Two own goals. One late escape. Arsenal survive

Chaos at the Emirates

Arsenal were spared a damaging slip in the title race as two Wolverhampton Wanderers own goals, the second deep into stoppage time, sealed a dramatic 2–1 victory and opened a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

What looked set to be another frustrating afternoon turned into a controversial escape that left Wolves rooted to the bottom and Mikel Arteta breathing again.

Frustration Before Fortune

After just one win in their previous three league matches, Arsenal struggled to impose themselves in a flat first half. Despite dominating possession, they failed to create clear chances and went into the break to a chorus of groans from the Emirates crowd.

Wolves, disciplined and organised, almost stunned the leaders when Hwang Hee-chan burst through from deep, only to run out of energy before testing David Raya.

Johnstone Turns the Tide

The game finally sparked into life after the hour mark. Declan Rice forced Sam Johnstone into two excellent saves, first tipping a free-kick over and then producing a fine one-handed stop from distance.

Moments later, however, the Wolves goalkeeper’s afternoon flipped. From Bukayo Saka’s corner, Johnstone could only push the ball onto the post, before it rebounded off his arm and over the line for a cruel own goal.

Late Twist and VAR Anger

Arsenal looked on course to grind out a narrow win, but Wolves refused to fold. In the 90th minute, substitute Tolu Arokodare rose to head home Mateus Mane’s cross and silence the stadium.

Just minutes earlier, Wolves had escaped a possible red card when Hwang’s studs-up challenge on Myles Lewis-Skelly earned only a yellow, a decision that infuriated Arteta and added fuel to the drama.

Stoppage-Time Salvation

With six minutes added on, Arsenal found one final twist. Saka’s cross caused panic once more and under pressure from Gabriel Jesus, Yerson Mosquera headed past his own goalkeeper to hand the leaders a scarcely believable winner.

The Emirates erupted, while Wolves were left wondering how another game had slipped away.

Title Race Impact

Manchester City now have the chance to cut Arsenal’s lead back to two points, while Wolves remain bottom with just two points from 16 games and nine straight defeats.

For Arsenal, this was far from convincing — but in a title race, ugly wins may matter most.