Arsenal are running for one of the Premier League’s most prestigious Champions League squads: Arsenal played the catch-up match against Wolverhampton with enthusiasm and creativity. The winning goal came at the last minute.
He achieved the late decision with the help of José Sas: Alexandre Lacazette (L.).
imago images / Sportimage
The second meeting in 14 days between Arsenal and Wolves took place at the Emirates Stadium. After Arsenal won 1-0 two weeks ago with a man down, the North Londoners should once again be the winners over their direct rivals.
The first excitement of the match was not long: Gabriel Martinelli fell while trying to finish the penalty area, but referee Atkinson decided to reverse the whistle (2). On the other end, Wolves continued their pace and slipped the ball into the net early, but top scorer Sais was offside (6′).
Hwang hits coldly
Hwang then capped off a lively start to the match, blocking Gabriel’s poor back pass, turning Ramsdale and giving Wolverhampton the lead (10). Unexpectedly, the lead gave the Gunners momentum, who pressed more and more to equalize. Lacazette missed the first of many chances (16), Saka’s shot was with a foot between them at the last minute (22).
The pressure from the landlords was mounting and the wolves didn’t have an answer ready. Once again, the eminent Lacazette seized the ball in the opponent’s penalty area and sent Gabriel Martinelli, who put the ball over the right corner (35) and failed to shoot it to Jose Sa before the break (44). All in all, Arsenal scored ten massive shots on goal in the first half – to no avail.
Almost out of nowhere, Raul Jimenez nodded shortly before the end of the first half and Wolves’ third shot on goal off the left post (45′ + 1′). A look at the stats in the break gave Gunners fans little reason to hope: Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal took just four points from a draw and a total of 15 defeats after falling behind in the break.
The second round opened directly with a double chance: firstly Gabriel Martinelli missed the equalizer (46′), in the direct return Hwang was only centimeters away from the double package (47′). In the period that followed, the match was mainly characterized by a few mistakes in the midfield and the game lost some of its appeal. Wolves fell more and more and received Arsenal deeper in their own half, but they are convinced of the compact work in the group.
Pepe and Lacazette are still scoring
Arsenal initially despaired of more and more Wolverhampton’s defense, but in the end the Joker team worked to equalize: Nkitia found Pepe, who executed from a spin and from close range (82). With this, he announced an exciting final stage in which Pedro Neto (86th) and Odegaard (88th) missed more than promising chances to score 2-1.
In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Lacazette finally sent the Emirates into ecstasy and scored to make it 2-1 (90+5) after Pepe’s good preparatory work. When looking back, the goal was judged an own goal by Wolverhampton goalkeeper Jose Sa, who put the ball into his own goal with his hand during a tackle.
Goals and cards
0: 1H.- c. Hwang (10′)
1: 1baby (82 inch)
2: 1Jose Sa (90 minutes, goal post)
Arsenal
Wolves
referee team
game info
The return victory jumps Arsenal to fifth place after a convincing display, one point ahead of Manchester United, who have played two games more. Arsenal continues on March 6, then awaits the first leg at Watford.
