Arsenal’s ambition of ending their 22-year wait for a Premier League title took a huge hit last night, after only securing a 2-2 draw with bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Mikel Arteta’s side looked to be heading towards another three points at Molineux, after Declan Rice and Piero Hincapie put the Gunners two goals ahead after 56 minutes.
However, Hugo Bueno’s goal just a few minutes later set the side up for a nervy ending to the clash, with their worries coming to fruition in stoppage time.
Mikel Arteta manager of Arsenal during the Premier League match Brentford vs Arsenal
Youngster Tom Edozie fired his shot goalwards, with his effort being pushed over the line by substitute Riccardo Calafiori, which denied Arteta’s men all three points.
One player in particular failed to deliver during the meeting in the West Midlands, with his struggles once again coming to light during the 2-2 stalemate with the division’s bottom side.
The stats behind Viktor Gyokeres’ struggles v Wolves
After spending £60m on the signature of Viktor Gyokeres during the summer transfer window, huge expectations were placed on the striker to provide the goods in the final third.
The Swede has already netted 13 times across all competitions to date, but his lack of impact throughout matches has often come into question in recent weeks.
gyokeres-arsenal
Such concerns were evident once again against Wolves last night, with the 27-year-old only registering 11 touches of the ball during his 65–minute display.
He also only managed to complete a total of four passes in the process, whilst also registering just one touch in the opposition box - highlighting his lack of impact in the final third.
Gyokeres failed to register a single shot on goal against Rob Edwards’ men, further demonstrating the lack of cutting edge he presented to Arteta’s side.
Questions will no doubt be ramped up on the manager over his continued selection of the centre-forward, with the Spaniard desperately needing to explore other options.
The Arsenal star who was as bad as Gyokeres against Wolves
The pressure of finishing the job and securing a first league title in a generation clearly seems to be getting the better of the Arsenal squad in the last few weeks.
calafiori-arsenal
The Gunners have now drawn each of the last two league matches 2-2, which has opened the door for Manchester City to storm back into the division’s title race.
There’s no denying that Arteta’s men have been massively below par in recent matches, with yesterday’s showing arguably one of the worst in recent months.
The manager’s selection has also come into question, as seen with the continued selection of Gyokeres at the top end of the pitch in recent matches.
Noni Madueke has also been handed a return to the starting eleven in recent matches, subsequently featured off the right-hand side in the absence of Bukayo Saka.
madueke-arsenal
Despite his compatriot’s return last night, the 23-year-old was once again handed a start at Molineux, but he failed to take advantage of the chance handed his way.
He featured for 65 minutes before being withdrawn, with his substitution undoubtedly warranted after failing to deliver - with his underlying stats showcasing his struggles.
Madueke only managed to complete 82% of the passes he attempted in the West Midlands, whilst also losing possession on nine separate occasions during the draw.
The aforementioned figures highlight his lack of quality with the ball at his feet, with the Gunners’ inability to kill off the game partly down to his lack of cutting edge.
He also failed to complete any chances for any of his teammates, with his inability to register any key passes for those around him highlighting his lack of quality.
Madueke-Norgaard-Arsenal
Without the ball, the winger was just as ineffective, as seen by his tally of zero tackles won, and just 25% duels won, with the attacker struggling to regain possession for his side at Molineux.
Arsenal player ratings v Wolves
Player
David Raya
Jurrien Timber
Gabriel
William Saliba
Piero Hincapie
Declan Rice
Martin Zubimendi
Bukayo Saka
Noni Madueke
Gabriel Martinelli
Viktor Gyokeres
As a result of his showing last night, Madueke was handed a measly 4/10 match rating, which further highlights the struggles he faced against the division’s bottom side.
After such a showing, the manager must be left with no choice but to drop him from his starting eleven - especially if he’s to help the side return to winning ways.
arteta
There’s no doubt Gyokeres and the Englishman have struggled in recent matches, with fresh faces and ideas needed in the side to help the Gunners make it a season to remember.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta applauds fans after the match Related
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Mikel Arteta is eyeing a statement signing.