Mikel Arteta believes the way we beat Wolves on matchday one is a sign that we are “an absolutely top team”.
Under the leadership of the head coach, we won our first league game for the third year in a row; the first time since 2010 thanks to goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka in both halves, but that’s not the whole story.
A brilliant save from David Raya to deny Jorgen Strand Larsen and a golden chance missed by Matheus Cunha could easily have equalised for the Molineux side, but once we took advantage of that chance we were able to make the score more comfortable and, despite the three points, two goals and a clean sheet, it was Mikel’s biggest achievement of the opening matchday.
“There are a lot of positives to take from the game,” he said. “I think we put in a really strong performance, especially in the first half, created a lot of situations and conceded a big chance, that’s true. Overall, the 1-0 was not enough and you have to give Wolves credit for putting (us) under pressure.”
“They forced us into two easy ball losses, especially in midfield. They created a little uncertainty in the team and at that moment Bukayo created an incredible moment to score the second goal.
“If you want to be one of the absolute top teams, you have to win consistently and find ways to win. We definitely managed that in the second half.”
“In the Premier League you have to fight and grit your teeth and every game is a nightmare and you always have to be aware of that. Today we played against a really good opponent – look at the players they brought on in the second half. So you really have to earn it and we deserved it. We won, we take a lot of positives, we are moving forward.”
Next up is Aston Villa, and Havertz and Saka are on their way there with goals and assists already under their belts.
The German is brimming with confidence after his goals last season, at the European Championships and in pre-season, and Mikel is delighted that he has already made such a good start in the Premier League despite a mixed summer.
He said of Kai’s performance: “A really strong performance. I think his understanding, his combination play and the way he keeps receiving the ball under pressure are great overall. And then it’s a goal for the number nine. His position, his timing, his aggressiveness and the quality he needs to score a goal.”
“We wanted to get off to a good start, we did that, and the squad is fit and ready to play. Many players have already played at the European Championships and want to play and make their contribution, so a big compliment to everyone.”
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Havertz is happy to have already scored goals
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