Arsenal player ratings vs Wolves: David Raya's disastrous mistake blows title race wide open | OneFootball

Arsenal’s inability to see out a two-goal lead means Bukayo Saka and Piero Hincapie’s effort count for very little

Arsenal dropped two huge points in the Premier League title race after a 2-2 draw with Wolves at Molineux.

A positive start aside, this was a really poor performance against the worst team in the league. Despite that, Bukayo Saka and Piero Hincapie gave the Gunners control before it fell apart late on.

A lovely curling strike from Hugo Bueno gave Wolves hope and a shambolic mix-up from a cross between David Raya and Gabriel ended with Tom Edozie’s effort hitting Riccardo Calafiori and levelling in stoppage-time.

Matt Verri was at Molineux to rate the Arsenal players...

David Raya 5

Another match where he had nothing to do before picking the ball out of his net. Nothing he could do about Bueno’s goal but a disastrous mistake to drop late cross as Wolves equalised. Had to claim it.

Jurrien Timber 6

Really sharp in attack early on. Hammered one brilliant ball across the face of goal and then had a dangerous run into the box. Faded after that and legs looked heavy as he struggled to get forward.

William Saliba 6

Too tight on Tolu a couple of times and did not look entirely comfortable in that battle. Not his usual calm self, winning only one of five ground duels. Confident on the ball as you’d expect.

Gabriel 6

Sublime pass to open up Wolves and assist Hincapie’s goal. Was dominant aerially until the huge miscommunication in stoppage time, going up to head a ball Raya tried to catch.

Piero Hincapie 8

Took his first Arsenal goal brilliantly. Was good in attack throughout, showing lovely footwork in the box to create one chance and then had a penalty appeal waved away. Crucial headed clearance at back post early in second half.

Martin Zubimendi 5

As guilty as anyone of becoming too comfortable in the first half when Wolves sat off. Needed to be more ambitious and quicker with his passing. Norgaard should be getting more minutes.

Declan Rice 8

Perfect cross for Saka’s goal. Went close with a curling effort and dominated his duels in midfield. Passing probably deserved better when setting Martinelli and Gyokeres away with passes in behind.

Noni Madueke 5

Went down too easily early on and that got the Wolves fans on his back. Never convincing running at Bueno and frustrated Arteta when not tracking back. One good curling effort but overall frustrating.

Bukayo Saka 8

The bright spark in attack. Cool headed finish to snap goalless run and looked the biggest threat. Also tracked back tirelessly, with nine recoveries and three tackles. Arsenal’s best option at No10.

Bukayo Saka opened the scoring for Arsenal against Wolves

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Gabriel Martinelli 6

Had to be more decisive when a rebound fell into his path in first half, but it was a weak effort. Put several poor crosses into the box and struggled to make an impact on the left or when he was switched to the right.

Viktor Gyokeres 4

Offered nothing. Time and time again he failed to hold the ball up when Arsenal went long. No shots and just one touch in the Wolves box. A couple of decent runs down the channels is not enough from a £64m striker.

Substitutes:

Eberechi Eze (Madueke 64’) 4

Had no influence on the match and nothing to force his way back into the starting lineup. Made a mess of chance to make it 3-2.

Gabriel Jesus (Gyokeres 64’) 4

Did not particularly improve on what Gyokeres offered. Had a chance to burst into the box late on and got the ball stuck under his feet. Lost his head at full-time whistle.

Leandro Trossard (Saka 72’) 5

Loose in possession and then took a blow to his head, forcing him to come off.

Riccardo Calafiori (Trossard 90+3’) N/A