Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge suffered a significant setback as they squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday.
Mikel Arteta’s side looked set to move seven points clear at the summit after an early strike from Bukayo Saka and a second-half goal by Piero Hincapie put them in control at Molineux. But the Gunners imploded late on, conceding twice including a stoppage-time own goal to leave their title hopes hanging in the balance.
Hugo Bueno sparked Wolves’ revival with a superb strike before Riccardo Calafiori diverted Tom Edozie’s shot into his own net in the final seconds following a mix-up between goalkeeper David Raya and Gabriel Magalhaes.
For the second successive league game, Arsenal failed to protect a lead after last week’s 1-1 draw at Brentford. They have now won just two of their last seven league matches, handing fresh momentum to second-placed Manchester City, who sit five points behind with a game in hand and a crucial trip to the Emirates still to come.
Having previously let commanding positions slip in title races against City, Arsenal appeared gripped by tension as the clock ticked down. The pressure was evident in a nervy closing spell that echoed past collapses.
There was further concern for Arteta when Saka was forced off with a possible knee injury. Losing the England international, recently handed a new long-term contract would represent a major blow.
Despite sitting 17 points from safety with 11 matches remaining, Wolves showed resilience that belied their league position.
Arsenal stunned
Deployed again in a central role, Saka needed just five minutes to make an impact. Declan Rice delivered a precise cross and the winger stooped to head past Jose Sa from close range, ending a 15-match goal drought.
Arsenal dominated the early exchanges, with Rice firing narrowly wide and Noni Madueke forcing a sharp save from Sa. But Wolves threatened sporadically, Andre sending a fierce effort just wide before Adam Armstrong tested Arsenal after the break.
The visitors doubled their lead in the 56th minute when Gabriel threaded a fine pass to Hincapie, who finished emphatically into the roof of the net. The goal was initially ruled out for offside but awarded following a VAR review.
Just as Arsenal seemed comfortable, the momentum shifted. Bueno curled a stunning effort into the top corner to pull Wolves back into the contest, his first Premier League goal.
Arteta withdrew striker Viktor Gyokeres after a quiet display, but Arsenal were unable to regain control. Their failure to close out the match proved costly.
In stoppage time, confusion reigned in the Arsenal penalty area. Gabriel impeded Raya as the goalkeeper attempted to claim the ball, allowing Edozie to pounce. His shot deflected off Calafiori and into the net, sealing a dramatic equaliser and leaving Arsenal stunned.
