Arsenal edge a nervy night at the Emirates
Arsenal survived a tense late spell to claim three crucial Premier League points, sealing a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium thanks to a stoppage-time own goal from Yerson Mosquera. The win breathes life into their campaign, easing pressure and allowing Mikel Arteta to celebrate a result built on resilience rather than flawless football.
First-half tempo and a stubborn Wolves test
From the outset, Arsenal looked to play with intent, probing Wolves with quick passing and movement. The hosts initially dictated the tempo, forcing a series of half chances and earning a foothold in advanced positions. Wolves, however, remained dangerous on the break and showed discipline in defense, denying clear cut opportunities and keeping the contest open for longer than expected. The key moment arrived midway through the first half when Arsenal’ s forward line combined with a clean strike forcing a sharp save from the visiting keeper, signaling that the afternoon would demand patience.
Midfield battles and changing momentum
The midfield duel shaped the game’s rhythm. Arsenal’s ball progression and willingness to recycle possession were met with Wolves’ compact shape and quick counters. As the clock ticked toward halftime, a well-worked set-piece routine produced a goal for the home side, giving them a slender lead and a platform to push for a second. Yet Wolves showed they would not roll over, continuing to threaten on the counter and test the goalkeeper with late runs in the box.
Wolves’ late surge and the defining moment
Heading into the final phases, Wolves intensified their pressure. A sustained spell of possession in dangerous zones forced a couple of last-ditch blocks from the Arsenal defense and a few risky long-range efforts from the visitors. The equalizer finally arrived when a surge in a crowded box led to a ricochet that found the back of the net, igniting a sense of inevitability that the home side would need a late winner to save the day.
stoppage-time drama and the decisive moment
With stoppage time looming, Arsenal pushed forward in search of a winner. A misjudged clearance from Wolves set up a rapid counter in the dying seconds, culminating in a frantic sequence inside the box. In the chaos, Mosquera inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, gifting Arsenal a dramatic 2-1 victory. The stadium erupted as the full-time whistle blew, sealing a result that may prove pivotal in the campaign’s broader narrative.
What this win means for Arsenal
Three points at home against a stubborn Wolves side reinforce Arsenal’s willingness to grind out results when style isn’t abundant. The late goal — born of pressure and persistence — underscores a season-long theme: when games tighten, character and forward momentum can swing outcomes. The win keeps Arsenal within striking distance of their targets and offers a fresh boost to the squad and fan morale alike.
Looking ahead
Arsenal will need to translate this resilience into consistency across a demanding run of fixtures. For Wolves, there are positives to take from an away performance that demanded discipline and an organized defensive shape. The narrative of the match will likely focus on the fine margins and the impact of a moment of misfortune in the closing seconds. As the season progresses, both teams will be keen to build on the lessons from this dramatic Emirates encounter.
