Arsenal dropped points against Wolves, drawing a second successive game
Arsenal dropped points against Wolves, drawing a second successive game
Former Liverpool star and pundit Steve Nicol has pointed out the problem facing Arsenal after their 2-2 draw against Wolves. The Gunners dropped points for a second successive league game, resulting in 11 points dropped in their last seven outings in the Premier League.
Nicol spoke on ESPN FC about the situation facing Mikel Arteta's team, explaining that their problem in this run has been their backline. The pundit pointed out that while they're not very efficient in attack, they are scoring enough goals to win games but not keeping their opponents out enough.
“That backline, including the goalkeeper, which we thought was impregnable and waxed lyrical about how great and tight they were, that’s 11 points in the last seven games they have thrown away. There’s only been one 0-0 [during this time], so that means they are losing goals. It has kind of snuck up on us. That’s where the problem is, in the defence.
“As much as they’re not playing silky soccer, creating thousands of chances and scoring loads of goals, they are still scoring enough to win games. But that backline isn’t doing the job anymore. That has to be what Mikel Arteta needs to sort out", he said.
Arsenal gifted Wolves a point after some comical defending in the dying moments when they were 2-1 up. Goalkeeper David Raya and Gabriel Magalhaes both went up for the same ball under minimal pressure, resulting in the ball falling at the feet of 19-year-old Wolves debutant Tom Edozie, who lashed home.
The Gunners failed to increase their lead at the summit of the standings, as they now hold a five-point lead over Manchester City, having played a game more. They face rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in their next games in what is expected to be a defining stretch in their title push.
Arsenal lose two-goal lead, drop points at Wolves
Arsenal threw away a two-goal lead in their Premier League clash with bottom side Wolves to draw a second consecutive game. The Gunners played out a 2-2 draw at the Molineux to leave themselves under increasing scrutiny in the league.
Fresh from signing a new deal, Bukayo Saka headed his side ahead after just five minutes before Piero Hincapie doubled their lead in the 56th minute with his first Premier League goal. Wolves responded through Hugo Bueno just five minutes later, with the left-back curling home a delightful effort from the edge of the box, his first in the league.
Arsenal lost both Saka and Leandro Trossard to knocks in the closing stages before Wolves completed the comeback. Debutant Tom Edozie smashed home a loose ball inside the box, with the ball ricocheting into the goal via Riccardo Calafiori for an own goal in stoppage time.