Arsenal ran out 2-1 victors against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League.
Despite Wolves being the statistical worst ever Premier League side at this stage of a season, an awful performance from the Gunners almost gifted Rob Edwards’ side a point.
Two own-goals from Sam Johnstone and Yerson Mosquera gifted Arsenal the win, either side of a Tolu Arokodare header in the 90th minute.
While the North Londoners will be glad to have gotten over the line, there were some concerns across the whole pitch.
What did we learn from the Emirates?
Arsenal were very lucky
Teams that go on to win Premier League titles often need luck at times. Saturday’s clash at the Emirates was one such example.
The Gunners were perhaps fortunate that it was Wolves against whom they played so poorly. With the Old Gold rooted to the bottom of the table, they may prove the only side that Arsenal can afford to perform in such a way.
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So many of Mikel Arteta’s men rarely fail to impress. Bukayo Saka was the only source of optimism throughout the Gunners’ squad.
An audacious olimpico attempt ended up finding the back of the net via the falling Johnstone before Saka’s cross was glanced past the English stopper by Mosquera, who collapsed to the ground in disappointment while Arsenal let out a sigh of relief.
That may be the only time this season that the Gunners can afford to let their standards slip to such a level. A tricky trip to Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium awaits them next.
It is fair to say that summer signing Viktor Gyökeres has had a mixed start to life in North London.
Brilliant displays against Leeds United, Burnley and Atletico Madrid have been overshadowed by a number of matches where the Swede has been rarely involved in play.
And the solution is simple. With no service, how is the Gunners striker expected to score?
The one time he was found against Wolves, he very nearly converted from an incisive Leandro Trossard pass.
However, Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze have struggled to create for the frontman.
It is clearly an issue that Mikel Arteta must try to rectify. With Arsenal becoming leakier in defensive terms, it is important that they find the ability to outscore their opponents instead of relying on keeping clean sheets.
If Gyökeres can get firing, Arsenal will surely be favourites to end their two-decade-long Premier League trophy drought.
Defensive injuries continue to mount
Another concern that came out of Saturday's clash was the injury sustained by Ben White. The former Brighton man had started three matches on the bounce but may have exceeded his recommended playing time after previously being used sporadically.
White was in form too, setting up Mikel Merino’s strike versus Brentford and linking up well with Saka on the right side of Arsenal’s attack.
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Gabriel Magalhaes, Cristhian Mosquera and William Saliba have all suffered injuries during this campaign, with the latter able to feature against Wolves, although Arteta would have surely preferred to ease the Frenchman back into the fold.
A once impenetrable backline has become easier to unlock, purely due to the fact that Arsenal have had to mix and match different partnerships in the centre of defence.
Jurrien Timber, Christian Norgaard and Piero Hincapie have all featured at the heart of the back four due to the volume of injuries that the league leaders have accumulated during the campaign.
While it is likely to remain a concern over the festive period, there is a hope that Arsenal will get Gabriel and Mosquera back in the early stages of 2026.
A difficult December awaits
Wolves were, on paper, Arsenal’s easiest fixture of December. Clashes with Everton, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Aston Villa round off the calendar year.
With Manchester City and the Villains breathing down the neck of the North Londoners, it is imperative that Arteta is able to guide his side to three league wins and progression in the Carabao Cup versus Palace.
Everton have historically been a tough opponent for Arsenal, especially away from home. However, their move away from Goodison may provide the Gunners with a new opportunity to secure three points.
Brighton and Villa have beaten Arteta’s side on numerous occasions during the Spaniard’s tenure. If Arsenal are to win the league, they must rid themselves of previous bad omens and go into the new year at the summit of the Premier League.