Mikel Arteta feels that the way we managed to grab a matchday one victory against Wolves was a sign of “a top, top team”.
The boss oversaw us win our first league fixture for the third successive season; the first time we’ve done that since 2010 thanks to goals in either half from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, but that didn’t tell the whole story.
A fine save by David Raya to deny Jorgen Strand Larsen and a golden opportunity spurned by Matheus Cunha could easily have brought the Molineux side level, but after riding that storm we went on to make the scoreline more comfortable, which despite the three points, two goals and a clean sheet was Mikel’s biggest takeaway from the opening day.
“A lot of positives to take from the game,” he assessed. “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.”
It’s off to Aston Villa next, and heading there with goals and assists to their name already are Havertz and Saka.
The German is brimming with confidence after goals last season, at the Euros and in pre-season, and Mikel is delighted that he’s hit the ground running in the Premier League already despite a fragmented summer.
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.”
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