watch for the post match thoughts of Dave, Chris & Brian
Gunners Take on Wolves: Premier League Opening Day Showdown
As the new Premier League season kicked off under a sunny sky at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal fans were buzzing with anticipation. The Gunners, tipped by many to chase the title this season, faced Wolves in what promised to be an intriguing opener.
A Respectful Start
Before diving into the match details, it’s worth noting the brilliant gesture by Wolves fans, who showed respect with a round of applause for Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell. Such moments capture the spirit of football, where rivalry meets respect.
First Half Reflections
The first half had its fair share of drama. Arsenal’s goal seemed inevitable, but Wolves held their ground for longer than expected. A defensive mix-up allowed Arsenal to go one up, but Wolves showed resilience. Chris noted, “You come here worried about a championship-winning team, but they didn’t play like that today.”
Brian echoed this sentiment, adding that Wolves managed to claw back towards the end of the first half. The highlight was undoubtedly the Arsenal goalkeeper’s stunning save from Jorgen Strand Larsen’s header, a potential save of the season candidate already.
Second Half Surge
The second half saw a rejuvenated Wolves. They pushed back against Arsenal, showing more aggression and energy. “We gave it to them,” Brian observed, describing the notable shift in momentum. Arsenal fans grew quieter as Wolves pressed forward.
However, it wasn’t Arsenal’s attacking prowess but Wolves’ missed opportunities that became talking points. With several golden chances slipping away, you can’t help but wonder what might have been. Especially when against a team like Arsenal, every missed chance can cost you dearly.
Wolves’ Tactical Insight
Wolves’ decision to play a back four was bold. Gary O’Neil’s desire for an aggressive and energetic team was evident. Yet, the ruthlessness needed to take down a team like Arsenal was missing. Despite the 2-0 loss, there were positives to take away.
The midfield duo, Lemina and Joao Gomes, stood out, with Gomes in particular delivering another outstanding performance. Meanwhile, Mosquera’s tackle thrilled fans and showcased his potential as a Premier League defender.
Man of the Match and Player Performances
The consensus leaned towards Yerson Mosquera. The Arsenal goalkeeper’s performance also deserved mention for key saves that kept Wolves at bay.
Looking Forward
The road ahead for Wolves looks promising. The hope to bring in reinforcements remains, particularly on the right wing. With two weeks left in the transfer window, the potential to strengthen the squad is there. The bench depth now looks encouraging compared to last season’s challenges.
Wrapping Up
This season opener gave both sets of fans plenty to ponder. Arsenal started with a win, but Wolves can hold their heads high with a spirited performance.
Edging our @leamorewindows man of the match was Yerson Mosquera, some great tackles & general play in a back 4 against title hopefuls on his Premier League debut#wwfc pic.twitter.com/OVjqXUpSXo
— 𝗔𝗟𝗪𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗪𝗢𝗟𝗩𝗘𝗦 𝗙𝗔𝗡 𝗧𝗩 (@_AlwaysWolves) August 17, 2024
Despite the result we thought there was a lot of positives to take from today’s match. Our @thefoxatshipley performance rating was a 7#wwfc pic.twitter.com/EDY21KIOpP
— 𝗔𝗟𝗪𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗪𝗢𝗟𝗩𝗘𝗦 𝗙𝗔𝗡 𝗧𝗩 (@_AlwaysWolves) August 17, 2024