The incumbent Premier League runner-up easily defeated visiting Wolverhampton in round one of the Premier League this season.

At home, coach Mikel Arteta’s team dominated the game despite facing a few dangerous chances from the Wolves. However, the performances of Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka helped the Gunners win 2-0, providing positive psychological impetus for the new season.

Here are four key lessons from Arsenal’s encounter above.

1. Left-back is still a concern.

Oleksandr Zinchenko was chosen to start against Wolverhampton due to Riccardo Calafiori’s absence, and the Ukrainian international performed admirably. However, the former Manchester City player still has to improve his defensive skills.

Zinchenko failed to protect his area of duty, putting David Raya’s goal at risk. These issues were only rectified until Arteta introduced Jurrien Timber onto the pitch.

Zinchenko is still the “weak point” in defense.

2. David Raya played so well

It was only the first round of the 2024/25 season, but David Raya was regarded as having made the best save of the season when he expertly blocked Jorgen Strand Larsen’s shot.

The Wolverhampton striker appeared to have scored from close range, but the Spaniard’s quick reactions kept the 24-year-old from celebrating. Raya won the Golden Glove award last season and hopes to win it again this season.

3. Arsenal do not need another striker

There has been significant conjecture about the need for a new striker during the summer transfer window, with Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres named as prospective targets after Arsenal were turned down by Benjamin Sesko.

However, after witnessing Kai Havertz “explode” in the season’s opening encounter, Gunners fans shouldn’t be too concerned about the centre forward position. The German international performed admirably as the “false 9”.

Havertz is playing very well in the role of leading the attack.

The former Chelsea player moved with comfort, confidence, and perfection in every move. Havertz not only opened the opener in the 25th minute with a strong aerial attack, but he also helped Bukayo Saka score the winning goal in the 74th minute.

4. Need to “close” the contract with Mikel Merino

Following the match against Wolverhampton, perhaps coach Mikel Arteta realised he needed to bring in another defensive midfielder to partner with Declan Rice in the midfield area, as Thomas Partey was struggling and Jorginho was becoming older. Mikel Merino is the man Arsenal needs.

According to the most recent information from Spain, the EURO 2024 champion has been pulled from Real Sociedad’s La Liga starting lineup for non-professional reasons. That indicates that this midfielder is very near to the Emirates Stadium, and Arsenal must “close” this transaction swiftly.