Arsenal squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with relegation-threatened Wolves at Molineux, delivering a severe setback to their Premier League title ambitions. Manchester City now holds a game in hand that could reduce Arsenal’s lead at the top to just two points.

Early Dominance Gives Way to Panic

Arsenal surged ahead after five minutes when Bukayo Saka headed home Declan Rice’s precise cross through Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa’s legs. Saka, deployed centrally in place of the injured Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, and Mikel Merino, impressed with his roaming runs, precise passes, and driving plays across the pitch.

Piero Hincapie doubled the lead just before the hour mark, netting his first goal for the club with a clinical finish from Gabriel’s threaded pass. VAR confirmed the goal despite initial offside concerns over Hugo Bueno’s positioning. Arsenal’s 15th different goalscorer this season highlighted their attacking depth, though striker Viktor Gyokeres struggled, managing only eight goals all campaign.

Late Collapse and Equalizer Chaos

Wolves mounted a stunning comeback. Hugo Bueno curled in a sublime strike to halve the deficit, exploiting Arsenal’s growing errors. Tension peaked in added time when David Raya spilled a high ball under pressure from Gabriel, allowing debutant Tom Edozie’s shot to deflect off Riccardo Calafiori and cross the line in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

Frustration boiled over post-match, with Gabriel Jesus shoving Yerson Mosquera, sparking a melee. Arsenal players slumped to the turf, haunted by past title collapses and chants of ‘Second again!’ from the home crowd.

Mikel Arteta’s Blunt Assessment

Mikel Arteta cut a drenched, furious figure on the sideline, later describing the errors as ‘one after the other, to be fair… a moment after another moment after another moment.’ He offered no excuses, acknowledging mentality questions amid the second-half collapse.

Key Performances and Injury Concerns

Saka shone before a late withdrawal, likely precautionary after recent hip issues. Eberechi Eze watched from the bench, pondering his role amid Saka’s central success. Declan Rice urged teammates amid the chaos, while Gabriel and Hincapie stood out defensively early on.

Gyokeres’ profligacy, including running the ball out against Ladislav Krejci, underscored Arsenal’s need for Havertz’s return, potentially for Sunday’s North London derby.

Match Facts

Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-2 Arsenal

• Wolves (3-4-2-1): Sa; Mosquera, S Bueno, Krejci; Tchatchoua (R Gomes 70), A Gomes (Arokodare 22), Andre, H Bueno; Mane, Bellegarde (Edozie 83); Armstrong. Manager: R Edwards.
• Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke (Eze 65), Saka (Trossard 73), Martinelli; Gyokeres (Jesus 65). Manager: M Arteta.
• Referee: P Tierney. Attendance: 29,843.

Arsenal remains five points clear but rues the missed chance to extend to seven. The title race intensifies as City looms large.