played too safe at times, often passing back to Rice instead of going into the box.
What you are holding
SUB: Jurrien Timber (69' for Zinchenko) – 6/10
SUB: Leandro Trossard (80' for Saka) – N/A
SUB: Gabriel Jesus (85' for Rice) – N/A
Subs used: Aaron Ramsdale (GK), Riccardo Calafiori, Ethan Nwaneri, Jorginho, Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah
The manager
Mikel Arteta – 7/10 – Arsenal were dominant in the first half and, after seeing his side lose their footing, Arteta made the necessary changes to bring the game back into his favour.
Man of the Match: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
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