Despite breaking the jinx to score our first Premier League goal from open play in six games, Arsenal still could not escape defeat in the hands of Wolves at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta made just two changes to the squad that drew Leeds United the previous week. In the absence of the suspended Nicolas Pepe, Bukayo Saka who had previously sustained a knock filled in for him as David Luiz made it back to the heart of the defence,.
Both hosts and visitors showed a hunger for goal in the opening period of the match but a horrific incident that saw David Luiz and Raul Jimenez have a head clash caused a lengthy pause to the game. The former continued with bandage while the latter had to be stretchered off to the hospital.
The tempo of the game unsurprisingly went low, spirits were crushed, and it was at this time we were hit by Wolves. An attempted header by Leander Dendoncker crashed against the bar before falling to Pedro Neto for a rebound that birthed the opener.
Our response after the setback did not take too long. Willian made a cross three minutes after we conceded and Gabriel did well to head it into the back of the net to put us on level terms.
There came more space for both things and it was Wolves that took advantage to retake the lead through Podence. Luiz was clearly unbalanced due to the accident, so he had to be replaced by Rob Holding at halftime.
We went on so weak, no spark going forward and very frail whenever Wolves came at us. In the midst of the lack of fluency which reduced Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's activities as he was not getting much of the ball, he snatched one from Patricio outside the box but the goalkeeper was quick to ward off the danger when he struck.
Our captain was provided with another chance but headed away while Reiss Nelson who came on as a substitute sent a shot wide.
The last fifteen minutes witnessed a massive improvement from us even though none of the moves made any difference to the scoreline. The 1-2 scoreline meant we recorded a third consecutive home defeat in the Premier League.
The Europa league resumes for us on Thursday. We will take on Rapid Vienna at the Emirates Stadium which will accommodate 2000 fans. That will be the first supporter presence on the ground since March 7 prior to the long COVID-19 break.
Wins in all four of our group stage fixtures so far has earned us a slot in the knockout stage with two more games to play.
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