Arsenal bounced back from their Champions League disappointment to secure a crucial victory against Wolves at Molineux, reclaiming the top spot in the Premier League.
After missing an opportunity to surpass Pep Guardiola’s side a week ago with a defeat against Aston Villa and suffering elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich, Mikel Arteta’s team needed this win.
Leandro Trossard’s goal in the final minute of the first half might not have been the most spectacular of his career, but its timing was impeccable.
It arrived after a period where Arsenal had seemed to lose momentum following a promising start and narrowly escaped conceding against Gary O’Neil’s injury-hit team.
The visitors continued to dominate in the second half, although they struggled to create clear-cut chances to extend their lead.
Captain Martin Odegaard sealed the victory deep into stoppage time, slotting home from a difficult angle after his initial cross was blocked.
“I really liked the performance, the result, the clean sheet,” said Gunners boss Arteta. “But especially the way the team has individually shown that they still have another step forward to make and resilience that is needed in these moments to step in and say ‘I’m here, I’m gonna make myself count and impact the team’.”
The result means Arsenal are now a point clear of City, with a better goal difference but having played a game more.
They have the chance to apply some significant pressure to the defending champions when they entertain beaten FA Cup semi-finalists Chelsea on Tuesday.
“If you look at the amount of games we’ve played in the last few weeks, the types of games that we have played and the attitude and the way they played it’s top,” Arteta added.
“It’s within them. They want to win, they want to compete at their best and their effort is unquestionable. The results are something but I’m really happy for the approach and the mentality of the team.”
Tired Wolves’ winless run continues
The efforts of Wolves were commendable, earning praise from fans who remained supportive throughout. However, as the season approaches its conclusion, there may be lingering regrets about their FA Cup quarter-final loss to Championship side Coventry at Molineux last month.
A potential Wembley semi-final this weekend could have injected some positivity into a season that has become challenging for O’Neil’s squad. While they displayed excellence in the first two-thirds of the campaign, they now appear fatigued and hampered by injuries.
Although Joao Gomes and substitute Mario Lemina created some promising attacking opportunities, Wolves struggled to maintain consistent offensive pressure. The standout performers were their defenders, particularly captain Max Kilman and Toti, who showcased resilience in defense.
On-loan player Tommy Doyle also demonstrated industriousness for Wolves. Nevertheless, their winless streak now extends to six games across all competitions, their longest since the conclusion of the 2021-22 season.
Chairman Jeff Shi’s decision not to reinforce the squad during the January transfer window, citing adherence to the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations, may have contributed to their struggles. However, there remains a lingering sense that additional signings could have bolstered Wolves’ chances of securing a top-half finish.
‘Magician’ Trossard strikes the crucial blow
Trossard has been in and out as an Arsenal player since joining from Brighton in a £21m deal in January 2023.
The Belgian has still made more substitute appearances than starts in the Premier League for the Gunners – and when things are not going well, he is an obvious candidate to be replaced.
Yet he scores key goals. Since the beginning of last month alone, he has provided a winner against Porto in the Champions League, an equaliser in the home leg of the quarter-final with Bayern Munich, and now his latest effort – which takes him to 14 for the season in all competitions. Only Bukayo Saka has scored more for the Gunners.
It was a scruffy effort, leaning back and on the stretch to get to Gabriel Jesus’ prodded pass. But it floated right into the top corner, out of goalkeeper Jose Sa’s reach. It changed the complexion of an evening that was starting to get a bit nervy for the visitors, who before that had allowed Wolves back into a game they had initially dominated.
“He’s a little magician,” said Arteta. “He can score with any service. He’s a big threat. So composed, so cool, he can play in different positions. It’s just a joy to have him in the team.”
‘Magician’ Trossard strikes the crucial blow
Trossard has been in and out as an Arsenal player since joining from Brighton in a £21m deal in January 2023.
The Belgian has still made more substitute appearances than starts in the Premier League for the Gunners – and when things are not going well, he is an obvious candidate to be replaced.
Yet he scores key goals. Since the beginning of last month alone, he has provided a winner against Porto in the Champions League, an equaliser in the home leg of the quarter-final with Bayern Munich, and now his latest effort – which takes him to 14 for the season in all competitions. Only Bukayo Saka has scored more for the Gunners.
It was a scruffy effort, leaning back and on the stretch to get to Gabriel Jesus’ prodded pass. But it floated right into the top corner, out of goalkeeper Jose Sa’s reach. It changed the complexion of an evening that was starting to get a bit nervy for the visitors, who before that had allowed Wolves back into a game they had initially dominated.
“He’s a little magician,” said Arteta. “He can score with any service. He’s a big threat. So composed, so cool, he can play in different positions. It’s just a joy to have him in the team.”
At the conclusion of a challenging week, it was understandable that Arsenal did not display their usual fluid attacking play.
Nevertheless, they still created scoring opportunities. Kai Havertz found himself in promising positions inside the box in both halves. However, he failed to capitalize, sending his shots straight at Jose Sa on each occasion.
Declan Rice had four chances of his own, including a first-half attempt that narrowly missed the target and a late effort that tested Sa. Despite his evident talent, the English midfielder has yet to significantly increase his goal-scoring output, a skill he undoubtedly possesses.
Ultimately, it was Odegaard who sealed the victory for Arsenal with a close-range finish in stoppage time.