Arsenal needed a dramatic, last-gasp winner to overcome a resilient Wolverhampton Wanderers side at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, moving five points clear at the top of the Premier League table. The Gunners secured a 2-1 victory thanks to a stoppage-time own goal, but were made to work incredibly hard for the three points by the league's bottom club.
Going into the match, the chasm between the two sides was evident: Arsenal, flying high at the summit, against a Wolves team desperate for their first league victory of the season. However, the form book was nearly thrown out of the window as Wolves put up a staunch fight.
The first half proved to be a frustrating affair for the home side, who struggled to break down a well-organized Wolves defense. Arsenal, usually so fluid in attack, found themselves stifled, unable to create any clear-cut chances. Wolves, meanwhile, looked dangerous on the counter-attack, threatening to cause an upset.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 70th minute in somewhat fortuitous circumstances. A Bukayo Saka corner struck the post and then deflected into the net off Wolves' goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, giving Arsenal a somewhat underserved lead.
Just as the Arsenal faithful began to breathe a sigh of relief, Wolves struck back in the 90th minute. Substitute Tolu Arokodare headed home, stunning the Emirates and seemingly snatching a point for the visitors.
However, there was one final twist in the tale. Deep into stoppage time, another Saka delivery into the box was deflected into his own net by Wolves defender Yerson Mosquera, sparking wild celebrations among the Arsenal players and fans. The final whistle blew moments later, confirming a hard-fought victory for the Gunners.
While Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be delighted with the three points, he will also be aware that his team were far from their best. They will need to improve their performance levels as they head into a busy run of fixtures. Arsenal continue to miss key players through injury, but have had some vital players return, such as Martin Odegaard. William Saliba could feature against Everton next weekend if not against Wolves. Arteta would not confirm whether Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard will be available having missed the midweek win against Club Brugge.
For Wolves manager Rob Edwards, despite the defeat, there were plenty of positives to take from his team's performance. They showed great resilience and determination, and were desperately unlucky to come away with nothing.
The win sees Arsenal move five points clear of their rivals, although some teams have games in hand. The Gunners will travel to Everton next in the league. Wolves host Brentford next.
