London, Feb 25
In a dramatic late turnaround Arsenal hit a last-gasp injury-time goal to inflict a 2-1 defeat on Wolves. It put the London side within one point – with a game in hand – of fourth placed Manchester United in the Premier League.
A relieved Gunners’ manager, Mikel Arteta, said “It was an important win. The way we won it creates such a belief and togetherness and an atmosphere and cohesion with our fans as well and that’s extremely necessary.”
He added “This is a really young squad and we need that. I told the players at half-time it is in these games and if you can come back which will decide if you can finish on top in May. I encourage them to celebrate every victory. You know how difficult every victory is in this league and for the supporters too.”
The winning goal came from a shot by Alexandre Lacazette which struck the right hand of Jose Sa, the Wolves goalkeeper, and was deflected into the net. While it may be regarded as an own goal, Lacazette said: “I feel really happy, it is amazing to win this kind of game in the last minute. We really wanted this win because we know it is important to be at the top of the table.”
Lacazette’s contract with Arsenal runs out at the end of the season and Arteta said: “He behaves like someone who wants to stay with us. We don’t know what’s going to happen at the end of the season. We don’t have contracts that run for 20 years, it’s part of our job.”
Wolves began in an attacking mode and found the net as early as the sixth minute when Romain Saiss beat the Gunners goalkeeper to a cross but VAR disallowed it for off side. But in the tenth minute the midland side took the lead. Gabriel Magalhaes turned a pass carelessly towards his own goalkeeper and Hwang Hee-Chan was quick to pounce and rounded Aaron Ramsdale to score into an open goal from a tight angle.
Arsenal pressed hard looking for the equaliser. Lacazette missed a chance in the 16th minute when he shot wide after being played in by Bukayo Saka. Later, Gabriel Martinelli missed with a chipped attempt and Thomas Partey shot wildly over the bar
Wolves, who were dangerous up front and enjoying much of the possession seem to crumble towards the end and in the 82nd minute the Gunners equalised. Substitute Eddie Nketiah crossed from the right and Nicolas Pepe – also on as substitute – facing away from goal, turned superbly to drive his shot home.
Finally, just as the game seemed to be heading for a draw, Pepe found Lacazette in space and his pass was hit firmly to be deflected into the goal to stun Wolves who had no further time left while the Gunners celebrated wildly.
Wolves manager, Bruno Lage had little to say: “I’m unhappy because we lost, but at the same time proud of my players. They did everything I asked of them.”
