Mikel Arteta was pleased with Arsenal’s victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon, describing his side as “a top top team”.
The manager led the gunners to victory in their opening league game for the third straight season—the first time this has happened since 2010—thanks to goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka in each half.
Mikel’s main takeaway against wolves was, despite the three points, the team managed to keep a clean sheet and score two goals. David Raya made a great save to deny Jorgen Strand Larsen, and Matheus Cunha spurned a golden opportunity that would have tied the score.
Arteta labels Arsenal a top team
“A lot of positives to take from the game,” he said. “I thought, especially in the first half, we had a really strong performance, created a lot of situations, and conceded a big chance, that’s true. Overall, with the 1-0 it wasn’t enough and credit to Wolves, they put some pressure [on us]”.
“They forced us into two easy giveaways, especially in the middle of the park, they created a bit of uncertainty for the team, and when we were in that moment, Bukayo creates an unbelievable moment to score the second one”.
“If you want to become a top, top team, then you need to be consistent in winning and have to find ways [to win] and we certainly did that in the second half”.
“In the Premier League, you have to fight and dig in, and every game is a nightmare, and you have to be very clear with that. Today, we played a really good opponent – look at the players that they brought on in the second half. So, you really have to earn it, and we have earned it. We won, we take a lot of positives, we move.”
Next up is Aston Villa, with confidence high for players like Havertz and Saka who are already well-equipped with a goal and assist each.
The German is full of confidence after scoring goals in the previous season, during the Euros, and throughout the preseason. Mikel is happy that despite having a disorganised summer, the German has already made an impact in the Premier League.
Reflecting on Kai’s display, he added: “A really strong performance. I think overall, his understanding, his link-up play and the way he takes the ball under pressure all the time is magnificent. Then, it’s a number nine’s goal; his position, timing, aggression and the quality that he has to score”.
“We wanted to start well, we have done it, and the squad is fit and available. There’s a lot of players that have played in the Euros and they want to play and contribute, so a big credit to everybody.”
