Tom Edozie’s late strike rescues Wolves and dents Arsenal’s title charge
Arsenal’s Premier League title charge suffered a damaging setback as Wolves clawed back from two goals down to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw at Molineux.
Tom Edozie, making his debut, delivered the decisive moment deep into stoppage time. His strike from the edge of the box took a deflection off Riccardo Calafiori and looped beyond David Raya, silencing the travelling Arsenal support and handing Wolves a crucial point in their fight for survival.
According to the Evening Standard, the Gunners had looked firmly in control for much of the contest. After dropping points against Brentford, Mikel Arteta’s side knew they could ill afford another slip. For a time, it appeared they had responded in emphatic fashion.
Bukayo Saka, fresh from signing a new five-year contract, justified Arteta’s decision to deploy him in the number 10 role. The tactical tweak paid off almost immediately. Sustained early pressure culminated in Declan Rice delivering a precise ball into the box, where Saka nodded home from six yards. The finish, squeezed between the legs of José Sá, marked his fifth goal of the season and set the tone for what seemed a commanding display.
Arsenal pressed with confidence, moving the ball sharply despite wintry conditions. When Piero Hincapie doubled the advantage with his first goal for the club, the league leaders appeared to have the contest under control. The defender’s strike strengthened the sense that three points were heading back to north London.
Wolves, however, refused to fold.
Rob Edwards’s side, battling against the odds in their survival bid, gradually found renewed belief. The breakthrough came courtesy of Hugo Bueno, who produced a moment of individual brilliance to halve the deficit. His effort reignited the home crowd and shifted the momentum sharply.
Arsenal, who had dominated large spells, suddenly looked uncertain. Passes that had flowed with ease began to falter. Wolves sensed vulnerability and pressed higher, forcing errors and driving forward with urgency.
The final blow arrived in the dying seconds. Edozie collected possession outside the area and struck low towards the goal. The ball clipped Calafiori on its way through, wrong-footing Raya and rolling into the net. Wolves celebrated wildly as Arsenal players stood stunned.
The result leaves Arsenal five points clear of Manchester City, but crucially, having played a game more. In a title race where margins remain razor-thin, the dropped points could carry heavy consequences.
Arteta’s men had barely needed to exert themselves to establish their early lead. Rice’s delivery and Saka’s instinctive finish showcased the cohesion that has propelled Arsenal to the summit. Yet the inability to close out the game will raise serious questions about composure under pressure.
For Wolves, the draw represents more than just a point. It reinforces belief within a squad fighting to preserve its Premier League status. Edwards’s side demonstrated resilience and determination against the league leaders, refusing to accept defeat even when two goals adrift.
As the title race intensifies, Arsenal must now regroup quickly. Another late concession has dented their momentum at a pivotal stage of the campaign. With Manchester City lurking and fixtures tightening, any further lapses could prove decisive.
At Molineux, what began as a statement performance unravelled into frustration. For Arsenal, the cost may extend far beyond a single evening.