Leaders Arsenal surrendered a commanding two-goal advantage in dramatic fashion as struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers rescued a late draw, denying the visitors the chance to stretch their lead atop the Premier League.
What had looked like a routine evening at Molineux Stadium quickly turned chaotic in stoppage time, as defensive confusion allowed Wolves to steal a point that felt like a victory.
Arsenal began with authority and composure, pressing high and dictating possession from the opening whistle. Their intent paid off within five minutes when Bukayo Saka capped a flowing move with a close-range header.
The England international, fresh from signing a new five-year deal, met Declan Rice’s pinpoint cross and nodded home confidently. It was his first goal in 15 matches and a timely reminder of his attacking influence.
The visitors controlled proceedings through patient build-up play, stretching Wolves’ back line and forcing the hosts deep into their own half. Every Arsenal attack seemed to carry menace as the home crowd grew restless.
Their pressure yielded a second goal just after the hour. Piero Hincapie reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the area, steering a smart finish beyond the goalkeeper for his first goal in Arsenal colours.
At 2-0, the contest appeared settled. Arsenal’s midfield circulated possession smoothly while Wolves struggled to create openings. The Gunners looked set to move seven points clear at the summit.
Yet football’s momentum can turn in an instant. Wolves found renewed belief and began pushing forward with urgency. The shift in tempo unsettled Arsenal’s previously calm defence.
Full-back Hugo Bueno sparked the comeback with a moment of brilliance. Cutting inside, he curled a spectacular effort beyond David Raya and into the far corner, igniting the stadium and energising the hosts.
The goal rattled Arsenal. Passes became hurried, clearances less assured, and Wolves sensed vulnerability. The home side pressed aggressively, forcing errors and launching crosses into the penalty area.
Saka’s departure for treatment further disrupted Arsenal’s rhythm. Without their talisman on the flank, the visitors struggled to relieve mounting pressure and retreated deeper than intended.
As the clock ticked into added time, Wolves poured forward one last time. A high ball into the box should have been routine, but confusion between Raya and Gabriel proved costly.
Their attempted clearance ricocheted awkwardly, falling kindly for teenage substitute Tom Edozie. His fierce strike struck Riccardo Calafiori and deflected past the stranded goalkeeper before bouncing in off the post.
The equaliser stunned Arsenal’s players, who stood momentarily frozen while Wolves celebrated wildly. What seemed three certain points had vanished in seconds.
Tempers flared in the dying moments, with Gabriel Jesus shoving Yerson Mosquera as frustration boiled over. The final whistle brought relief for Wolves and disbelief for the visitors.
For Mikel Arteta, it marked a damaging setback in the title race. His side’s lead over Manchester City remains slim, and the champions, managed by Pep Guardiola, still hold a game in hand.
The dropped points will rekindle doubts about Arsenal’s staying power after finishing runners-up in recent seasons. Controlling matches has rarely been an issue; closing them out remains the lingering challenge.
Despite the disappointment, Arsenal’s campaign is far from derailed. They remain alive in multiple competitions, including a domestic cup final and the latter stages of Europe. Yet nights like this underline how unforgiving the league can be.
For Wolves, the draw could prove invaluable in their fight near the bottom. Their resilience and late surge demonstrated belief that survival is still within reach.
For Arsenal, however, the lesson was harsher. Dominance means little without defensive clarity, and a moment’s hesitation can undo an hour’s excellence. In a title race this tight, every lapse carries consequences.
