Arsenal 2-1 Wolves: Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard on target as Gunners win despite late Matheus Cunha strike
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
Updated 02/12/2023 at 17:59 GMT
A fine team goal finished off by skipper Martin Odegaard lit up a cold afternoon at the Emirates as Arsenal edged past Wolves 2-1. In truth, the scoreline should have perhaps been greater for the Gunners, as they largely dominated Gary O'Neil's visitors. Bukayo Saka got the other goal for Mikel Arteta's men as they stretched their lead at the top over Manchester City, who face Spurs on Sunday.
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on December 02, 2023 in London, England.
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal moved four points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League with a largely one-sided 2-1 win at the Emirates.
Having booked their place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League with a 6-0 drubbing of Ligue 1 Lens in midweek, Mikel Arteta's side picked up from where they left off on the domestic scene with another powerful showing.
The elusive Bukayo Saka slammed home a powerful shot into the visiting net on six minutes, before captain Martin Odegaard added a second from a delightful Oleksandr Zinchenko cutback on 13 minutes.
It could easily have been three on 36 minutes as Gabriel Martinelli struck a post, and Arsenal almost paid for failing to find a merited third when Wolves made it a nervy final few moments as Matheus Cunha thumped an effort high into the home net from just inside the home area on 86 minutes.
But Arsenal were well worth the three points as they finish the day at the summit on 33 points from 14 games.
Defending champions Man City can reduce the gap to one point if they can overcome Tottenham at the Etihad on Sunday.
Despite their late rally in an improved second-half performance, Gary O'Neil's Wolves – who lost goalkeeper Jose Sa to injury midway through the first period with Dan Bentley brought on – were outplayed and stay 13th in the table on 15 points from 14 games.
Talking point: How did Arsenal only win by one goal?
Most Arsenal fans will be leaving the Emirates Stadium wondering why they were forced to sweat on a freezing cold day.
The home side ran up five against Lens in the first half of their 6-0 win in the UEFA Champions League in midweek, and a dazed Wolves were fortunate to avoid a similar dismantling such was the gulf in class between the teams.
Football can come back to haunt wasteful sides, and Matheus Cunha's powerful finish on 86 minutes created late tension that nobody saw coming inside the vast ground.
In the final analysis, it was a professional job done by Arsenal in moving four points ahead of champions Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.
"Football is not perfect, but I’m really happy with the way we played," said manager Mikel Arteta on the BBC.
"It should have been a much bigger scoreline. We made a mistake and they take the chance, and it’s game on in the Premier League.
"We had chances and we didn’t put them away, but we kept trying. We had some big, big chances to put the game to bed.
"We have to keep winning matches and performing the way we are. That’s the challenge, to keep doing that every three days because we have another important game at Luton.”
Player of the match: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
The England winger plays football with a smile on his face. And little wonder when you have so much talent at your feet.
Scored a fine first goal, and was again involved in all that was expressive about Mikel Arteta's vibrant side, who should have been out of sight before half-time such was their dominance.
As well as scoring his side's 100th goal of 2023 to put Arsenal ahead, this season is turning into a personal triumph for Saka, who alongside Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah are the only two players to have scored or assisted in 10 different Premier League games this season.
Class and consistency are Saka's key traits in Arsenal's surge towards the top of the standings.
Player ratings
Arsenal: Raya 7, Tomiyasu 7, Saliba 7, Gabriel 7, Zinchenko 6, Odegaard 8, Rice 8, Trossard 7, Saka 8, Gabriel Jesus 8, Martinelli 7 Subs: White 6, Nketiah 6, Kiwior 6, Jorginho 6, Havertz 6
Wolves: Sa 6, Nelson Semedo 6, Kilman 6, Dawson 6, Toti 6, Hwang Hee-chan 6, Traore 6, Doyle 6, H Bueno 6, Bellegarde 6, Matheus Cunha 7 Subs: Bentley 6, Doherty 6, Kalajdzic 6, Sarabia 6
Match highlights
6' GOAL FOR ARSENAL! (SAKA) A brilliant finish from young Bukayo Saka as he slams the ball into the corner of the net. Got a nice break of the ball inside the box, but didn't hang about. Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu also involved in the build-up. Lovely goal.
13' GOAL FOR ARSENAL! (ODEGAARD) Brilliant finish from the Arsenal skipper as he slams home the Oleksandr Zinchenko cutback. That is a delightful finish. Jesus showing lovely touches too. Arsenal lead 2-0. In complete control.
22' SA HAS BACK ISSUES The Wolves goalkeeper is pointing to his back and he will be taking no further part in this match. Bad luck for Wolves as he departs the scene at the Emirates.
36' SO CLOSE TO A THIRD GOAL A superb sweeping move from the home side. Saka with delightful play to supply Martinelli on the other wing, but his shot comes back off a post with Bentley beaten. How close was that? A terrific counter attacking move.
86' GOAL FOR WOLVES! (CUNHA) Error by Zinchenko in failing to clear the danger and Cunha thumps a superb effort high into the net from just inside the home area. What a supreme finish. Wolves grab a lifeline. They trail 2-1.
Key stat
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article