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Arsenal narrowly avoided a humiliating result against bottom-of-the-table Wolves on Saturday, relying on two own goals, including one deep into stoppage time, to secure a 2-1 victory and extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points over Manchester City.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta admitted his side laboured badly for long spells and should have wrapped up the contest far earlier. However, he insisted the resilience shown to snatch victory would strengthen belief within the squad.
Arteta told TNT Sports that finding a way to win despite difficulties was crucial, adding that the upcoming free week on the training ground would allow his players to sharpen areas of their game that risk slipping without regular focus.
Arsenal were flat in the opening half, failing to register a single effort on target as Gabriel Martinelli squandered several promising opportunities. Frustration grew inside the Emirates Stadium as the hosts struggled to break down a Wolves side rooted to the foot of the table.
Just before the hour mark, Arteta reshuffled his team, introducing Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino in place of Martinelli, Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi. The changes sparked a sustained spell of pressure, with Declan Rice forcing a strong save from Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone midway through the second half.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 70th minute when Johnstone, attempting to deal with Bukayo Saka’s corner, inadvertently flicked the ball onto the post before it rebounded off his arm and crossed the line for an own goal, much to the relief of the home supporters.
Gabriel Jesus then made his first appearance at the Emirates in almost a year after replacing Viktor Gyokores, but Arsenal were stunned late on when Wolves drew level. Mateus Mané’s low cross was met by Tolu Arokodare, whose header found the net in the 90th minute.
With a damaging draw looming, Arsenal struck back almost immediately. Saka delivered a precise cross that Jesus attacked, only for Wolves defender Yerson Mosquera to divert the ball into his own goal, handing the hosts a dramatic winner.
Wolves remain without a league victory, suffering a ninth consecutive defeat and collecting just two points from 16 matches, a run that leaves them on course for one of the worst seasons in Premier League history.
Manchester City have the chance to respond on Sunday when Pep Guardiola’s side travel to in-form Crystal Palace, as Arsenal continue their pursuit of a first league title since 2004.
