Late Drama Sees Arsenal Clinch Crucial 2-1 Victory Over Resilient Wolves
Emirates Stadium, London – Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to five points after an incredible, last-gasp 2-1 victory over a determined Wolverhampton Wanderers side on Saturday night. The Gunners needed a stoppage-time own goal from Wolves defender Yerson Mosquera to finally break the resolve of the league’s bottom side in a dramatic finish at the Emirates.
The Premier League leaders were forced to grind out the result against Rob Edwards’s defensively staunch team, who appeared to have snatched a shock point just minutes earlier.
Double Own-Goal Misfortune for Wolves
The game was a frustrating affair for Mikel Arteta’s men, who were held goalless in the first half despite dominating possession. The deadlock was finally broken in the 70th minute in the most bizarre fashion. A wicked in-swinging corner from Bukayo Saka struck the post before ricocheting off the back of Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone and into the net, registering as an own goal.
It looked as though Arsenal had done enough to secure the win until the 90th minute, when substitute Tolu Arokodare powered home a header from Mateus Mané’s cross to stun the home crowd and level the score at 1-1.
However, the drama was not over. Deep into the four minutes of stoppage time, Saka delivered another dangerous cross towards substitute Gabriel Jesus. Under pressure, Yerson Mosquera inadvertently headed the ball past his own goalkeeper in the 94th minute, sparking wild celebrations of relief at the Emirates.
Manager Reactions and Table Impact
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted his side were fortunate but praised their persistence. “We are relieved because we managed to score a goal at the end and go on winning,” he said, before adding a warning to his team. “We had a period of two or three minutes being deep, totally passive, with horrible defensive habits. That’s unacceptable.”
For Wolves boss Rob Edwards, the result was a cruel blow. “The two goals we conceded are bizarre, especially the first one. To get back in it and work that hard and show a lot of fight, spirit and courage… to lose it late on, it hurts.” The result leaves Wolves rooted to the bottom of the table on just two points, while Arsenal move five points clear ahead of Sunday’s fixtures.
