The final whistle seemed destined to signal a frustrating stumble for Arsenal, a potential turning point in the title race. Wolves, against the run of play, had snatched a late equalizer, silencing the Emirates Stadium and leaving the Gunners scrambling for a response.
But in the 94th minute, a moment of chaotic brilliance – or misfortune, depending on your allegiance – unfolded. Bukayo Saka, relentlessly driving forward, whipped in a trademark cross, a ball brimming with intent. It was met by Yerson Mosquera, under intense pressure from Gabriel Jesus, and deflected past his own goalkeeper.
The stadium erupted. Relief washed over Mikel Arteta’s face, a visible weight lifted from his shoulders. Arsenal had escaped, snatching victory from the jaws of a draw, but the performance had been far from convincing.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright quickly lauded the contributions of Saka and Jesus, recognizing their pivotal roles in the late drama. Saka’s unwavering persistence and Jesus’s intelligent movement had been the catalysts, even if the winning goal was an own goal.
Wright acknowledged the inherent difficulty of a title challenge, reminding fans that these hard-fought victories are often the defining moments. He urged supporters to rally behind the team, emphasizing that this season is about overcoming obstacles and pushing beyond past disappointments.
Arteta, however, wasn’t willing to gloss over the team’s shortcomings. He bluntly described the performance as “unacceptable,” pinpointing a concerning lapse in defensive discipline that allowed Wolves to threaten. He demanded a higher standard, acknowledging the need for improvement.
The manager highlighted a period of passive play, a vulnerability that nearly cost them dearly. While grateful for the three points, Arteta stressed the importance of preventing such opportunities in the first place, a clear message to his players.
The win, however, provided a crucial cushion in the title race, extending Arsenal’s lead over Manchester City to five points before their upcoming clash with Crystal Palace. The pressure now shifts to Guardiola’s side, forcing them to respond.
Yet, the victory came at a cost. Ben White suffered a hamstring injury, adding to a growing list of defensive absentees. With Gabriel, Cristhian Mosquera, and Riccardo Calafiori already sidelined, Arteta faces a mounting crisis in that area of the pitch.
The return of William Saliba offered a glimmer of hope, but even his re-integration was tempered with caution. Arteta admitted to taking a risk by playing Saliba for the full 90 minutes, fearing another injury in an already depleted squad. The situation demands resilience and a touch of luck.
