Three things we learned from Arsenal 2-0 Wolves – by Alan Alger

How long have I got?

I owe it to the editor to stick to the rules and only put across three points in this column. But I’m fizzing with such energy to open the season that I might use this first point to cram various subjects into a few moans and a dollop of praise. The vast majority of that energy is positive, honest.

Let me start with a couple of match-going experience gripes first though. Why was the stadium PA system louder than a Metallica concert? My hearing isn’t the best and I was struggling pre-match. I feel sorry for any of you with hearing that is in A1 condition. It was excruciating.

Talking of noise, and yes I might be old and curmudgeonly, but why do we need a brass band going round the concourse also playing at deafening volume? I guarantee there’s not one person whose matchday experience was enhanced by hearing Backstreet’s Back (the song I happened to hear as I struggled to listen to my son who was two feet away) played live with the volume turned up to 11.

Ironically the excellent presentation team at the Emirates (Pete and Nigel) used to suffer from their mics being turned down too low. Let’s end on deserved praise though, as they both nailed the Kevin Campbell tribute and music choices.

Other things I don’t have room for: Zinchenko’s first 23 minutes yesterday (watch it back on the Arsenal website) is an encapsulation of why he shouldn’t play in any tough or important games. Missed headers, misplaced headers, silly fouls and the icing on the cake – a pass that took 8 seconds to complete, slowing down our play that went straight to the Wolves keeper. For those who can or can’t be bothered to watch it back – he receives the ball on 6:28, eventually releases it at 6:36 and it’s at the feet of the Wolves keeper on 6:41. Am I deluded in thinking we will get rid before the window closes?

The refereeing was awful. Not the decision making specifically but the game management. Saka was excellent on Saturday (apart from his corners) and it’s unfathomable that of all the interactions he had on the pitch – when fouled numerous times – HE was the one that got a yellow.

Finally (for an ultra-long opening section), Thomas Partey’s presence does seem to misalign other parts of the central defence and central midfield triangles. Hence some pretty ropey passing from him, Saliba, Gabriel and Rice. Something we need to fix immediately.

The next two points will be shorter, honest ed’.

Havertz difficult second season?

With one great goal and one assist, Kai Havertz justified his inclusion as our most prominent forward on Saturday. I don’t want to describe his role as ‘striker’ as it’s so much more than that. His link up play with Bukayo was superb and it’s something that will be a key part of any success we have.

The German now has the weight of expectation to cope with after having an underdog season where the fans helped him overcome a slow start to become not only a favourite of theirs but also one of the first names on the teamsheet.

He now has to continue that level of performance with all of the minimums he set himself last season. If he copes with it, as he did against Wolves, then we are going to have another superb campaign.

Premier League quality could be at its highest?

After the game I tweeted that ‘performance wise’ I’d hope the victory against Wolves wouldn’t be in out top 25 this season. As a team we had a few disjointed moments and a few sloppy periods which might have let a more clinical team back into the game.

David Raya’s superb one-armed save (with his weight fully shifted the other way) was pivotal.

We need to give Wolves a bit of credit here, because in Gary O’Neil they have a very good coach. He has his team superbly organised and it’s unlikely (when most of his personnel are fit) that they ever get trounced in fixtures like Saturday’s.

Throughout the league we now face different styles and ideas, which make every weekend a huge test. A lot of coaches in the division get the most from seemingly limited players, not up to the standard of the stars in our squad.

Coupled with the relentless march of Manchester City, we deserve even more credit for what was incredibly our 17th win in just 19 league games this calendar year. In that time we have dropped just five points.

Let’s make it 18 from 20, as we owe Unai and Villa one after last season.