Arsenal’s pursuit of the Premier League title continues as Mikel Arteta’s side travel to the West Midlands to face relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Wednesday night.
The Gunners were held by Brentford in their last league outing – a result that allowed Manchester City to move to within four points of them. Thus, there is little room for error for Arteta’s team when they take on Rob Edwards’ struggling outfit.
The Old Gold currently sit rock bottom, having accumulated just nine points all season. While seven of these points have been amassed since Edwards took over in November, they remain goal-shy, having scored just once in their last five league games. This should be a routine victory for the travelling side.
Here are the key battles that we believe could be pivotal in dictating the outcome of the game in Wolverhampton.
Viktor Gyokeres vs Santiago Bueno
Kai Havertz is a doubt for the trip to Wolves, so the German is unlikely to earn a starting berth. While Gabriel Jesus started and scored against Wigan Athletic on Sunday, Arteta’s policy has generally been to rotate between the Brazilian and Viktor Gyokeres.
Thus, the Swede will likely come in and occupy Wolves’ robust and physical back three. Santiago Bueno will marshal the West Midlanders’ defence, and his individual battle against Gyokeres could be what decides the match.
The £63 million summer signing has struggled against more aggressive centre-backs, and Bueno certainly fits this profile. 6’3 and powerful, the Uruguayan has the tools to nullify Arsenal’s number nine.
The North Londoners are likely to dominate possession and territory, with the question mark being whether they’re able to penetrate Wolves’ low block. Gyokeres’ ability to find space and evade Bueno in the box will ultimately be what separates the two sides.
Bukayo Saka vs Hugo Bueno
Hugo Bueno has been an ever-present on the left-hand side of Wolves’ defence this season. Much like his namesake in the middle, he has earned plaudits for his performances despite his team’s dire form.
Assuming Bukayo Saka replaces Noni Madueke on Arsenal’s right wing, the Spanish defender’s growing reputation could take a beating on Wednesday night. Saka is Arsenal’s difference-maker, and his ability to create separation from his opposite number on the right is often what opens up tight games.
Given the two players’ relative pedigrees, this is certainly an area Arteta could target at Molineux – and that is still the case even if Jamie Carragher believes that Saka needs to provide more.
Declan Rice vs Angel Gomes
Former Manchester United midfielder Angel Gomes returned to English football in January after a successful few years in Portugal and France. Signing for the Premier League’s bottom club, his spell in the top flight may well prove to be short-lived.
Edwards has immediately thrown the 25-year-old into Wolves’ starting eleven, and this could be to the Welsh manager’s detriment against Arsenal.
Although technically astute and an excellent passer, Gomes lacks the physical profile to excel at the top of the game. Declan Rice’s immense athleticism and power mean the Gunners can dominate in the middle of the park, and Gomes could be left exposed as a result.
