Toluwalase Emmanuel Arokodare delivered a timely reminder of his quality with a late goal for Wolves, but it was not enough to prevent another painful Premier League defeat as Arsenal ran out 2-1 winners.
The Super Eagles striker, recently omitted from Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, came off the bench and produced a rare moment of attacking quality for a Wolves side short on confidence and goals.
Introduced in the 69th minute, Arokodare rose highest inside the box to power a header past David Raya in the 90th minute, briefly levelling the contest with what was one of Wolves’ few genuine incursions into the Arsenal penalty area.
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However, Wolves’ relief was short-lived.
Moments later, Bukayo Saka cut in from the right and whipped a dangerous cross towards substitute Gabriel Jesus. Defender Yerson Mosquera, attempting to clear under pressure, instead headed the ball past his own goalkeeper, handing Arsenal victory and sending the home crowd into celebration.
Arsenal had earlier gone in front after Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone deflected the ball into his own net following sustained pressure from a corner.
The win moves the Gunners five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, strengthening their title push ahead of a demanding away fixture against Everton next weekend.
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For Wolves, the defeat deepens a season already drifting towards relegation. They are now winless in 20 league matches and have lost their last nine, leaving them 13 points adrift of safety.
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In a week when the club’s owners admitted mistakes in their summer recruitment, Wolves again showed effort but lacked the quality to turn performance into points. Arokodare’s goal stood out as the lone bright spark on a bleak afternoon.
What next?
Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday, 20 December, with a trip to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium (20:00 GMT).
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Wolves will hope to halt their slide when they host Brentford earlier the same day at Molineux (15:00 GMT).
