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Leandro Trossard’s strike just before half-time and Martin Odegaard’s injury-time finish were enough to give Arsenal an edgy 2-0 win at Wolves which moved them back to the top of the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s side went into the game on the back of a bruising week which had seen them surrender control of the title race to Manchester City following defeat by Aston Villa and then exit the Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich.
So they knew they had to find a reaction at Molineux and they did just thanks thanks to Trossard’s spectacular sliced effort, which found its way into the top corner, and Odegaard’s angled finish in stoppage time.
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Goalkeeper & Defence
David Raya (8/10):
Made on fabulous save in the first half to push Joao Gomes’ shot onto the post. Did everything well when called upon.
Ben White (7/10):
Got into good positions a couple of times in the first half, but his final ball let him down. Linked up well with Saka and Odegaard and really grew into the game after the interval.
William Saliba (7/10):
Another fine performance from the young centre-back. Never really looked troubled at the back.
Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):
Solid enough, although made one poor clearance which led to a Wolves chance before the break.
Jakub Kiwior (6/10):
Struggled in the first half and was fortunate to escape when his error gifted Joao Gomes a shot on goal that Raya did well to save. Improved as the game wore on.
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Midfield
Declan Rice (8/10):
Arsenal looked better whenever he injected a bit of drive into the play. Could have done better with a couple of shots in the first half. Really came into his own in the final 20 minutes and took the game by the scruff of its neck, which showed with the part he played in Odegaard’s goal.
Martin Odegaard (7/10):
Worked as hard as ever, but definitely looks a bit below par at the moment. Not playing with quite the same zip, but still crucial to Arsenal’s performance. Finished the game off with his fine finish late on.
Kai Havertz (6/10):
Almost scored inside 45 seconds when his shot was saved. Never looks as comfortable playing in this deeper midfield role, but played his part in the win.
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Attack
Bukayo Saka (6/10):
Had to deal with Toti man marking him all evening and was on receiving end of some big hits as usual. Looked a threat on the rare occasion he did find some space.
Gabriel Jesus (6/10):
Not at his best. Looks to be lacking confidence in front of goal, but played a crucial role in setting up Trossard for his strike at the end of the first half.
Leandro Trossard (7/10):
Missed a good chance in the first half but made amends when he broke the deadlock just before the break.
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Subs & Manager
Gabriel Martinelli (5/10):
Had one chance late on which went straight at the keeper.
Thomas Partey (N/A):
On for the final 10 minutes.
Mikel Arteta (7/10):
He will be delighted with the result after such a bruising and tiring week. Not the best performance from his side, but he won’t care much about that.
