The first match of the season can sometimes cause clubs to panic-buy players as shortcomings are exposed. However, for Arsenal, the 2-0 victory over Wolves proved why they do not need to recruit a new "number 9". During the 2024 summer transfer window, The Gunners fans were looking forward to the appearance of a rookie striker.
Mikel Arteta admitted that Arsenal knew well that Havertz could play as a striker, after the German international played at Bayer Leverkusen and Chelsea. However, the "Gunners" paid a fee of £67.5 million last summer with the aim of having Havertz play more often in midfield.
After a slow start, Havertz gradually adapted to the role of a "number 9" in the second half of last season. The fact that the German player continues to play this role in the opening match of the 2024-2025 Premier League shows that Arsenal does not need a new striker.
Havertz needed 20 games to score from an open ball last season. However, he only needs 25 minutes to do this in the new season.
In the 25th minute, Bukayo Saka dribbled the ball on the right wing then passed into the penalty area for Havertz to head diagonally past goalkeeper Jose Sa. This is the fifth time Havertz has assisted or scored in the last 6 matches in the Premier League and contributed to 16 goals in the tournament in 2024.
"I believe in Havertz, we believe in Gabriel Jesus. Leandro Trossard also played in that position. Therefore, we have different options and the best thing we can do is to believe in the players that we have and try to improve them. They are very good, very ready and that's what we focus on" - Arteta said after the match.
It is likely that the "Gunners" will still pursue another attacking player, especially if they sell Eddie Nketiah or Reiss Nelson. However, Arsenal will not need to rush, instead be more cautious to find the most suitable target.
Of course, Arteta still has a lot to improve with Arsenal. Arsenal made many mistakes when playing the ball from the back and were unable to maintain control in the midfield in the second half.
The Emirates Stadium team still has time to resolve these issues before a difficult away trip to Aston Villa next weekend. This is the field where The Gunners lost last season.
Anything other than a win against Villa will raise concerns about Arsenal's attack again. However, for now, they can focus on completing the Mikel Merino deal and reserve some striker options in case of need.
"There are definitely things to improve, but overall I'm very satisfied. Especially the lack of control in some moments of the second half because we lost too many simple ball situations.
I don't know if it was due to fatigue or not, but kudos to Wolves. And in some situations, we also need to finish better," the Spanish strategist added.
