Arsenal let a potentially priceless win slip through their fingers after blowing a two-goal lead against rock-bottom Wolves on Wednesday evening.
The North London side enjoyed the perfect start with Bukayo Saka opening the scoring as he converted from Declan Rice’s deft ball. Piero Hincapie doubled the lead for the Gunners midway through the second period.
Arsenal were given an uncomfortable last half an hour after Hugo Bueno reduced the deficit with a stunning, curling effort. Wolves took advantage of their nerves, with debutant Tom Edozie’s strike finding the net via Riccardo Calafiori following a shocking mix-up between Gabriel and Raya.
Arsenal are now just five clear of Manchester City, with Wolves having finally given their fans something to cheer with their stirring comeback. Here are all of the talking points from Molineux:
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Saka relishing new role
If Bukayo Saka had the opportunity to select an opponent to break his 15-match run without a goal, it would almost certainly have been Wolves. The England winger had found the net four times against the Black Country side during his career and added another to that on Wednesday.
He latched onto an inch perfect ball from Declan Rice and headed home past Jose Sa. He celebrated by miming signing a piece of paper in reference to his new deal.
It also saw him underline his effectiveness in a more central role, having also been deployed in the centre of the park in the FA Cup win against Wigan. Saka limped off in the closing stages in a sight that will be a concern ahead of this weekend’s North London derby.
Bukayo Saka celebrates his goal against Wolves(Image: Getty Images)
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Defenders help attack
Arsenal’s main strength has been their defence this season and it looked as though two defenders had combined to score their second.
A brilliant through ball from Gabriel saw Piero Hincapie released in behind the Wolves defence, with the on-loan Bayer Leverkusen man finishing coolly. His celebrations were cruelly cut short by the linesman’s flag.
But VAR intervened, with the defender clearly onside, which triggered the entire squad to toast his first goal for the club.
A Bueno belter
With Hincapie celebrating his first Premier League goal, Wolves defender Hugo Bueno then followed suit with an eye-catching strike of his own.
The Spaniard was given acres of room down the right flank, cut inside onto his left foot and then curled a brilliant effort beyond the despairing grasp of David Raya.
It’s been a season of very little highlights for Wolves but Buneo’s goal is certainly one of them.
Hugo Bueno handed Wolves a lifeline with a brilliant effort(Image: Getty Images)
Gunners feeling the pressure
It could well be happening again for Arsenal. While they remain five points clear of Manchester City, they really needed a victory against Wolves.
It was arguably their easiest game remaining this season. And it all looked like it was going to plan.
But they lost all composure and they now look very, very vulnerable. City are certainly capabale of overturning the deficit ahead of them. Arsenal in the meantime need to rediscover their form and soon especially given that the North London derby is on the horizon.
Tom Edozie celebrates vs Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)
Wolves hit back
There’s no denying it, Wolves have shown improvement over recent weeks despite their points haul not exactly showing it. Like at the Emirates, this was a stubborn display and they managed to snatch a point right at the end.
The blame certainly has to fall to the Arsenal defence, with Raya and Gabriel unable to get out of each other’s way. Edozie then picked up the loose ball and slammed it home via a touch from Calafiori.
Wolves will no doubt be in the Championship next season but a few more displays like this will easily see them move off their current ten-point total and prevent them from claiming the crown as the worst-ever Premier League side.
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