Arsenal edged Wolves in their Premier League fixture, courtesy of an own goal from Sam Johnston and Yerson Mosquera, securing a 2-1 for the host after Tolu Arokodare scored a late equalizer in the Emirates.
Bukayo Saka was the star of the show, orchestrating the two own goals to help Mikel Arteta’s charge establish a five-point gap-lead over Manchester City, who face Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Arsenal Player RatingsĀ
David Raya (6): The Spanish goalkeeper put in a competent showing, reacting effectively to make a good save when Hwang Hee-chan broke through on the counter-attack. Overall, he had very little to do aside from that key intervention.
Ben White (6): Handed his fourth start in a row, the right-back’s match unfortunately concluded after just 30 minutes when he suffered a hamstring injury, forcing an early substitution.
Jurrien Timber (6): Starting the game at right-back, he was shifted to the centre of defence when White had to leave the field. Timber was solid and dependable in both positions he occupied throughout the match.
William Saliba (6): Returning to the starting lineup after missing the previous four fixtures due to injury, the central defender was rarely tested during what proved to be a comfortable shift at the back.
Piero Hincapie (6): A surprising choice at left-back, he later moved into central defence following White’s withdrawal. He executed a couple of strong tackles but was beaten by Arokodare for the Wolves goal.
Eberechi Eze (5): Back in the starting XI, he struggled to get involved in the play and lacked his customary creative flair and influence on the attack.
Martin Zubimendi (6): He was one of the better performers among the midfielders and attackers, though this was a quiet night for the forward-thinking players. He was substituted later on as Arsenal sought a goal.
Declan Rice (7): The midfielder notably elevated his performance after the break, particularly once Zubimendi was taken off. He tested the opposition goalkeeper with a powerful long-range shot.
Bukayo Saka (8 | Star player): The winger was Arsenal’s standout performer, often seeming to be taking on the Wolves defence single-handedly. He was the only attacking player who looked dangerous and was heavily involved in setting up both goals.
Viktor Gyokeres (5): The forward was virtually anonymous in the first half. He showed a marginal improvement after the interval, registering a close-range header and flashing another attempt just wide of the post.
Gabriel Martinelli (5): He wasted a significant chance from a corner in the first half, heading wide when well-placed. The attacker failed to truly spark into life before being withdrawn before the hour mark.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (6): Came on earlier than anticipated for the injured White and provided a solid display. The young player made a crucial late tackle to prevent a goal-scoring opportunity for Arokodare.
Leandro Trossard (6): Returning from a minor knock, he came off the bench and put a few efforts just wide of the target.
Martin Odegaard (6): The substitute saw a lot of the ball in midfield and attempted to inject more urgency and tempo into the Gunners’ attack.
Mikel Merino (6): Introduced into the midfield as Arsenal chased a winner, he put in a tidy and industrious performance.
Gabriel Jesus (7): The Brazilian looked very sharp after being brought on late in the game and played a major role in the build-up that led to the winning goal.