Jerson Mosquera’s own goal in the 94th minute gave Arsenal a dramatic 2-1 victory over bottom-placed Wolves, leaving the Gunners five points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Wolves looked like they had snatched a sensational point in the 90th minute when substitute Tolu Alokodea’s header canceled out Sam Johnstone’s earlier own goal and stunned the Emirates Stadium.
However, Arsenal hit back as Mosquera headed Bukayo Saka’s cross into their own goal under pressure from substitute Gabriel Jesus, sparking wild celebrations.
A draw against a team that has not won in the Premier League this season would have given second-placed Manchester City the chance to take the lead after beating Crystal Palace on Sunday, but a late win will put the pressure on Arsenal’s rivals again.
This was a brutal result for Wolves, who defended tenaciously, only to be broken in unlucky circumstances in the 70th minute when Saka’s corner kick hit the post and bounced off Johnston.
The visitors held Arsenal to zero shots on target in the first half, but David Raya was forced to make a one-on-one save with Hwang Hee-chan, giving their opponents a scare.
Arsenal finally showed improvement after repeated substitutions by Mikel Arteta in the second half, but they were blamed just after taking the lead when Matheus Mane’s shot was deflected by Alokodare and beyond Raya, causing them to fall back into their own half.
But the goal sparked an immediate reaction as Saka, Arsenal’s most dangerous player, crossed for a late winner in what could prove to be a key moment in the title race.
Arsenal’s Victor Gokeres plays against Wolves
The victory was a huge relief for Arsenal following last weekend’s defeat to Aston Villa, but there was also a downside as Ben White was sent off in the first half with a hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, it was Wolves’ 10th consecutive loss in all competitions, and their fifth straight loss in the five games Rob Edwards was in charge of.
Arteta: “We need to improve”
“We were relieved, but we clearly understand that the difference should have been bigger,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said.
“I thought we were better in the second half, we created more chances and scored more goals.
“But then we had terrible defensive habits where we were completely passive deep for a couple of minutes and nowhere near the level required against a team that wasn’t taking a single shot.
“The first time they had a chance they scored and that’s the Premier League.
“I’m relieved that we were able to score a goal at the end and keep winning. But in that sense, we definitely need to improve.”
Analysis: Is Gökeres location at risk?
Mikel Arteta has implored Victor Gokeres’ critics to “leave him alone” ahead of the match. This won’t be the last time he has to defend the striker. Summer contracts continue to be tough.
The 27-year-old retained his place in the starting XI after a disappointing Champions League game against Club Brugge in midweek. He felt that playing against the bottom team in the Premier League was a great opportunity for him to increase his goal tally.
But never mind scoring in the first half at the Emirates Stadium, Gokeres could barely get close to the ball. He had just five total touches, the lowest of any player. Bukayo Saka apparently put it on the plate but couldn’t get there.
Victor Gokeres finished the game with 15 touches and just one shot.
Although his achievements are debated, it was not the first time he had struggled in his early days at Arsenal. Gökeres had his moments. He was unlucky to suffer an injury midway through his best performance in Arsenal colors against Burnley.
However, the jury is still out considering his modest overall contribution, with just six goals in 19 appearances. Gabriel Jesus has been called up again by Mikel Arteta. It may not be long before Kai Havertz is fit enough to compete for the number 9 shirt.
Are the Gokeres really doing enough to stop them?
He improved as the second half progressed, at one point pinning Wolves centre-back Emmanuel Agbadu and sending his shot narrowly wide on the turn. But this was a rare highlight of other performances, and it raised more questions than answers.
Edwards: Proud of Wolves players
“It was unlucky, but they earned it. That’s why they’re where they are,” Wolves manager Rob Edwards said.
“I’m not going to complain about luck. I’m proud of the players tonight, but we lost the game.
“It’s tough when you’re losing a game, but they showed a really dedicated performance.
“On Monday, we took more risks and opened up and we couldn’t do that here.
“We stuck to our game plan, showed spirit, captured our moments and had a near-perfect game.
“That’s what brings people together.”
Arsenal set-piece threat – Opta stats
Excluding penalties, Arsenal have scored more set-piece goals than any other team in the Premier League this season (11), with nine of those goals coming from corners, the most in the league. It was the first time this season that Arsenal failed to register a shot on target in the first half of a Premier League match, and the first time since December 2024 against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium. Wolves have conceded more own goals than any other team in the Premier League this season (four). Their two games today were the first games Arsenal have benefited from this season.
