Stoppage-time winner extends Gunners' lead at the top of the Premier League
Arsenal extended his lead at the top of the rankings 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 who started the game bottom of the top flight; a record that was preserved in the most thrilling way thanks to a Yerson Mosquera own goal in the 94th minute.
Mikel Arteta's side dominated possession throughout the match but struggled to break down their defensively disciplined opponents.
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 equalized with a header in the 90th minute, but Rob Edwards' spirited side were hit by a late strike to stay 13 points from safety.
A frustrating first half for the hosts
Thirty-one points separated the two teams before kick-off, so it was no surprise that the first chance of the match fell to Arsenal, Jurrien Timber heading narrowly from Saka's cross.
The Gunners enjoyed the majority of possession early on, while Wolves seemed content to sit with all 11 players behind the ball.
But visitors sometimes appeared menacing at the counter. In one of those rare forays forward, Hee-chan Hwang found himself facing the Arsenal goal.
However, the South Korean's run took him slightly wide of the box and his shot was saved quite comfortably by David Raya.
Gabriel Martinelli then had two chances from close range, with Arteta cutting a somewhat flustered figure on the touchline.
Gunners finally manage to overcome stubborn Wolves
After a goalless first half, Martinelli went close for the hosts again, but his fierce effort from a tight angle went wide.
A Declan Rice free-kick went inches wide and the Englishman then saw his curled shot well saved by Johnstone moments later.
But as time ticked past 70 minutes, the deadlock was finally broken by Arsenal, albeit thanks to much of the Gunners' good fortune.
Saka's corner to the far post rolled back onto the woodwork before hitting the shoulder of a helpless Johnstone and flying over the line.
The goal seemed to boost Arsenal. Viktor Gyokeres sent a ball across the penalty area which Saka almost connected with, while substitute Martin Odegaard lofted an effort high into the crowd.
Despite the Gunners' dominance, they were dealt what appeared to be a blow in second-half stoppage time. After Mateus Mane's teasing performance, substitute Arokodare nodded past Raya to stun the Emirates and silence them.
But the stadium local won't stay silent for long. Moments later, Gunners substitute Gabriel Jesus' header flew past Mosquera and past Johnstone to send a dagger into the heart of the traveling support.
2025-12-13 22:03:00
