Arsenal give up two-goal lead against Wolves as title race heats up | OneFootball

Arsenal failed to capitalise on a golden opportunity to extend their lead at the top to seven points, conceding in dramatic fashion once again as they dropped points in a thrilling 2-2 draw with Wolves.

With the title race heating up, the Gunners had the dream start.

After an encouraging display against Wigan Athletic at the weekend, Saka wasted little time making his presence felt once again, firing Arsenal into an early lead under the floodlights at a rainy Molineux.

The 24-year-old has endured a relatively quiet campaign by his own high standards, registering just seven goals and seven assists across all competitions, but this central shift felt like a timely opportunity to remind everyone of his quality.

A beautiful lofted delivery from Declan Rice into the penalty area found Saka unmarked, creeping in behind the Wolves backline, leaving the stand-in captain with an easy finish past Jose Sa.

Arsenal should have doubled their advantage ten minutes later when Noni Madueke’s curling effort was parried only as far as Gabriel Martinelli, but the Brazilian was unable to lift the rebound over Sa.

However, the hosts enjoyed a late spell of pressure before the interval, during which Andre finally forced Wolves’ first shot of the game, as the home crowd started to find its voice, sensing a way back into the contest.

And despite a sluggish start to the second half, Arsenal did what they have done so well this season, moving the ball patiently and waiting for the right moment to strike, which quickly arrived with a well-worked second goal.

Gabriel spotted the run of Piero Hincapie and threaded the ball perfectly through the Wolves defence, and the Ecuadorian defender fired confidently into the back of the net for his first goal in Arsenal colours.

The two-goal cushion was short-lived, however, as Wolves pulled one back five minutes later through Hugo Bueno.

The 23-year-old took advantage of being allowed room to shoot, unleashing a sublime effort from distance which left David Raya with no chance.

The goal completely shifted the momentum, and although the Gunners attempted to manage the final half-hour and regain control, the sucker punch arrived deep into added time.

Debutant Tom Edozie, the younger brother of former Southampton midfielder Sam Edozie, sent the Molineux into a frenzy.

A decisive mis-communication between Gabriel and Raya caused the latter to spill the ball into the path of Edozie, and the ball cannoned off Riccardo Calafiori and into the back of the net.

Chaos quickly followed. As cheers rang round the Molineux at full-time, Gabriel Jesus got into a heated spat, shoving Yerson Mosquera to the floor before being pulled back by teammates.

Arsenal have to keep their heads, however, with the North London Derby to come next on Sunday.