The new Premier League season kicks off this Saturday, with title challengers Arsenal hosting Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium.
- Date: 17/08/2024
- Kick-off time: 10:00 EST
- Location: Emirates Stadium, North London
Arsenal head into the 2023/24 season after a remarkable campaign that saw them finish second in the Premier League, amassing 89 points—just one shy of their iconic "Invincibles" season. The Gunners secured 28 wins, the most they have managed in a single league season since the early 1970s. Despite this impressive record, they ultimately fell short of Manchester City, a familiar narrative that Mikel Arteta and his squad are determined to change this time around.
Arteta has been active in the transfer market, seeking to bolster a squad that already looks well-equipped for another title challenge. The acquisition of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori for €40 million from Bologna underscores Arsenal's intent to shore up their defence, which, despite being robust last season, showed moments of vulnerability that cost them crucial points.
Calafiori’s addition brings a blend of youth and experience, with the 22-year-old already having tasted top-flight football in Serie A. His versatility to play as a left-back or centre-back offers Arteta tactical flexibility, something that could prove vital in a season where squad rotation will be key. However, the Gunners are not finished in the transfer market. Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino has been heavily linked with a move to North London, with Arsenal reportedly keen to add the Spanish midfielder to their ranks. Merino would bring a different dimension to Arsenal’s midfield with his ability to dictate play, break up opposition attacks, and contribute to the team's creative output.
There are also rumours that Arsenal could further strengthen their attacking options, particularly after the sale of Emile Smith-Rowe to Fulham. Smith-Rowe’s departure, while not unexpected, leaves a gap in the squad, particularly in the creative midfield and wide areas. Meanwhile, the futures of Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson remain uncertain, with both players attracting interest from clubs around Europe. Should they leave, it would necessitate further reinforcements, particularly in attack, to maintain the depth required for a title challenge and a deep run in Europe.Arteta’s unwillingness to integrate young talent into the first team has been a point of criticism of late, but this season could see the emergence of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Both teenagers have impressed during pre-season, and their development could see them feature more prominently in the senior setup as the season progresses.Looking ahead to the new season, Arsenal are expected to be strong contenders for the Premier League title. With a squad that has been carefully strengthened, and with the potential for further additions, it would be a significant surprise if the Gunners finished outside the top two. The challenge, however, will be overcoming the mental and physical demands of a long season, particularly with Manchester City likely to be their main rivals once again.
In stark contrast to Arsenal, Wolverhampton Wanderers enter the new season with a sense of uncertainty. Wolves finished 14th in the Premier League last season, a respectable position considering the challenges they faced. Many pundits had tipped Wolves for relegation at the start of the 2022/23 campaign, but under the guidance of Gary O'Neil, they managed to defy expectations and secure their place in the top flight.
O'Neil’s management was one of the bright spots in a season that saw Wolves struggle with consistency, particularly in front of goal. The lack of significant reinforcements before the start of last season meant that O'Neil had to work with a squad that was largely unchanged from the one that avoided relegation by a margin of seven points the season prior. Despite these limitations, Wolves managed to stay clear of the relegation zone, thanks in part to O'Neil’s ability to organise his team and extract performances from key players.
However, Wolves have been dealt significant blows during the summer transfer window. The departure of club captain Max Kilman to West Ham United is a major loss, not only for his defensive abilities but also for his leadership on and off the pitch. Kilman’s move to the London club has left a void in the heart of Wolves’ defence, one that they have yet to fill adequately.
Adding to their woes, Pedro Neto, one of their most talented attacking players, has sealed a move to Chelsea. Neto’s departure would strip Wolves of one of their primary creative outlets and a player capable of turning games with moments of individual brilliance. The loss of Neto would leave Wolves with a significant gap in their attack, one that will be difficult to replace, especially given the club's limited resources.Wolves themselves have made some moves in the transfer market. The signings of right-back Pedro Lima from Sport Recife and midfielder Rodrigo Gomes from Sporting Braga are positive additions, but both are young players who will need time to adapt to the demands of Premier League football. The loan signing of Jørgen Strand Larsen from Celta Vigo adds some much-needed depth in attack, but again, he is a player who will require time to settle in.
With the transfer window still open, it is imperative that Wolves bring in proven quality, particularly in defence and attack, if they are to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle. The loss of Kilman and potentially Neto would weaken any side, and without adequate replacements, Wolves could find themselves struggling to replicate last season’s mid-table finish.
Wolves’ prospects for the new season are uncertain. While O'Neil has proven himself capable of guiding the team through difficult periods, the loss of key players and the integration of new, untested signings presents a significant challenge. The opening match against Arsenal will be a stern test of Wolves’ credentials, and a difficult start to the season could set the tone for a long and challenging campaign.
