Arsenal’s Premier League title aspirations and their need for a new striker are two debates that continue to divide opinion. While both sides have valid arguments, one thing is certain – Bukayo Saka will play a pivotal role in determining the Gunners’ fate this season.

Saka’s sublime cross, which assisted Kai Havertz’s opener, and his individual goal later in the game, showcased his importance to the team. Despite Arsenal’s patchy performance, Saka’s brilliance ensured they secured a winning start to the season.

The Gunners’ display was not without its flaws, with Thomas Partey’s tendency to give the ball away in dangerous areas a cause for concern. However, Arteta’s side managed to secure three points, which is all that matters at this stage.

Bukayo Saka shone as Arsenal go their Premier League season off to a winning start on Saturday afternoon

The Gunners winger curled in from the edge of the box to double his side’s lead in the second half of the game

Kai Haveretz, playing up front, opened the scoring for Mikel Arteta’s side in the first half

Despite the concerns surrounding Partey’s performances, Saka’s individual brilliance and the contributions of signings like Havertz and Raya ensured Arsenal secured a vital three points.

MATCH FACTS 

Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko (Timber 69), Partey, Rice (Jesus 85), Odegaard, Saka (Trossard 80), Havertz, Martinelli

Subs not used: Ramsdale, Calafiori, Jorginho, Nelson, Nwaneri, Trossard

Booked: Saka, Jesus

Manager: Mikel Arteta

Wolves (4-2-3-1): Sa, Doherty, Mosquera, Toti, Ait-Nouri (Dawson 84), Lemina, Joao Gomes (Sarabia 84), Hwang, Rodrigo Gomes (Podence 75), Bellegarde (Cunha 57), Strand Larsen (Chiquinho 84)

Subs not used: Bentlet, Bueno, Doyle, Guedes

Booked: Toti, Joao Gomes

Manager: Gary O’Neil

Referee: Jarred Gillett 

Saka’s display was a timely reminder of his importance to the team, and Arteta will be hoping he can maintain this level of performance throughout the season.

The winger’s ability to create chances and score goals will be crucial if Arsenal are to mount a serious title challenge.

Havertz and Raya also impressed, with the former getting on the scoresheet and the latter making a crucial intervention to deny Wolves a goal.

Arteta was out in his technical area after just a couple of minutes following a slow start

Declan Rice was also back for Arsenal, playing 85 minutes in his first game since the Euros final

While there are still areas for improvement, Arsenal’s winning start to the season is a positive step towards their title ambitions.

With Saka leading the charge, the Gunners will be hoping to build on this momentum and mount a serious challenge to Manchester City’s dominance.