3 positives & negatives from Arsenal's opening weekend win over Wolves

Arsenal kicked off their 2024/25 Premier League campaign in style with a 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Mikel Arteta's side started on the front foot and looked comfortable in the game from the get-go - as Wolves were forced to defend deep in their own half.

In the 25th minute, Arsenal's efforts were rewarded when Bukayo Saka floated a beautiful cross to the middle of the six-yard box where Kai Havertz rose highest to head home beyond the reach of Jose Sá, opening the scoring for the Gunners.

Gary O'Neil's side put up a much better showing in the second half, but it was Arsenal who scored the only other goal in the contest. Saka finished in signature fashion to put the win beyond doubt in the 74th minute.

The win signalled a perfect start to the season for Arsenal, and a clean sheet will instil confidence ahead of a difficult run of fixtures.

After months of speculation and guesswork over the summer, a lot was learnt in yesterday's win, so here are three positives and negatives from the game.

Positive #1: New season, same Saka

This weekend may well be the return of the Premier League to most but, to Arsenal fans, it is the return of the Saka show - and the 22-year-old star did not disappoint against Wolves.

His cross to set up Havertz's opening goal was a thing of beauty, and something that is becoming increasingly common in his game, while his trademark goal to kill off the game gave a stark reminder of just how good, and important, he is.

This should come as no surprise, however, given his 20 goals and 13 assists in all competitions last season, but it is clear that Arsenal's priority has to be keeping their 'star boy' fit this season.

Negative #1: Kiwior exit looking likely

Jakub Kiwior was omitted from Arsenal's matchday squad yesterday and now looks increasingly likely, if not certain, to leave the club before the transfer window closes.

The Pole may not be the most influential player at the club, but it does feel as though the club are looking to sell the wrong left-back.

Oleksandr Zinchenko often looked very shaky last season, especially defensively, whereas Kiwior often showed very promising signs and, at 24 years old, he still has plenty of room to develop further.

Arsenal have too many left-backs, so a sale is inevitable, but it just feels as though Kiwior is not the player who needs to be sacrificed.

Continued on the next slide...