Mikel Arteta probably would have preferred to avoid the narrative surrounding the opening Premier League game amid all the ongoing chatter about the transfer window and Arsenal’s attacking options. There was always going to be a lot of pressure, but Kai Havertz might have had it even worse than others.
Riccardo Calafiori is the only new player that Arsenal has added to the senior team thus far. Fans’ demands for more signings have grown as a result of this, particularly with the transfer window having less than two weeks left. Of course, there is a growing need for more reinforcements.
Havertz, though, answered the critics exactly right when he scored in Arsenal’s first-half victory. His strong header, which connected with an incredible cross from Bukayo Saka, scored a goal that can only be characterized as a classic center forward goal. Havertz didn’t quit there; he kept posing issues for Wolves the entire game.
Havertz continued to be a threat even after being taken down twice in the box and having his penalty claims disregarded by the referee. He made his second contribution of the game in the last quarter after winning aerial duels and forming strong connections with his teammates.
Havertz was instrumental in setting up Arsenal’s second goal, which Saka scored with a trademark left-footed shot that beat Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa. Saka deserves most of the credit for the goal, though. Arsenal managed the game and came away with the victory thanks in large part to his movement, awareness, and execution.
Naturally, this display won’t totally end the ongoing conversations on social media regarding Arsenal’s need for a new striker. It does, however, offer Mikel Arteta solid proof in response to inquiries regarding the position. There aren’t many clear-cut striker options available on the transfer market, and the two most frequently mentioned players—Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen—would both have high price tags. Furthermore, neither would probably remove Havertz from the starting lineup right now.
Arsenal would be better off using any remaining transfer funds to bolster their wide areas in light of the current circumstances. Saka took a few hits from opponents and went down clutching his knee in the first half, but his substitution in the second half was not because of a serious injury.
Leandro Trossard was brought on off the bench, but it is obvious that the wing positions need to be strengthened because Reiss Nelson is the only other natural winger on the team and is currently being linked to a possible departure. This strengthens the case that it might be wise to wait another six to twelve months before investing in a striker. Unless Havertz has already shown that he is the answer Arsenal needs, that is.
