As Arsenal prepares to kick off their Premier League campaign on August 17, 2024, at 15:00 against Wolves at the Emirates Stadium, the North London club knows the importance of a fast start. After finishing just two points behind champions Manchester City last season, Arsenal is determined to go one step further this time and end a two-decade wait for the Premier League trophy.
Last season, the Gunners made an impressive start by winning seven of their first ten league matches (3 draws), a pace they will be keen to replicate. Over the summer, Arsenal strengthened their squad with key signings, including Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna and the permanent transfer of goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford. These additions have raised optimism among the supporters, who believe this could be the year Arsenal finally clinches the elusive English crown.
Arsenal’s preseason has been largely positive, capped off by a 2-0 victory over Lyon last weekend. Manager Mikel Arteta praised his team’s performance, stating they played at the “highest level” as they lifted the Emirates Cup for the eighth time. The Gunners will be looking to carry this momentum into their opening fixture against Wolves.
Wolves, on the other hand, enter the match with uncertainty, particularly after the departure of key player Pedro Neto to Chelsea. The club has attempted to fill the gap with the loan signing of Jørgen Strand Larsen from Celta Vigo and the addition of 22-year-old Portuguese U21 international Rodrigo Gomes from Braga. Both players have already made an impact in preseason, with Gomes finding the net in friendly victories over West Ham and RB Leipzig.
Gary O’Neil, Wolves’ manager, will be hoping that the goals continue to flow for his new recruits, especially after a disappointing end to last season. Wolves won just one of their final ten league matches (2 draws, 7 losses), missing out on European qualification. The task ahead seems daunting, particularly given Wolves’ poor record against Arsenal at the Emirates. The Midlands club has only beaten Arsenal away from home once since 1979 across all competitions, and that solitary victory in 2020 came in an empty stadium due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Players to Watch: Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard has been particularly lethal against Wolves, scoring more goals against them than any other opponent, with four goals in six matches (all wins). On the other side, Jørgen Strand Larsen will be looking to make an immediate impact, having scored in the opening match of his team’s league campaign in two of the last three seasons.
Hot Stat: Arsenal has not drawn their opening Premier League match since 2012, recording six wins and five losses during that period.
