Mikel Arteta has praised Kai Havertz after the German’s goal and assist helped Arsenal defeat Wolves 2-0 in their Premier League opener, silencing talk of the need for a new striker. Havertz, who has now scored 10 goals in his last 15 league appearances, started as the central striker ahead of Gabriel Jesus.
“Every player needs some time to adapt,” Arteta said. “But I think he’s gained the confidence and respect of everybody with the way he handled certain situations and with the way he’s performing.” Havertz opened the scoring with a header from Bukayo Saka’s cross, then turned provider for Saka’s second-half strike.
Arteta acknowledged Arsenal were dominant in the first half but “sloppy” after the break before Saka’s goal settled the game. “We won in a convincing way, but probably in a different way because it’s what the game requires,” he said.
Wolves manager Gary O’Neil, whose side have sold Max Kilman and Pedro Neto for nearly £100 million this summer, said: “You take £100m last summer, you take £100m this summer – if you don’t use it cleverly it gets tougher.” He hopes to bring in new signings before the transfer window closes.
