The clash between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal was always going to be one of the most intriguing of the weekend across Europe, with both clubs aiming to improve their chances of qualifying for Europe this season. In the end, it was the Gunners who upset the status quo with a comprehensive away performance at Molineux.
Wolves never really seemed to get going in this game, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s men struggling to replicate the form they showed in their previous three league wins. Bukayo Saka opened the scoring just a few minutes before half time, and after overcoming a nervous second half that featured a golden effort for Adama Traore, it was Alexandre Lacazette who put the final nail in the coffin with an 86th minute strike.
Making a statement
“It has been such a great week, signing my contract and then getting my first Premier League goal,” Saka said. “And it wasn’t a bad goal either so I’m very happy.
“I have to stay humble and keep my feet on the ground to keep learning. It’s important for us to have experience and world-class players around to advise us. It was tough for us today but we gave our all and that is what got us over the line.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was also clearly pretty pleased with the victory.
Pushing the pace
“It was a massive win. We had two and a half days to prepare and they had a week. We played two games while they were training.
“They [Wolves] are a really well organised team and it’s really tough to come here and win, we needed everybody to play with high attention and commitment. We had good possession and scored two goals. When we had to suffer, the team enjoyed to suffer together, which is massive for us.”
The tough games don’t stop for Arsenal from this point on, with back to back games against top six contenders in the form of Leicester City and Tottenham Hotpsur. Wolves, on the other hand, are in for a tough week with encounters against Sheffield United and Everton.
Match Report
Wolves: Patricio (6.5), Saiss (6), Coady (6), Boly (6.5), Jonny (6), Moutinho (6.5), Neves (7), Dendoncker (6), Doherty (6), Traore (6.5), Jimenez (7), Gibbs-White (6), Jota (6), Neto (6)
Arsenal: Martinez (6.5), Mustafi (7), Luiz (7), Kolasinac (7.5), Soares (6.5), Ceballos (7), Xhaka (7), Tierney (7), Saka (7.5), Nketiah (7), Aubameyang (7), Willock (7.5), Maitland-Niles (6.5), Torreira (6), Bellerin (6.5), Lacazette (7.5)
Referee: Michael Oliver
Goals: Saka, Lacaette
Yellow Cards: Coady, Saiss, Luiz, Torreira, Xhaka, Maitland-Niles
Red Cards: N/A
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
