Early Kai Havertz impact shows why Arsenal are already better this season than last

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Last season, in Kai Havertz’s first campaign as an Arsenal player, it took him 20 games to score a goal from open play. This season, it took him just 25 minutes. It is a contrast that underlines the progress he has made on an individual level over the past 12 months, and also shows why Arsenal could be even stronger in this year’s title race.
Mikel Arteta’s side are at a point in their development where they do not necessarily need to buy a new attacker in order to improve the first team. The ceiling of this squad was already high, and it is getting even higher. Havertz is improving and so are the players around him.
Another example is Bukayo Saka. The England winger turns 23 in a few weeks. He is not a kid anymore. These are fully fledged, elite-level players who are growing and developing together. Saka assisted Havertz for the first goal in this opening-day victory over Wolves, and then Havertz assisted Saka for the second.
In all, it made for an encouraging start to the new campaign for a team tipped by many to finally overthrow Manchester City. Wolves had their moments, causing problems after the half-time break especially, but this was a match that was mostly in Arsenal’s control.
In many ways, the first game of the new campaign felt like little more than a continuation of the previous season. There were no fresh faces in Arteta’s team, no new approach on the pitch. Arsenal played like they did in the second half of last season, with Havertz leading the line so expertly, and they won like they so often did in the second half of last season.
Havertz’s transformation from an uncertain midfielder into a top-class striker has been one of the most important developments of Arsenal’s 2024. The German looks so much more comfortable in this position, and he and Saka led the way for Arsenal throughout this sun-soaked afternoon.
On days like this, there are few forwards in Europe who can offer what Havertz does at the front of Arsenal’s attack. Havertz brings aerial strength, technical skill, an ability to drop into midfield and a willingness to run in behind.
An indication that this is now Havertz’s primary position is that Arsenal are in negotiations to sign a midfielder, Mikel Merino, to play in his old role on the left of the midfield three. Arsenal originally bought Havertz from Chelsea so he could operate in that position. Now, they see Havertz as something else.
That pursuit of Merino took another twist on Saturday as the midfielder was left out of Real Sociedad’s squad for the opening match of their season. Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil confirmed that, as reported by Telegraph Sport this week, there are talks ongoing over the player’s future.
It is understood that Merino is keen to make the move to Arsenal and, frankly, who can blame him? Which player would not want to line up alongside Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice? Which player would not want a close-up view of Saka as he bludgeons the ball inside the near post, as he did in the second half here.
How typical of Saka that, 34 days after playing for England in the final of the European Championship, he was back on the pitch, producing more decisive moments. It was Saka’s right-wing cross that allowed Havertz to head Arsenal into a first-half lead, and then Saka’s powerful strike after 74 minutes which returned the Emirates Stadium to a state of serenity.
The goal was classic Saka. Cutting inside, onto his left foot, and firing powerfully towards goal. Why did Wolves let him do it? “With good players it’s like that,” said Arteta. “With [Lionel] Messi I know he’s going to come here and put the ball there, but he does it all the time. You can’t stop him. That’s the quality of the players.”
A measure of the physical demands on Saka and Rice, Arsenal’s two England stars, could be seen in the final moments, when Rice went down clutching his calf. “He was cramping,” said Arteta.
David Raya was also part of that Euros final, as a Spain substitute. On his first competitive appearance since becoming a European champion, the Arsenal goalkeeper produced a spectacular save in the first half to deny Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. “I don’t know how Raya saves it,” said Wolves manager Gary O’Neil. “Everyone thought that was in the net.”
Arteta said he was “not surprised” that Saka, Rice and Raya were so keen to return to action. “They wanted to come back and be here early,” said Arteta. “This is the mentality that we need.”
O’Neil was also pleased with the mentality of his players, in a performance that was sprinkled with promising moments despite the result. Rodrigo Gomes offered spark on the wing, while Mario Lemina battled hard in midfield. A 2-0 loss at the Emirates is no source of shame for Wolves, who will not be the only side to be undone by Havertz and Saka this season.
Nottingham Forest 1 Bournemouth 1
The full-time whistle sounds at the City Ground. On reflection, a fair result for both sides. As Semenyo struck late to cancel out Chris Wood’s first-half opener.
Goal: Semenyo
Semenyo strikes for the visitors! Christie teases a ball across the face of goal and Toffolo tries to clear but ends up passing the ball towards his own player. 
The forward pounces, smashing beyond the goalkeeper!
Everton 0 Brighton 3 
It is a dream start for new Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler – with a comprehensive and deserved win.
Newcastle 1 Southampton 0
The 10 men hang on for victory! 
At face value, a single-goal victory at home to a newly-promoted side hardly constitutes a landmark win. But given the context of having to play at a numerical disadvantage for more than an hour after Fabian Schar’s red card, this is a highly significant three points for Newcastle. 
Southampton came out on top in just about every match stat you’d care to mention, barring the one that really matters as the Magpies scored 100 per cent of the game’s only goal.
Arsenal 2 Wolves 0
Arsenal are off to a winning start. Bukayo Saka added to Kai Havertz’s opener just when Wolves were building pressure on the hosts during the second half. 
For Gary O’Neil’ side, they lacked cutting edge this afternoon – although they still have Cunha to deploy this season.
We’re into five minutes’ stoppage-time for the 10 men of Newcastle to hang on to their 1-0 lead. They’ve defended heroically in this second-half. Can they do it? Saints still pressing.
What a goal from Brighton on the counter as Danny Welbeck’s pass splits open the Everton defence and finds Adingra in so much space. The substitute finds the back of the net with a sublime curler into the far corner from the edge of the area.
Midway through the second half and Newcastle are hanging on doggedly to their slender lead. 
Both sides have made substitutions to help keep the energy levels high, with former Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly coming on for his Magpies debut, and Cameron Archer, fresh from joining from Aston Villa for £17 million, doing likewise for the Saints.
RED CARD: Ashley Young
Ashley Young is shown a straight red card after attempting to chest down a long clearance only for Mitoma to nip in ahead of him and was racing clear onto goal. Young clearly pulled the player back and as the last man – it was a simple call for Simon Hooper to make. 
GOAL: Bukayo Saka
With regard to those previous comments about Arsenal wobbling… well, they look fine now. 
It’s 2-0, thanks to a thumping finish by Bukayo Saka. He set up Havertz for the first goal and Havertz returned the favour for this one. Cutting onto his left foot, Saka unleashed a rocket inside the near post.
Arsenal are starting to wobble here. William Saliba has just surrendered possession so cheaply, and Matheus Cunha should have done much better than firing straight at David Raya. 
A really good spell for Wolves and Mikel Arteta has responded by changing his defence. Full-back Jurrien Timber is on for Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Arsenal 1 Wolves 0
It’s all becoming a bit frenetic and bitty at the Emirates, where Arsenal have lost some of the control they enjoyed in the first half. Rayan Ait-Nouri has just fired wide from range for Wolves. Nerves are creeping in for Arsenal, at least a little bit.
GOAL: Danny Welbeck 
The visitors have doubled their lead after a dreadful mistake from Gueye, who passes the ball straight to Wieffer. He finds Welbeck who powers towards the goal – he finds the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the box.
50 minutes played and it is a huge chance for Southampton: Adam Armstrong’s effort is blocked on the line by Lewis Hall, and Ben Brereton Diaz sees his close-range rebound deflected wide by Tino Livramento. Russell Martin’s side should be level.
Some suggestions at half-time that more than one Newcastle player attempted to, in polite terms, ‘express their dis-satisfaction’ towards Southampton’s Ben Brereton-Diaz for his part in Fabian Schar’s red card, as the sides made their way down the tunnel towards the dressing rooms.
No changes at the Emirates and the game has largely continued where we left off. Havertz has just wafted a shot wide after a nice counter-attack by Arsenal. There’s still not much threat from Wolves but they are very much still in this game. Rodrigo Gomes, their left winger, has looked dangerous in moments.
Half-time here at St James’ Park, and the hosts lead by the only goal, slotted home calmly from close range by Joelinton on the stroke of half-time. 
But with the hosts down to 10 men after Fabian Schar’s 28th-minute red card for a head-butt on Ben Brereton Diaz, don’t rule the Saints out of this one. They’ve passed many an opponent to death over the past 12 months, so with a numerical advantage for the visitors, it could prove to be a long second half for Eddie Howe’s side.
There have been one or two moments of concern for Arsenal, who required a fantastic save from David Raya to deny Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen, but overall they will be happy with their dominance of that first half. They really should be further ahead at the break.
On the other side, it has been hard to get a proper read on Wolves. Their big issues have come when they have tried to pass out from the back and Arsenal have swarmed around them. Gary O’Neil’s team will have to open up at one point in the second half. 
GOAL: Joelinton
The 10-men take the lead on the stroke of half-time as Joelinton finds the bottom corner after Saints keeper Alex McCarthy gifts possession to Alexander Isak to tee up the Brazilian from close range. 
The hosts were down to 10 men after Fabian Schar’s 28th-minute red card for a head-butt on Ben Brereton Diaz.
Forest have recovered from that alarming injury to Danilo by taking the lead through Chris Wood, and have just benefited from a VAR review. 
Bournemouth’s Dango Ouattara had converted from close-range after 31 minutes, after a short corner routine, but the ‘goal’ was disallowed for offside.
Forest endured frequent irritation last season with VAR so things must be looking up.
GOAL: Mitoma
The visitors lead after a well-worked goal as Danny Welbeck feeds Minteh down the right and the new arrival takes on and beats his man. He fires a low ball across the box for the unmarked Mitoma to tap in.
Red card: Fabian Schar
Newcastle defender Fabian Schar sees red for what looks like a head-butt on Ben Brereton-Diaz, although the Blackburn forward seems to have made a meal of it and earns a yellow card for his troubles.
GOAL: Kai Havertz
Last season it took 20 games for Kai Havertz to score from open play for Arsenal. 
This season, it has taken 25 minutes. It’s an opening goal that had been coming for Arsenal, who have been dominating this first-half. Bukayo Saka’s cross, Havertz’s header. Simple. 1-0. Arsenal are up and running.
GOAL: Chris Wood
The hosts take the lead – as the ball ricochets the edge of the box to Ryan Yates who takes his shot early. It goes straight to Neto but the goalkeeper parries it and Chris Woods calmly sweeps home the rebound. 
The striker gives a quick glance at the assistant referee but Chris Wood is onside.
Mid-way point of the first half and chances remain at a premium.
Southampton giving a decent account of themselves so far on their Premier League return. Still 0-0.
Southampton’s Newcastle born former Magpies striker Adam Armstrong comes close to proving the law of the ex with a dipping long-range effort which flies narrowly over, however still 0-0.
Arsenal are on top here, as you might expect, and they are starting to create chances. Ben White and Bukayo Saka have tested Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa twice in the last few minutes. 
The atmosphere at the Emirates is superb. They have flares and fireworks before kick-off and you can feel the hunger in the stands. The players need to keep their cool, though, even if the supporters are in an impatient mood.
10 minutes played at St James’ Park and a disallowed goal – Jack Stephens thinks he’s opened the scoring for Southampton, but the defender is correctly ruled offside as he pokes the ball home from close range.
Eight minutes in here and there does appear to be a worrying situation with Danilo and Antoine Semenyo.
Danilo, the Forest midfielder, collided with Semenyo while challenging for the ball and both players landed awkwardly.
Physios were immediately summoned on by the referee Michael Oliver and Morgan Gibbs-White appeared visibly shaken.
It appears Danilo has been stretchered off.
And away we go!
Four matches get underway as the new Premier League season begins!
It’s a new season but the same target for Arsenal: win the Premier League title. The journey starts here for Mikel Arteta’s side, at a sun-soaked Emirates Stadium against a Wolves team who are in danger of losing their opening league fixture in four consecutive seasons. 
Arsenal have won their last six league meetings with Wolves and their team looks strong. England internationals Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are back from their post-tournament breaks (which weren’t particularly long) and Arsenal clearly intend to start fast. 
New signing Riccardo Calafiori is on the bench today, with Oleksandr Zinchenko starting at left-back. Surely it is only a matter of time before the Italian earns a starting spot?
Who will win the title? Who will finish in the top four? Which teams will be involved in the relegation battle? Our experts have been giving their views on how they think this season will pan out.
It is a winning start for Liverpool and new manager Arne Slot. Goals from Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota saw off Ipswich Town in the end. Arne Slot’s side improved significantly in the second half to claim victory. 
Follow the latest reaction from Portman Road game here.
Summer signings Elliot Anderson and Carlos Miguel are both named on the bench. Chris Wood gets the nod over Taiwo Awoniyi in attack.
No place for Nikola Milenkovic or Ramon Sosa.
Starting XI: Sels; Williams, Murillo, Boly, Aina; Sangare, Danillo’ Elanga, Gibbs-White, Elanga; Wood.
Subs: Miguel, Anderson, Awoniyi, Omobamidele, Toffolo, Dominguez, Da Silva Moreira, Jota, Yates.naming a strong line-up today. Chris Wood gets the nod over Taiwo Awoniyi in attack.
Dean Huijsen will make his debut after completing his transfer from Juventus. Club-record signing Evanilson was not signed in time to make the squad.
Starting XI: Neto, Kerkez, Cook, Zabranyi, Huijsen, Scott, Smith, Smith, Tavernier, Semenyo Sinisterra.
Subs: Travers, Christie, Kluivert, Jebbison, Traore, Hill, J. Araujo, Philip, Anthony
A huge afternoon for Tim Iroegbunam as he makes his debut following his summer move from Aston Villa. 
As predicted, Jarrad Branthwaite, captain Seamus Coleman and James Garner all miss out with injury.
Starting XI: Pickford, Young, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko, Gueye, Doucoure, Iroegbunam, McNeil, Harrison, Calvert-Lewin
Subs: Virginia, Holgate, Ndiaye, Beto, O’Brien, Maupay, Lindstrom, Metcalfe, Armstrong
There are debuts for summer arrivals Yankuba Minteh and Matts Wieffer. Meanwhile, Premier League veteran James Milner will appear in his 23rd Premier League campaign in a row.
Starting XI: Steele, Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Hinshelwood, Milner, Wieffer, Mitoma, Minteh, Welbeck, Pedro
Subs: Rushworth, Webster, Gilmour, Sarmiento, Barco, Baleba, Adingra, Ayari, O’Mahony
Eddie Howe gives the nod to Jacob Murphy ahead of Miguel Almiron in their first game of the new campaign. Dan Burn is preferred to new summer arrival Lloyd Kelly at the back. Harvey Barnes, is on the bench for the hosts.
Starting XI: Pope, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall, Guimaraes, Longstaff, Joelinton, Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
Subs: Dubravka, Trippier, Krafth, Targett, Kelly, Willock, Almiron, Barnes, Osula.
New arrival Yukinari Sugawara starts for the visitors. Ben Brereton Diaz is straight into the starting line-up for his debut following his move from Villarreal, with Adam Armstrong leading the line for Russell Martin’s men. 
Starting XI: McCarthy, Sugawara, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens, Walker-Peters, Downes, Smallbone, Aribo, Brereton-Diaz, Armstrong.
Subs: Lumley, Wood, Taylor, Bree, Alcaraz, Dibling, Edozie, Amo-Ameyaw, Archer.
Wolves manager Gary O’Neil on Mattheus Cunha:
He’s fine and he’s raring to go. He’s worked really hard to get back as quick as he has. He’s feeling very, very good. 
He’s had a good week’s work, he’s trained everyday on the grass. I have no concerns around him and it’s a big boost for us.
Interesting piece of team news from the City Ground, and one that has officials at Nottingham Forest scratching their heads.
Nikola Milenkovic, the £10.1 million signing from Fiorentina, is suspended for this game after a ban was carried over from last season in Serie A.
The Serbia international was sent off against Atalanta in the Coppa Italia on April 24 and, bizarrely, the suspension was not activated for Fiorentina’s league matches so he misses out today.
Bournemouth’s record signing Evanilson is not in the squad as his £31.1 million move was not completed in time.
Mikel Arteta has selected the same team that beat Lyon in their final pre-season with Oleksandr Zinchenko preferred to Riccardo Calafiori at left-back. 
In attack, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz are preferred to Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus.
Starting XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Subs: Ramsdale, Calafiori, Timber, Jorginho, Nelson, Nwaneri, Trossard, Jesus, Nketiah
Meanwhile, Gary O’Neil has made just one change from their last pre-season game with Jeanricner Bellegarde coming in for Pablo Sarabia.
Matheus Cunha, who missed the last three pre-season games for Wolves, has to settle for a place on the beach at the Emirates.
Starting XI: Sa, Doherty, Mosquera, Toti, Ait-Nouri, Bellegarde, Lemina, J. Gomes, R. Gomes, Hwang, Strand Larsen.
Subs: Bentley, Bueno, Podence, Cunha, Dawson, Doyle, Sarabia, Chiquinho, Guedes.
Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of Saturday’s four Premier League 3pm kick-offs. There’s some mouthwatering ties on show today, with Champions League chasing Newcastle United host new boys Southampton as these two teams have very different objectives for the season. 
A baptism of fire awaits Southampton this afternoon, as Russell Martin’s s side make the long trip to take on Newcastle United. While Southampton’s season ended in unbridled joy, Eddie Howe’s men were left to mourn their dreams of a second straight season in European football. 
Off-the-pitch happenings have also threatened to disrupt Newcastle’s preparations ahead of the season, from the departure of Amanda Staveley to Howe’s links with the England job but Newcastle soared in pre-season with five victories from a possible six. 
In the days other 3pm clashes, Fabian Hurzler takes charge of his first competitive game as Brighton head coach when they travel to Goodison Park to face Everton in their opening fixture. Neither team could be separated when they played last season, as they were forced to share the spoils twice in two 1-1 draws.
Mikel Arteta will rally his Arsenal players to launch a third offensive on Manchester City’s Premier League title, starting with the visit of Wolves this afternoon. Arteta knows a fast start is crucial on putting pressure on the defending champions, who they play next month in what is a tough start to the season for Arsenal. 
Wolves impressed many onlookers last season by putting together an unlikely challenge for Europe under manager Gary O’Neil before fading rather dramatically in the final two months. 
Nottingham Forest welcome Bournemouth for their opening fixture of the season. Forest experienced a turbulent 2023-24 season both on and off the pitch, but they managed to avoid relegation and finished 17th in the table, despite being deducted four points for breaching profit and sustainability rules. 
After guiding the club to an inspired 12th place finish in his debut Premier League campaign, what will Andoni Iraola do for an encore this season, beginning with a visit to the City Ground?
I will be here to guide you through it.