Late own goal saves Arsenal as Wolves heartbreak hands Gunners dramatic win
Arsenal needed a slice of luck deep into stoppage time as Yerson Mosquera’s own goal handed the league leaders a breathless 2-1 win over bottom side Wolves at the Emirates Stadium.
It looked like one of those afternoons where nothing quite clicks. The Gunners battered away at a packed Wolves back line and got nowhere for long spells, before finally edging in front after 70 minutes in scruffy fashion. Bukayo Saka’s curling corner was pushed onto the post by Sam Johnstone, only for the ball to bounce back off the keeper’s back and over the line.
Even then, it wasn’t over. Arsenal went nervy, dropped deeper and invited pressure, and Wolves took advantage late on. In the 90th minute, Mateus Mane whipped in a cross and Tolu Arokodare rose to power home a header, stunning the home crowd and threatening to blow a hole in the title race.
Heads dropped in the stands as fans feared another costly wobble, especially with Manchester City waiting to play Crystal Palace on Sunday. But Arsenal had one last twist left.
Saka again was the spark, cutting inside from the right and floating a cross towards Gabriel Jesus. Defender Mosquera tried to deal with it and only succeeded in glancing the ball past his own keeper, sending the Emirates into delirium and visible relief.
“It was a rollercoaster,” boss Mikel Arteta said afterwards. “The longer the game went on they had hope. We had to take more risks. We found a way, which is very positive, but there are things to improve obviously.”
There was a downside for Arsenal, with Ben White forced off in the first half with a hamstring injury. Another fitness worry Arteta could have done without at this stage of the season.
The win puts Arsenal five points clear at the top and keeps the pressure on City. Next up is a tricky trip to Everton, where dropped points won’t be forgiven. Wolves, meanwhile, remain rooted to the bottom, winless again and staring down the barrel of relegation unless something changes fast.