ARSENAL left it late as they almost dropped points in the Premier League for the second week in a row.
The Gunners suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa a week ago and came close to allowing relegation strugglers Wolves to pick up only their third point this season after 16 games in the top flight.
However, the North Londoners managed to snatch the three points with a late 2-1 win thanks to two own-goals.
Bukayo Saka caused the first one on 70 minutes with a stunning corner-kick that smashed the visitors’ right-hand post before the ball bounced off Sam Johnstone’s back.
Wolves thought they sealed a point in the 90th-minute mark when Tolu Arokodare picked up a header following a cross from 18-year-old Mateus Mane.
But the returning Gabriel Jesus – back in the Premier League after 11 months – met a cross by Saka and got the header that bounced off Yerson Mosquera for the winner in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
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But who stood out? SunSport rate each one of Mikel Arteta’s stars against Wolves:
David Raya – 6
Expecting a quiet night.
David Raya had to be alert to make an important save and keep out the only shot on target in the first half as Hwang Hee-Chan raced from his own half one-on-one, and dived low to his right to deny the South Korean. But stood watching when Wolves struck a shock late leveller.
Ben White – 6
Made a couple of strong surges down the right as he linked up well with Bukayo Saka, and for a big man he showed a delicate touch, but lasted only half an hour as his recent return from injury was cut short and he had to be replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly
Jurrien Timber – 6
His pace proved valuable, especially when he did just enough to help put off Hwang when he was one-on-one with Raya and prevent Arsenal embarrassingly fall behind. Not the usual partner for William Saliba but formed a decent understanding.
William Saliba – 6
A little rusty after missing four games, but this was a good game to return in against the league’s worst team, and everyone at the club will breathe a huge sigh of relief to see him come through 90 minutes unscathed.
Piero Hincapie – 5
Enjoying a run with Gabriel Magalhaes still injured and Riccardo Calafiori suspended. Great recovery after slipping to block a shot from Jorgen Strand Larsen in first-half stoppage time, but he was beaten in the air for Wolves’ goal in added time.
Martin Zubimendi – 5
He seemed off the pace as he tried to help with the transition from midfield to attack, and ended up playing some clumsy forward passes that did not find red shirts. No surprise to see him taken off early in the second half.
Declan Rice – 6
Started slowly on his return from injury and might have done better after 17 minutes when climbing well to meet Saka’s cross with a downward header. Stepped up a gear after the break and forced two good saves from distance.
Bukaya Saka – 8
Arsenal’s best player with his jinking runs down the right and tantalising crosses into the box. Unfortunately for him, the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli failed to make the most of them. Had the last word with the corner that led to a freak own-goal
Eberechi Eze – 4
A flat Arsenal side were crying out for him to use his ability to turn a game on its head, but he just wasn’t at the races. He was fortunate to escape an early card for a high boot on Joao Gomes. Unsurprisingly withdrawn after 57 minutes
Gabriel Martinelli – 4
Had his manager holding his head in his hands after 33 minutes as he made a hash of a free header at the far post following a corner, heading back across goal. He was way off target all night with his shooting too, so no surprise to see him exit early doors.
Viktor Gyokeres – 4
Still trying to prove himself ahead of Gabriel Jesus. In the first half he failed to connect with one great cross from Saka, and was then muscled out by Emmanuel Agbadou. Improved after the break and went close with one low drive across the face of goal. Eventually replaced by Jesus
Subs:
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6
Replaced injured Ben White after half an hour and slotted into his position on the left, with Jurrien Timber swapping flanks as part of the reshuffle. His arrival did nothing to harm Arsenal’s defending, but he wasn’t seriously tested
Martin Odegaard – 5
Still looking to return to full fitness after a recent injury, but he improved the midfield when he replaced Eberechi Eze. Each step forward that he takes is a big plus for Mikel Arteta in a hectic season.
Leandro Trossard – 5
Added a bit more pep when he came on for Martinelli. The man is always a threat and has great anticipation, but on this occasion his timing was a bit off and he failed to make the most of some half-chances
Mikel Merino – 6
Replaced Martin Zubimendi and dropped back into a midfield role. As usual he was a physical presence and read the danger well to keep the visitors at bay.
Gabriel Jesus – 6
The Brazilian ended up having a massive impact, forcing the own goal. His return will offer encouragement to his manager as he offers another outlet in attack, and scoring enough goals will be the key to success this season
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