Arsenal 2-1 Wolves: Tolu Arokodare scores Wolves’ equalizer in stoppage time before Jelson Mosquera scores in his own net to restore the Gunners’ lead.
Arsenal defeated Wolves in a decisive blow and moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League. Tor Alokodare scored an equalizer for the Premier League Underground Boys in stoppage time, before Jelson Mosquera scored an own goal to restore the Gunners’ lead.
This came after Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone’s own goal put Arsenal ahead. Bukayo Saka’s corner kick in the 70th minute hit the post and into the back of Johnston, sending it into the goal.
Arsenal were unconvincing and looked blown away when Alokodare nodded past David Raya. However, Mosquera’s cross from the right went past their own goalkeeper, and Saka provided the assist again.
The pressure will be on for Manchester City ahead of Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace. Here are five stories from Emirates.
read more: Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca gives update as Cole Palmer injury concerns worsenread more: Mikel Arteta teases Arsenal’s new strategy as injury reinforcements help them win the title
white blow
Despite being top of the Premier League this season, Arsenal have had their fair share of injury problems, and they suffered another blow tonight.
In-form right-back Ben White pulled up as he ran back to chase Wolves forward Hwang Hee-chan, and his shot was well saved by David Raya.
He attempted to continue playing, but was forced to withdraw for treatment and was eventually replaced by Miles Lewis Skelly.
This has forced Mikel Arteta, who has relied on a super solid defensive unit throughout the campaign so far, to reshuffle his defense.
He will be hoping White won’t be out for an extended period of time.
The fight for Gokeres continues
It would be an understatement to say that Victor Goqueres has yet to make the impact he had hoped after his £63m move from Sporting Lisbon.
Despite a relatively easy league, Gökeres scored 97 goals in just 102 games in two seasons in the Portuguese capital after joining from Coventry.
It’s still early days, and he’s had some success in an Arsenal shirt, but so far he’s only scored four goals in the Premier League with another couple in Europe.
He has been sidelined for almost a month due to a hamstring problem, but he wants to start making up for it as he wants to score goals as soon as possible.
Set piece again (ole ole)
It took Arsenal until the 70th minute to finally break the deadlock, but it was more than just luck.
Bukayo Saka swung in a corner from the right and the ball curled wickedly towards the back post. Sam Johnston could touch it with his fingertips, but all he could do was shock the woodwork.
Then, as the ball hit him and he darted into the back of the goal, he was helpless, causing a palpable sense of relief across the Emirates. Johnston had previously made two superb saves from Declan Rice to keep a clean sheet.
It wasn’t quite the situation Saka and Arsenal had envisioned, but their reliable set-pieces once again helped them.
Arsenal put pressure on City
Manchester City were probably watching the game from their team hotel in London, thinking with 20 minutes remaining that they could take the lead if they pick up three points against Crystal Palace on Sunday. This was especially true after Wolves equalized in stoppage time.
Now, we have to win to maintain the two-point difference. But they will be aware that Arsenal are more prone to mistakes than they were a few weeks ago.
Although Aston Villa are just one point behind the Blues, it’s hard to see anyone other than City stopping the Gunners.
However, away from Palace is a difficult task. With another great season under coach Oliver Glasner, the Eagles could move within a few points of City with a win.
The wolf’s nightmare continues
Rob Edwards’ side performed better, but it was a familiar result. This is their ninth consecutive loss in the Premier League, and they only have two points from 13 games, leaving them 13 points away from safety.
Edwards is yet to taste victory since replacing Vitor Pereira at Molineux and with fans protesting Fosun’s ownership and executive chairman Geoff See, it is not a happy time in the Black Country.
A return to the Championship looks almost certain after eight successive seasons in the top flight under manager Nuno Espirito Santo, including reaching the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
Those hectic days seem far away.
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