Arsenal registered a 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in their Premier League curtain-raiser on Saturday afternoon.
Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka scored in either half, but it was not a routine victory for the Gunners.
David Raya had to be vigilant between the sticks. The Spaniard made three key saves, including one to deny Jorgen Strand Larsen.
The 24-year-old’s header in the 36th minute looked on course to find the net, but Raya made a terrific save from point-blank range.
He was initially moving towards his left but adjusted his body balance splendidly to make a strong save with his right hand.
Speaking after the game, O’Neil acknowledged that he was surprised by Raya’s sensational block to deny a first-half equaliser.
He said (via journalist James Benge): “I don’t know how David Raya saves it. Everyone thought that was in the net.
“Big goalkeepers at big sides that are chasing titles sometimes come up with magic moments that can change games.”
Arsenal’s backline was far from secure against Wolves and multiple defensive errors went unpunished.
William Saliba gifted the best chance to Wolves with a poor pass, but Matheus Cunha’s effort was luckily weak and straight at Raya.
Thomas Partey was also guilty of losing cheap possession in midfield, and the Gunners will need to up their game next weekend.
They visit Aston Villa, who did the league double over them last season.
It won’t be an easy encounter by any stretch of the imagination, and Arsenal could pay the price if they don’t cut down on errors.
Stats from Sofascore.com.
This article was written by .
