Arsenal returned to the summit of the Premier League with a narrow and nervy 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday evening. Gary O’Neil’s side, thread-bare to say the least with five teenagers named on the bench, displayed immense graft throughout. The hosts also carved out a few clear-cut opportunities but goals from Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard were enough for the relentless Gunners to earn maximum points.
It was inevitable Mikel Arteta’s men would come out of the blocks quickly but the short time it took to register their first shot on target was still surprising, Kai Havertz hooking into the arms of Jose Sa from a Trossard cross after merely 39 seconds. The Gunners carried on their early momentum and Sa had two more basic stops to make in the opening exchanges, Bukayo Saka heading loopily on target before Declan Rice shot hard and low from range, twice.
Wolves grew into the encounter after a quarter of an hour and enjoyed prolonged possession. Tawanda Chirewa, making just his sixth Premier League appearance, was the first to have a pop for the Old Gold as the Zimbabwean curled a deflected effort at David Raya. Joao Gomes then went very close to a surprise opening goal as he dispossessed Jakub Kiwior, drove to the byline and forced Raya into an awkward save. The goalkeeper flapped at the ball and tipped it onto his near post; it was mightily close to sneaking in.
Tensions rose at Molineux as Wolves failed to kick the ball out of play when a horrendous tackle from Maximilian Kilman grounded Havertz. The Wanderers captain caught the German just above the ankle with his studs, inflicting an agonising impact blow. Rice, frustrated by the continuation of play, lunged into a tackle on Hugo Bueno and got booked, prompting exasperation from the travelling Gunners faithful.
Wanderers deserved to go into the break with spoils even but Arsenal took the lead on the stroke of half-time, Trossard picking out the top right-hand corner with devastating precision. Gabriel Jesus displayed exquisite footwork to get away from the Wolves low block and laid it off for Trossard to clip beautifully off the outside of his boot. The ball kissed the upright on the way in, giving Sa no chance. Whether the technique was totally intentional is another question but Arsenal didn’t care as they headed into the break ahead.
The visitors started the second period strongly as Havertz tested Sa again but they really should’ve done better with a free-kick in a dangerous position, given away by Boubacar Traore. The ball was placed down at a useful angle just 20 yards from goal but Rice played a strange one-two with Martin Odegaard before seeing a shot blocked with ease.
Gary O’Neil made a planned change in the 51st minute, taking off Hwang Hee-chan due to a lack of fitness and bringing on Mario Lemina. The Wolves substitute made an almost immediate impact as he received the ball wide right and cut inside to beat Gabriel but saw his shot saved relatively easily by Raya.
As the second half progressed, Wanderers were engulfed by Arsenal’s dominance in possession. There were occasional breakaways with the fresh legs of Lemina, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Pablo Sarabia threatening the fatigued Gunners back four but the visitors were in control.
There was understandable apprehension due to the huge ramifications of a Wolves goal if it came but it ultimately didn’t and Arsenal struck again deep in second-half stoppage time. Captain Odegaard sealed the deal for the visitors, nipping the ball beyond Sa from a tight angle at the near post.
Wolves go away with no reward but O’Neil is bound to have been impressed by the fight and determination on show from his players. Here’s how Birmingham World reporter Charlie Haffenden rated the Old Gold players out of 10.
1. Jose Sa - 6
Made a few early saves but would’ve had the finger pointed if he hadn’t. Nearly handed Havertz a big chance with a poor pass in the second period. Couldn’t do anything about Trossard’s goal as it was so far in the top corner. Made a late string of stops from point-blank range but was beaten at his near post for Odegaard’s goal.
2. Matt Doherty - 4 (off 75’)
Nowhere near strong enough against Jesus in the lead-up to Trossard’s goal – a big error. Lacked awareness when pressed, often beaten to the ball as a result. Advanced down the right occasionally and fed Hwang for a decent first-half chance.
3. Santiago Bueno - 5
Another at fault for Trossard’s goal as he reacted far too slowly to the ball falling to the Belgian. Bueno just had to step forward and he would’ve intercepted. Otherwise played pretty well as he made lots of clearances.
4. Max Kilman - 7
Out-strengthed by Havertz once or twice and perhaps lucky to avoid a red for a reckless challenge on the German; the skipper’s studs were up and above Havertz’s ankle. Otherwise very solid with several crucial clearances and guided the ball away from Jesus on several occasions.