Arsenal’s advantage at the top of the Premier League has been cut to just five points after they threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Wolves on Wednesday night.
The Gunners looked in control when Bukayo Saka and Piero Hincapie put them 2-0 up at Molineux. But Wolves staged a remarkable comeback in the second half to snatch a point, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side to face more questions about their title credentials.
Manchester City now have the chance to reduce the gap to just two points if they beat Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium in their game in hand.
Early Promise Fades
Arsenal started brightly and took the lead inside five minutes through Saka. The England winger, who recently signed a new five-year contract worth £300,000 a week, met Declan Rice’s cross with a glancing header that went through Wolves keeper Jose Sa’s legs.
Saka celebrated by pretending to sign a piece of paper, marking his new deal that keeps him at the Emirates until 2031.
The early goal silenced Molineux, and Arsenal looked set to build on their advantage. Rice went close with a shot that flew just wide, and Sa spilled an effort from Noni Madueke, but Gabriel Martinelli could not convert the rebound.
Despite their dominance, Arsenal’s front three of Madueke, Martinelli and Viktor Gyokeres failed to click, and Wolves slowly grew into the game.
Second Goal Brings False Security
Arsenal finally got their second goal after 56 minutes. Gabriel threaded a ball through to Hincapie, who raced clear and drilled his shot past Sa. The goal survived a lengthy VAR check for offside, and Hincapie celebrated his first goal for the club.
But Arsenal’s comfort lasted only five minutes. Gabriel gave away possession cheaply, and Wolves took full advantage. Santiago Bueno’s pass found Hugo Bueno, who cut inside from the right and curled a superb left-foot shot into the top corner.
Late Drama
The equaliser came after a chaotic moment in the Arsenal defence. Keeper David Raya collided with Gabriel and spilled the ball, allowing Tom Edozie’s shot to hit Riccardo Calafiori before crossing the line.
The home fans taunted Arsenal at the final whistle, singing: “Second again, second again.”
Growing Doubts
This was the second week running that Arsenal have dropped points from a winning position. Last week, they could only draw with Brentford. Now, they have let a bottom of the table side fighting against relegation take points off them.
The result has opened the door for Manchester City, who were just six minutes away from falling nine points behind Arsenal at Anfield last weekend. Pep Guardiola’s side have fought their way back into contention and now sit within striking distance.
Arsenal still face a crucial trip to the Etihad in April, a game many are now viewing as a potential title decider.
Questions Over Progress
Arteta’s last trophy with Arsenal came in 2020, and the club have spent more than £900 million on new signings since then. Some are beginning to question whether the return in silverware matches that level of investment.
The Gunners have finished runners-up in each of the past three seasons. If they are to go one step further this time, they will need to show they can handle pressure moments like Wednesday night at Wolves.