Arsenal 2–1 Wolves: Saka Delivers Late Drama as Gunners Edge Thrilling Emirates Clash

Arsenal began the contest exactly as expected, asserting control through possession and forcing Wolves into a deep, compact defensive shape from the opening minutes. The Emirates settled quickly into a familiar rhythm, with Arsenal circulating the ball patiently while Wolves were pinned inside their own half, tasked with absorbing pressure.

An early set piece offered a glimpse of Arsenal’s threat. A short routine shifted Wolves out of shape before Bukayo Saka delivered a dangerous ball into the area, finding Timber at the back post, whose header narrowly cleared the bar. It was a warning shot and a reminder of Arsenal’s growing sophistication from dead-ball situations.

Yet for all their territorial dominance, there was a noticeable caution in Arsenal’s approach. The build-up was methodical, at times overly safe, reflecting Mikel Arteta’s preference for control over chaos. Arsenal had the ball, the territory, and the structure, but struggled to create chances that genuinely tested the Wolves defence. Dominance without incision defined much of the first half.

Wolves deserve credit for their response. After a difficult run of form, they showed greater defensive resilience and organisation. Their compact shape frustrated Arsenal and, as the half progressed, Wolves began to grow in confidence. Hwang Hee-chan carried intent on the counter, driving his side forward and registering a shot on target that briefly disrupted Arsenal’s control. Wolves were not simply surviving they were resisting with purpose.

Arsenal emerged for the second half with renewed intent. The tempo lifted, the movement sharper, and the urgency clear. Possession was circulated with greater speed as Arsenal looked to turn pressure into penetration.

Still, Wolves refused to collapse. Their composure and game management stood out, with João Gomes acting as the anchor between defence and midfield. He disrupted Arsenal’s rhythm intelligently, winning fouls, slowing play, and frustrating the home side at key moments. Wolves were not chasing the game they were attempting to suffocate it.

The breakthrough, when it arrived, came in familiar Arsenal fashion. Bukayo Saka delivered a moment of quality from a corner, his inswinging delivery clipping the woodwork and finding the net directly, catching Sam Johnstone off guard. An olympico that felt both spontaneous and inevitable, it finally pierced Wolves’ resistance.

Just as Arsenal appeared to be closing out the match, Wolves found belief from nowhere. In stoppage time, a dangerous delivery exposed a rare lapse in concentration and Tolu Arokodare reacted quickest, turning the ball home to stun the Emirates and spark celebrations among the travelling support.

Wolves believed they had earned their point through discipline and resolve.

But Arsenal had one final response. With the clock draining into the dying seconds, Saka once again provided the decisive moment, delivering a precise cross that found Gabriel Jesus. After multiple ACL setbacks and long spells of rehabilitation, Jesus rose to the occasion, guiding home the winner later ruled an own goal and breaking Wolves’ hearts in the final moments.

It was a cruel ending for Wolves, who defended with courage and composure for long stretches. For Arsenal, it was a reminder that persistence and quality can prevail even when fluency is missing.

This was not a win built solely on dominance, but on belief, resilience, and decisive moments. Arsenal move forward with three points and renewed momentum.

Wolves leave empty-handed, knowing they were seconds away from something hard-earned.