Arsenal’s Premier League title aspirations suffered a significant setback after a frustrating 2-2 draw against bottom-of-the-table Wolves at Molineux. The Gunners dominated early but collapsed late, allowing Manchester City to close the gap with a game in hand.
Early Dominance Turns to Despair
Arsenal took the lead after just five minutes when Bukayo Saka nodded home Declan Rice’s precise cross, heading the ball through goalkeeper Jose Sa’s legs. The visitors extended their advantage just before the hour mark as Piero Hincapie scored his first goal for the club, latching onto Gabriel’s incisive pass.
With a 2-0 cushion, Arsenal appeared poised to extend their lead at the top to seven points. However, a second-half error accumulation changed the narrative on a cold Midlands night.
Saka Thrives in Central Role
With Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, and Mikel Merino sidelined by injuries, Saka filled the No. 10 position for the second straight game. The 24-year-old impressed, roaming across the pitch with driving runs, clipped passes to Gabriel Martinelli, and a slalom into the box. His versatility offered a glimpse of future potential, though he exited after 70 minutes following a heavy challenge.
Wolves Mount Stunning Comeback
Hugo Bueno sparked Wolves’ revival with a curling strike that reduced the deficit. The drama peaked in the fourth minute of stoppage time when David Raya spilled a cross intended for Gabriel, allowing substitute Tom Edozie to fire a speculative shot on his Premier League debut. The ball deflected off Riccardo Calafiori and crossed the line, leaving Arsenal stunned.
Tempers flared post-whistle as Gabriel Jesus shoved Yerson Mosquera, highlighting the raw frustration. Viktor Gyokores struggled upfront with just eight goals this season, underscoring the urgency for Havertz’s return ahead of the North London derby.
Arteta Demands Accountability
Mikel Arteta cut a drenched, furious figure on the touchline, remonstrating with his players like Declan Rice. In his post-match comments, he addressed the errors bluntly: “It was one after the other, to be fair. It was a moment after another moment after another moment.”
Arsenal remain five points clear but vulnerable, haunted by past title near-misses as City eyes a two-point lead.
Match Details
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-2 Arsenal
Wolves: H. Bueno, Edozie
Arsenal: Saka, Hincapie
Attendance: 29,843
Referee: P. Tierney
