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

• New season, same Saka

• Urgent cover needed

• Havertz can alleviate striking woes

Bukayo Saka starred for Arsenal on the opening weekend
Bukayo Saka starred for Arsenal on the opening weekend / Shaun Botterill/GettyImages
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next

Positive #2: Raya instils confidence

David Raya
Arsenal FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers FC - Premier League / Catherine Ivill - AMA/GettyImages

"He only looks good because of the defence in front of him," was a phrase so often used to try and bring David Raya down last season - despite the fact that he kept a Premier League Golden Glove-winning 16 clean sheets.

But, against Wolves, Arsenal would likely not have won if not for Raya's exceptional saves - which bailed his side out on multiple occasions.

There was plenty of controversy when Aaron Ramsdale lost his place to the Spaniard, but Raya is now showing exactly why Mikel Arteta was right to make the switch.


Negative #2: Urgent Saka cover needed

Bukayo Saka
Arsenal FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers FC - Premier League / Catherine Ivill - AMA/GettyImages

Saka was exceptional but, as became a common theme last season, he was kicked, pulled and fouled at every opportunity - which has once again raised concerns over the lack of natural cover for him.

If Saka is in need of a rest or, god forbid injured, the only players who could conceivably take his place are Fabio Vieira or Reiss Nelson and, with respect, neither inspire confidence.

Saka has displayed a sensational ability to avoid and, at times, play through injury - but it will no doubt be an area of real concern for the Gunners and, it's an issue that could derail their season if their worst

Continued on the next slide...