Arsenal’s grip on the Premier League title race loosened significantly after a frustrating 2-2 draw against bottom-of-the-table Wolves.
Despite establishing a comfortable two-goal cushion through Bukayo Saka and Piero Hincapié, a late defensive implosion saw the Gunners surrender two vital points.
A magnificent strike from Hugo Bueno gave the hosts a lifeline before a disastrous stoppage-time miscommunication between David Raya and Gabriel allowed Tom Edozie to snatch an equalizer that deflected in off Riccardo Calafiori.
Arsenal Player Ratings
David Raya 5 The Spaniard was a spectator for much of the night until he was forced to pick the ball out of his net twice. While he was helpless against Bueno’s exquisite curler, his failure to command his area for the equalizer was pivotal. A dropped cross in the dying moments gifted Wolves the chance they needed; a claim there would have secured the points.
Jurrien Timber 6 Started the match with real intent, frequently overlapping and delivering one particularly fizzing cross that begged for a finish. However, his influence waned as the game progressed. As the second half wore on, he looked increasingly fatigued and struggled to provide his earlier offensive spark.
William Saliba 6 Engaged in a physical wrestling match with Tolu Arokodare all evening and didn’t always come out on top. He was uncharacteristically hesitant in a few duels, winning only a fraction of his ground battles. While he remained reliable in possession, he lacked his usual aura of total composure.
Gabriel 6 Produced a moment of genuine quality with a piercing pass to assist Hincapié’s goal. He was a dominant force in the air for 90 minutes, which made the final-minute breakdown even more baffling. His attempt to head a ball that his goalkeeper was coming to collect proved fatal for the clean sheet.
Piero Hincapié 8 Undoubtedly Arsenal’s standout performer in the defensive line. He took his maiden goal for the club with predatory clinicalness and was a constant threat when venturing forward. Defensively, he was equally sharp, making a vital goal-saving clearance at the back post early in the second half.
Martin Zubimendi 5 A frustratingly passive display from the midfielder. He seemed to fall into a lull during the first half when Wolves sat deep, opting for safe, lateral passes rather than trying to unlock the defense. With Ødegaard absent, Arsenal needed more bravery from him in the center.
Declan Rice 8 A captain’s performance in all but name. He provided a pinpoint cross for Saka’s opener and dominated the physical battles in the middle of the park. His distribution was excellent, frequently finding Martinelli and Gyokeres in dangerous areas, and he was unlucky not to score with a curling effort of his own.
Noni Madueke 5 An afternoon of “what ifs” for the winger. He struggled to get the better of Hugo Bueno and often frustrated the coaching staff by failing to track back during defensive transitions. Aside from one decent effort that tested the keeper, he was largely kept quiet by the Wolves backline.
Bukayo Saka 8 Deployed in a central “Number 10” role, Saka was the engine of the Arsenal attack. He ended his recent goal drought with a clinical header and looked the most likely to create something whenever he touched the ball. His defensive work rate was equally impressive before he was forced off with a knock.
Gabriel Martinelli 6 Showed plenty of endeavor but lacked a clinical edge. He was guilty of a tame finish when a first-half rebound fell his way and his delivery from wide areas was inconsistent. He worked hard after switching flanks but failed to truly hurt the opposition.
Viktor Gyokeres 4 A night to forget for the big-money signing. He struggled to act as a focal point, failing to hold the ball up effectively when Arsenal looked to go long. With zero shots and minimal impact in the penalty area, he was largely anonymous before being hooked.
Substitutes
Eberechi Eze (Madueke 64’) 4 Failed to provide the spark Arteta was looking for. He struggled to get into the flow of the game and wasted a golden opportunity to restore the lead late on by slicing a shot wide.
Gabriel Jesus (Gyokeres 64’) 4 Much like the man he replaced, Jesus offered very little. He looked clumsy in possession at times and seemed to lose his composure as the game reached its heated conclusion.
Leandro Trossard (Saka 72’) 5 Had a few loose touches during his cameo before a head injury cut his night short, leading to the introduction of Calafiori.
Riccardo Calafiori (Trossard 90+3’) N/A On the pitch for less than a minute before the ball deflected off him for the equalizer. Impossible to rate given the circumstances.