Arsenal's title hopes received a boost as they beat Wolves 2-1 on December 13, 2025, thanks to two own goals. The Gunners now lead the Premier League by five points. The match was a turning point for Arsenal, who had been struggling with injuries and form. Despite a slow start, they managed to secure a crucial victory.
The game began with Wolves creating the first chance, as Hwang Hee-Chan broke free from Arsenal's defense. However, his shot was easily saved by David Raya. Arsenal responded with half-chances of their own, but no clear-cut opportunities. The first half ended with a sense of frustration from the home fans.
Arteta made no changes at halftime, but Arsenal's fortunes changed when Martin Ødegaard, Leandro Trossard, and Mikel Merino came on. The introduction of these players brought a new energy to the team. In the 66th minute, Declan Rice's free kick was nearly saved by Wolves' Sam Johnstone, but the ball went over the bar. Moments later, Johnstone made an impressive save, but it was too late as the ball had already crossed the line, resulting in an own goal.
With the score at 1-1, the match was still in the balance. Then, in the 90th minute, Yerson Mosquera, under pressure from Gabriel Jesus, headed Saka's cross past Johnstone, securing the win for Arsenal. The team's resilience and tactical adjustments proved crucial in their comeback.
Despite the win, Arsenal's defensive issues remain a concern. Ben White's injury adds to the team's troubles, and with Gabriel, Cristhian Mosquera, and Riccardo Calafiori also sidelined, the backline is in disarray. The league leaders now face a challenging period without their key defenders.
Wolves, on the other hand, are in a dire situation. They remain rooted at the bottom of the table with just two points from 16 games. Their ninth successive defeat is a stark reminder of their struggles. The team is now just one game away from equaling Sheffield United's record of 17 games without a win to start a Premier League season.
The match against Wolves was a crucial test for Arsenal, and their ability to bounce back from setbacks will be vital in their pursuit of the title. The team's resilience and tactical adjustments proved decisive in securing the win, but the challenges ahead are clear.