Premier League leaders Arsenal surrendered a 2-0 lead to draw against rock-bottom Wolves, missing the chance to extend their advantage at the top to seven points.
Bukayo Saka broke his 15-game goal drought for Arsenal with a close-range header, before Piero Hincapié doubled the Gunners’ lead shortly after halftime. However, Wolves fought back. Hugo Bueno curled in a stunning strike to pull one back, and in stoppage time, a defensive error by goalkeeper David Raya allowed substitute Tom Edozie’s shot to ricochet off Ricardo Calafiori and into the net, completing the dramatic comeback.
Arsenal started strongly, despite failing to score in the opening five minutes of a top-flight game for the first time in two years. Declan Rice was given far too much space to deliver a precise cross to Saka, who headed under Wolves keeper José Sá for his eighth goal of the season. Rice nearly added a second moments later, but his low curling effort went wide after a quick Wolves turnover.
Wolves struggled in attack early on. Manager Rob Edwards’ frustration grew when new signing Angel Gomes went off injured midway through the first half. The home side did not register a shot on target until the 46th minute, when Andre’s effort went wide, and their penalty appeals for a challenge on Hincapié were dismissed.
The second half saw Wolves start brighter. Adam Armstrong came close to an equalizer with a powerful long-range strike that flew just over the bar. Arsenal seemed to regain control when Hincapié scored after timing his run perfectly behind the Wolves defense, only for the goal to be initially flagged for offside. After a VAR review, the decision was overturned, and the goal stood.
Wolves refused to give up. On the hour mark, Santiago’s pass found Hugo Bueno, who curled in a superb left-footed finish to bring the hosts back into the game. As the clock ticked down, Arsenal attempted to manage the game, but in a dramatic finish, Gabriel and keeper Raya collided while competing for a cross. Edozie seized the opportunity, his shot hitting the post and rebounding off Calafiori into the net, stunning the Gunners.
The draw means Arsenal missed the chance to go seven points clear at the top, with Manchester City able to close the gap to just two points with a victory over Leeds this weekend. Wolves remain at the bottom of the table, 17 points adrift of safety, but will take heart from their dramatic late comeback.
