Arsenal were held by Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Wednesday night, denting their Premier League title hopes.
Bukayo Saka gave the Gunners the lead inside the opening five minutes, glancing home from a delightful Declan Rice cross. The England international, starting in an unorthodox central role, celebrated his rare headed goal by mimicking the signing of a contract – a nod to the news that emerged this week that a lucrative new deal for him is inbound.
Piero Hincapie doubled Arsenal’s lead shortly after half-time, slicing the ball past Jose Sa after Gabriel Magalhaes had played him in. Wolves responded quickly, with Hugo Bueno’s stunning strike reducing the deficit just minutes after the North Londoners’ second goal.
While Rob Edwards’ team pushed for an equaliser in the final half an hour, they were largely kept at bay by a resolute defensive performance from Mikel Arteta’s side. That was, until, David Raya and Gabriel were involved in a defensive mix-up that allowed Samuel Edozie to slam home and break Arsenal’s hearts in stoppage time.
Match Highlights
Arsenal Player Ratings vs Wolves
David Raya – 5/10
The Spanish goalkeeper had next to nothing to do all night and had no chance on Bueno’s goal, but was astute in possession. That said, he made a critical error late on that cost the Gunners.
Jurrien Timber – 5/10
As solid as ever defensively, while he also helped Arsenal elude pressure effectively on numerous occasions in the first half. However, he faded significantly in the second period, making the wrong decision in possession too often.
William Saliba – 6/10
Involved in an intense physical battle with Tolu Arokodare, who was able to win a handful of fouls committed by the Frenchman, helping Wolves get up the pitch.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 6/10
Composed on the ball and assured defensively, although his role in the equaliser does not reflect well on him.
Piero Hincapie – 8/10
Hincapie has taken some time to adapt to English football, but he’s certainly started to find his feet. This was an excellent display where he demonstrated more of an ability to contribute in the final third, popping up with a well-taken goal.
Martin Zubimendi – 6/10
Kept things ticking along in midfield, although he was certainly too risk adverse at times.
Declan Rice – 7/10
An outstanding assist for the opener, and drove Arsenal forward with some impressive forward passing and carrying.
Bukayo Saka – 6/10
Arsenal were without Martin Odegaard in this game, and it showed. Although Saka timed his run to perfection for his goal, he showed some signs of rust with his general play. Subbed with a knock in the 73rd minute.
Noni Madueke – 6/10
While he had threatening moments, as he always does, he was also rather sloppy in possession on a number of occassions.
Viktor Gyokeres – 5/10
A somewhat ineffective day for the striker, not managing to find himself in any dangerous goal-scoring positions against the side sat rock bottom.
Gabriel Martinelli – 4/10
The Brazilian struggled in possession, offering very little with his crossing and passing from this area. Certainly not staked a claim to start ahead of Leandro Trossard in the North London Derby.
Subs
Eberechi Eze – 5/10
Brought on to restore some control to Arsenal’s midfield, but failed to do this.
Gabriel Jesus – 4/10
An ineffective cameo from the Brazilian.
Leandro Trossard – N/A
Not on long enough to rate.
Riccardo Calafiori – N/A
Not on long enough to rate.
Man of the Match – Declan Rice
While Piero Hincapie was excellent, Rice was pivotal to this functional but unspectacular Arsenal performance. The imposing midfielder not only provided one of the rare bits of Gunners quality in the final third with his immaculate cross to Saka, but was also instrumental in all of Arteta’s side’s build-up.
His passing was crisp and progressive, while his aggressive carrying brought Arsenal into Wolves’ final third throughout. Although some of his long passes became lazy as he tired in the second half, he remained resolute defensively and almost helped the North London outfit close out the game as the home side pushed for an equaliser.
