Arsenal edged to a 2-0 win at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers with goals by Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka getting their latest Premier League title challenge up and running on Saturday.

It was far from a fluent display in the summer sunshine but Mikel Arteta's side, once again regarded as the team most likely to halt Manchester City's domination, deserved the points.

Havertz headed in from Saka's cross in the 25th minute but the hosts never looked completely comfortable until Saka's clinical finish doubled their advantage in the closing stages. While the hosts dominated most of the game, the away side grew into the game when Arteta’s side started to tire, putting pressure on them after the German’s header.

Wolves had their chances with Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rodrigo Gomes both failing to trouble Arsenal keeper David Raya from promising positions when the score was still 1-0 until Saka’s fine strike .

Arsenal vs Wolves latest news

• Havertz and Saka star as Arsenal start new season with win over Wolves

• Arsenal ratings: Saka razor sharp as Odegaard pulls strings

• Saka the driving force as Arsenal begin title dream with Wolves win

• Mikel Arteta reveals Declan Rice injury update after Arsenal beat Wolves

Good bye!

18:35 , Jonathan Gorrie

Thanks for joining Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Arsenal’s win over Wolves.

Find our report, ratings, analysis and reaction below!

Arsenal 2-0 Wolves

18:35 , Jonathan Gorrie

Simon Collings’ post-match thoughts

Mikel Arteta reveals Declan Rice injury update after Arsenal beat Wolves

18:33 , Jonathan Gorrie

Mikel Arteta has confirmed Declan Rice is fine after he limped out of Arsenal’s opening day win over Wolves.

Rice came off with five minutes left of Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Wolves after going down and stretching his calf.

There had been fears the midfielder, who had a shortened off-season after helping England reach the final of Euro 2024, had picked up an injury.

Read the full story here!

Saka the driving force as Arsenal begin title dream with Wolves win

17:33 , Jonathan Gorrie

Arsenal fans are dreaming that this could be the season they end their long wait to win the Premier League again - and if Bukayo Saka is in this kind of form, they will take some stopping.

Just 37 days since Saka was playing in the final of Euro 2024, the winger was back in competitive action and kicking off the new season in style.

Saka was Arsenal’s standout performer as they opened their account with a 2-0 win over Wolves, setting up his side’s opening goal before scoring the second.

It was a classic performance from Saka, one we have become used to seeing, but the fact he did it after a shortened summer break made it all the more impressive.

Read the full story here!

Arsenal ratings: Saka razor sharp as Odegaard pulls strings

17:03 , Jonathan Gorrie

Arsenal kicked off their season with a 2-0 victory over Wolves at Emirates Stadium.

Bukayo Saka was the star of the show, with the winger setting up Arsenal’s opening goal before scoring their second.

Kai Havertz put Arsenal ahead in the first-half and Saka scored the Gunners’ second with just over 15 minutes to go.

Arsenal looked solid at the back, although David Raya made one brilliant save to keep out Jorgen Strand Larsen when the game was at 1-0.

Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action...

Havertz and Saka star as Arsenal start new season with win over Wolves

16:57 , Jonathan Gorrie

Arsenal kicked off their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Wolves.

Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka scored either side of the break as Mikel Arteta’s side claimed three points in the first game of the season.

Read our full report here!

FT: Arsenal 2-0 Wolves

16:54 , Jonathan Gorrie

Goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka get Arsenal up and running!

Arsenal 2-0 Wolves

16:53 , Jonathan Gorrie

93 mins: Big save from Raya to deny Sarabia at the near post.

Arsenal 2-0 Wolves

16:51 , Jonathan Gorrie

92 mins: A few nervy moments before Saka’s goal but, broadly, a strong start from the Gunners.

Arsenal 2-0 Wolves

16:49 , Jonathan Gorrie

90 mins: Arsenal pushing for a third with five minutes added on.

Arsenal 2-0 Wolves

16:43 , Jonathan Gorrie

84 mins: Rice limps off to be replaced by Jesus.

Arsenal 2-0 Wolves

16:40 , Jonathan Gorrie

80 mins: That goal has, understandably, zapped the belief from Wolves.

Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium

16:34 , Jonathan Gorrie

Brilliant finish from Saka, what a stunning performance from him today. So sharp despite no pre-season.

GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Wolves | Bukayo Saka '73

16:32 , Jonathan Gorrie

73 mins: GOAL!

And now they’re two to the good!

Saka curls in a second with a brilliant strike.

Arsenal 1-0 Wolves

16:31 , Jonathan Gorrie

72 mins: Arsenal look to have weathered the storm somewhat. Wolves have slowed down.

Arsenal 1-0 Wolves

16:27 , Jonathan Gorrie

68 mins: And here comes Timber!

He replaces Zinchenko.

Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium

16:25 , Jonathan Gorrie

Few racy moments, where Arsenal are loose on the ball, are giving Wolves. Just spotted Arteta motioning to his players to calm down.

Arsenal 1-0 Wolves

16:23 , Jonathan Gorrie

64 mins: Wolves really growing into this.

Arsenal 1-0 Wolves

16:21 , Jonathan Gorrie

61 mins: Ait-Nouri’s strike fizzles just past the post

Arsenal 1-0 Wolves

16:16 , Jonathan Gorrie

57 mins: Wolves starting to have a bit of joy in the final third now, though yet to have a clear shot on goal.

Arsenal 1-0 Wolves

16:12 , Jonathan Gorrie

51 mins: Arsenal still largely dominating, though Cunha warming up will be a worry.

Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium

16:08 , Jonathan Gorrie

Big first 15 minutes of this second-half. Wolves will want to come out firing and knock Arsenal off their stride, while the Gunners can't afford to loosen their grip on the game.

Arsenal 1-0 Wolves

16:04 , Jonathan Gorrie

Back underway!

Elsewhere in the Premier League

15:56 , Jonathan Gorrie

Everton 0-1 Brighton

Newcastle 1-0 Southampton

Nottingham Forest 1-0 Bournemouth

Arsenal 1-0 Wolves

15:48 , Jonathan Gorrie

HT: Havertz’s goal the difference so far.

Arsenal 1-0 Wolves

15:46 , Jonathan Gorrie

43 mins: CHANCE!

Great ball from Rice finds Martinelli, who cuts inside but fires over.

Arsenal 1-0 Wolves

15:42 , Jonathan Gorrie

38 mins: Havertz has been excellent. Wolves cannot deal with him.

Arsenal 1-0 Wolves

15:37 , Jonathan Gorrie

35 mins: Brilliant save from Raya to deny Larse with a header.

Arsenal 1-0 Wolves

15:36 , Jonathan Gorrie

33 mins: Seamless start to the season for Arsenal.

It’s like they’ve never been away.

Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium

15:29 , Jonathan Gorrie

What did we say about Arsenal and that right flank? Stunning cross from Saka - Havertz had to score.

GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Wolves | Kai Havertz '24

15:27 , Jonathan Gorrie

24 mins: GOAL!

And a lovely one at that. Saka whips in a delicious cross and Havertz gets across his marker to glance a header past Sa.

Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium

15:21 , Jonathan Gorrie

Arsenal growing into this game and dominating now. Saka, especially, looks really sharp. All of Arsenal's best moments, like last season, coming down their right flank.

Arsenal 0-0 Wolves

15:20 , Jonathan Gorrie

17 mins: Saka collects a lay-off from Havertz and strikes just outside the box but Sa saves.

Arsenal 0-0 Wolves

15:19 , Jonathan Gorrie

17 mins: Arsenal starting to really dominate now. Wolves can’t get out.

Arsenal 0-0 Wolves

15:16 , Jonathan Gorrie

14 mins: Saka cuts inside and curls a shot into the near post but Sa collects.

Arsenal 0-0 Wolves

15:16 , Jonathan Gorrie

11 mins: Odegaard, as ever, is leading the charge.

His quality on the ball is one thing but its his pressing causing Wolves the most problems.

White just had a shot on target but easily saved by Sa.

Arsenal 0-0 Wolves

15:11 , Jonathan Gorrie

09 mins: Great ball from Odegaard to flick the ball to Havertz, who goes down under Lemina’s challenge in the box.

Nothing given.

Arsenal 0-0 Wolves

15:08 , Jonathan Gorrie

05 mins: Odegaard almost catches Sa out as the high press continues.

Wolves not looking too panicked just yet, however.

Arsenal 0-0 Wolves

15:05 , Jonathan Gorrie

02 mins: Not quite as fast a start as we’re used to from Arsenal but picking up the speed somewhat now.

Arsenal 0-0 Wolves

15:02 , Jonathan Gorrie

Tribute paid to Kevin Campbell before kick-off, with fans belting out: "Super Kevin Campbell." Few tears among some fans just in front of the press box.

Arsenal vs Wolves

15:01 , Jonathan Gorrie

KICK-OFF!

Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium

14:57 , Jonathan Gorrie

Full pomp and ceremony for Arsenal's opener here - pyrotechnics going off, red smoke billowing out across the pitch. Atmosphere is excellent.

Arsenal vs Wolves

14:55 , Jonathan Gorrie

Closing on kick-off as Arsenal look to get their latest Premier League title quest off to a flying start.

Arsenal vs Wolves

14:28 , Jonathan Gorrie

Wins for Manchester United and Liverpool in the Premier League so far.

Can Arsenal join them?

How 'No1 destination' got Declan Rice fighting fit to lead Gunners’ latest title tilt

14:14 , Jonathan Gorrie

Declan Rice had just finished competing at Euro 2024 when Mikel Arteta confidently declared the Arsenal midfielder would be ready for the start of the new season.

Rice played the joint-most minutes of anyone at the Euros and covered more ground than any other player, but Arteta was sure he would be ready to line up for Arsenal in their Premier League opener against Wolves on Saturday.

Read the full story here!

Arsenal vs Wolves

14:01 , Jonathan Gorrie

Standard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium

Sociedad confirm Arsenal talks over Merino after squad omission

13:58 , Jonathan Gorrie

Real Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil says it was the “best decision” to leave Mikel Merino out of the squad for Sunday’s game with Rayo Vallecano as he is in talks over a move to Arsenal.

The Gunners want to sign a midfielder before the transfer window closes later this month and have identified Merino as their preferred target.

Read the full story here!

Confirmed Wolves lineup

13:49 , Jonathan Gorrie

Wolves XI: Sa, Doherty, Mosquera, Toti, Ait-Nouri; Bellegarde, Lemina, J Gomes; R Gomes, Larsen, Hwang

Subs: Bentley, Bueno, Podence, Cunha, Dawson, Doyle, Sarabia, Chiquinho, Guedes

Confirmed Arsenal lineup

13:48 , Jonathan Gorrie

Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Haverz, Martinelli

Subs: Ramsdale, Calafiori, Timber, Jorginho, Nelson, Nwaneri, Trossard, Jesus, Nketiah

PFA Player of the Year nominees: Cole Palmer and Martin Odegaard join Man City trio on six-man award shortlist

13:31 , Jonathan Gorrie

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard have both been nominated for the 2023/24 PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.

The London-based duo join Manchester City trio Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Rodri on a six-man shortlist that was announced on Tuesday morning.

Read the full story here!

Riccardo Calafiori strengthens case for defence but major title question remains

13:18 , Jonathan Gorrie

Mikel Arteta is known for his relentless work ethic, so it is no surprise that just over one week into his summer break he was already plotting how Arsenal can overhaul Manchester City.

The Gunners have finished runners-up to City in each of the past two years, and Arteta has said it will take “perfection” to finally topple Pep Guardiola’s men this time.

Read the full story here!

Mikel Arteta challenges Arsenal squad to reach unprecedented levels in Premier League title bid

13:03 , Jonathan Gorrie

Mikel Arteta has challenged his Arsenal squad to reach a level they “haven't even dreamed about” in their quest to beat Manchester City to the title.

The Gunners finished runners-up to City in the Premier League last year for the second season running, but Arteta says they are motivated to topple them this time around.

Read the full story here!

Mikel Arteta backs Gabriel Jesus to relaunch Arsenal career after injury hell

13:00 , Jonathan Gorrie

Mikel Arteta has backed Gabriel Jesus to have a big impact for Arsenal this season after putting his injury hell behind him.

Jesus suffered a knee injury on the eve of last season and was forced to undergo surgery.The striker never fully recovered from the issue and it restricted him to starting under half of the Gunners’ Premier League games last season.

Read the full story here!

Arsenal vs Wolves: Latest Premier League odds today

12:55 , Jonathan Gorrie

Arsenal: 2/13

Wolves: 15/1

Draw: 7/1

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

Arsenal transfer target Mikel Merino left out of Real Sociedad squad

12:52 , Jonathan Gorrie

Mikel Merino has been left out of the Real Sociedad squad who begin their LaLiga campaign at home to Rayo Vallecano on Sunday night.

Standard Sport understands the Spanish international is a leading transfer target for Arsenal during what remains of the summer window.

Read the full story here!

Head to head (h2h) history and results

12:34 , Jonathan Gorrie

Since a 2-1 loss to Wolves in February 2021, Arsenal have won all six meetings at an aggregate score of 14-2.

Arsenal wins: 64

Wolves wins: 32

Draws: 28

Arsenal vs Wolves: Premier League prediction today

12:31 , Jonathan Gorrie

The Gunners have dominated this fixture in recent years and look in far better nick for the new season.

Arsenal to win, 3-0.

Wolves team news vs Arsenal today

12:30 , Jonathan Gorrie

Wolves are largely injury free. Daniel Podence has a calf issue but is up for sale anyway, along with Goncalo Guedes. Hugo Bueno has joined Feyenoord on loan. Matheus Cunha suffered a hamstring injury during pre-season but is now back fit in a huge boost for the visitors.

New signing Jorgen Strand Larsen is set to make his debut in attack, with Mario Lemina also fit. However, Enso Gonzalez Medina and Leon Chiwome are out and Nelson Semedo suspended.

Arsenal team news vs Wolves today

12:30 , Jonathan Gorrie

Arsenal have been boosted by the return of Jurrien Timber ahead of their Premier League opener with Wolves on Saturday.

Timber has been out of action with a foot injury, but took part in training this week ahead of Wolves’ visit to Emirates Stadium and Mikel Arteta has confirmed he will be in the squad.

“Obviously he had a really tough period but he used it in a great way,” said the manager on Friday. “He managed to get a lot of things done and improve in many areas that, except for playing, he found really, really helpful.”

The Dutchman may not go straight into the starting XI, though, with Oleksandr Zinchenko impressing at left-back in Arsenal’s last two pre-season games.

New signing Riccardo Calafiori may also have to settle for a place on the bench after only playing his first minutes for Arsenal last week in their Emirates Cup win over Lyon.

The rest of Arsenal’s defence picks itself, but Mikel Arteta faces a dilemma over who to start at the base of midfield. Jorginho and Thomas Partey are vying for the role, with the latter starting in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Lyon.

Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice should both start against Wolves, despite helping England reach the final of Euro 2024 this summer and missing Arsenal’s tour to the US.

Kai Havertz will hope to lead the line instead of Gabriel Jesus, but it is harder to call who starts on the left flank. Leandro Trossard has looked sharp during pre-season and may well get the nod over Gabriel Martinelli.

Fabio Vieira “looks better” after missing the win over Lyon with a hip injury while Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are confirmed absentees with a “few weeks” until their return.

Arsenal vs Wolves: TV channel and live stream for Premier League today

12:30 , Jonathan Gorrie

TV channel: In the UK, the game will not be televised live as it lands during the 3pm Saturday blackout.

Free highlights: The Sky Sports app and YouTube channel will show highlights from 5.15pm with Match of the Day broadcasting on BBC One at 10.20pm.

Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Simon Collings at the ground.

Welcome

12:10 , Jonathan Gorrie

Good afternoon and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Wolves.

Kick-off from the Emirates Stadium is at 3pm BST.