'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Arsenal secured a straightforward 2-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, August 17.
With expectations weighing heavy on their shoulders after finishing runners-up in the last two seasons, Mikel Arteta's men were keen to make a positive start to this campaign. They started this game well, maintaining a slow and calculated approach to break Wolves down. As in the past, most of their creative outlet came from the right flank.
Bukayo Saka proved to be the star for the Gunners in their season-opener, running rings around the Wolves defence, causing problems for Rayan Ait Nouri and Toti Gomes. He provided an assist for Kai Havertz to nod in Arsenal's first goal of the match and the season in the 25th minute.
The same, however, could not be said about Arsenal's left flank. Gabriel Martinelli looked fit and raring to go but lacked the creative output as he looks to get back into full stride. Their midfield, too, had a fairly slow game as they get back into the groove of regular football.
Bukayo Saka put the seal on the result in the 74th minute with a thumping effort following an assist from Havertz. The winger received the ball and beat his marker with a sharp touch before rifling the ball past Jose Sa.
Arsenal held on and kickstarted their new Premier League season with a 2-0 win. On that note, let's take a look at their player ratings.
Note: Stats and figures are taken from Sofascore as displayed at the time of publishing.
Arsenal Player Ratings
David Raya - 7.5/10
Brought in to solidify the goalkeeping role, Raya has done exactly that as he put in another composed performance between the sticks, with an acrobatic save to deny Jorgen Strand Larsen the highlight of his performance.
Benjamin White - 6.5/10
Still early doors, White looked a bit off the pace in this game as he lost most of his duels and was a bit late in making his trademark overlaps.
William Saliba - 7.5/10
Saliba used his towering presence to make defending look easy as he won seven of his eight duels, making three clearances and four total tackles.
Gabriel Magalhaes - 7.5/10
Gabriel was solid at the back as well, reading the game before danger struck to make decisive defensive actions. He won three duels, making three clearances and one interception as well.
Oleksandr Zinchenko - 7/10
The Ukrainian had a decent overall game for Arsenal but often found himself commit silly fouls and was lucky to escape a booking.
Martin Odegaard - 7/10
The Arsenal captain had a decent game as he passed the ball with 88% accuracy, including two key passes, and also won five duels.
Thomas Partey - 7.5/10
Partey showed his importance to this Gunners team as he put in a strong display. He distributed the ball with 89% accuracy, including four key passes. He also won six duels.
Declan Rice - 7/10
Rice had a decent game for the most part but seemed to cramp up in the latter stages and had to be replaced.
Bukayo Saka - 8.5/10
Saka was the best player on the pitch by a country-mile. He scored one goal and provided an assist as well. Saka attempted five shots, with three on target. He also played five key passes and won four duels.
Kai Havertz - 8/10
Havertz had a decent game as he attempted five shots and scored with the only one on target. He also provided an assist for Saka's goal.
Gabriel Martinelli - 7.5/10
Despite not being able to do much on the ball, Martinelli off-the-ball contribution was noteworthy. He won nine duels and also played three key passes.
Substitutes
Jurrien Timber - 6.5/10
Timber came on in the 70th minute of the match and put in a decent performance. He had one penalty shout against him which was quickly waived off by the officials.
Leandro Trossard - 6.5/10
Usually brought on to play on the left wing, Trossard replaced Saka in what looks to be a much-needed game management move from Mikel Arteta to protect his players.
Gabriel Jesus - 6.5/10
Jesus caused chaos as soon as set foot onto the pitch and looked like a breath of fresh air with the ball at his feet.
