Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to five points with a dramatic 2-1 victory over struggling Wolves at the Emirates on Saturday.
The Gunners had never lost to a team that had started the match at the bottom of the top flight; a record that was preserved in the most pulsating fashion courtesy of a 94th-minute Yerson Mosquera own goal.
Mikel Arteta’s side dominated possession throughout but struggled to break their defensively disciplined opponents down.
That was until midway through the second-half when a Sam Johnstone own goal from a Bukayo Saka corner broke the deadlock.
Wolves thought they had snatched a point when Tolu Arokodare headed in a 90th-minute equaliser but Rob Edwards’ spirited side were hit with a late suckerpunch to remain 13 points adrift of safety.
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A frustrating first-half for the hosts
Thirty-one points separated the two teams before kick-off, so it was hardly surprising that the first chance of the game fell to Arsenal, with Jurrien Timber heading narrowly over from Saka’s cross.
The Gunners enjoyed the majority of possession in the early stages, while Wolves seemed content to sit deep with all 11 players behind the ball.
But the visitors occasionally looked threatening on the counter. In one of those rare forays forward, Hee-chan Hwang found himself bearing down on the Arsenal goal.
However, the South Korean’s run took him slightly wide of the box and his shot was saved rather comfortably by David Raya.
Gabriel Martinelli then twice had opportunities from close range, with Arteta cutting a somewhat agitated figure on the the touchline.
The Gunners finally break down dogged Wolves
After a goalless first-half, Martinelli again went close for the hosts but his fierce effort from a tight angle fizzed off-target.
A Declan Rice free-kick sailed inches over and the England man then saw his curling shot well-saved by Johnstone moments later.
But as the clock ticked over the 70-minute mark, the deadlock was eventually broken by Arsenal, albeit courtesy of a large slice of Gunners good fortune.
Saka’s in-swinging corner to the far post cannoned back off the woodwork before hitting a helpless Johnstone’s shoulder and dropping over the line.
The goal appeared to spur Arsenal on. Viktor Gyokeres drove a ball across the six-yard box that Saka nearly connected with, while substitute Martin Odegaard blasted an effort high into the crowd.
Despite the Gunners’ dominance, they were dealt what looked to be a suckerpunch in second-half stoppage-time. From Mateus Mane’s teasing delivery, substitute Arokodare nodded in past Raya to stun the Emirates into silence.
But the home section of the stadium would not be quiet for long. Moments later Gunners substitute Gabriel Jesus’ header flicked off Mosquera and past Johnstone to send a dagger to the hearts of the travelling support.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: 101greatgoals.com
