The hunt for their first Premier League title since the Invincibles of 2003/04 was always going to have bumps along the way.
It was always unlikely to be a procession towards the finish line for Arsenal due to the **Premier League**’s competitiveness.
The draw at high-flying Brentford was a forgivable outcome. Yet, Arsenal unravelled in the West Midlands, leaving Manchester City within striking distance. Signs of deja vu.
Bukayo Saka netted an early goal, meeting Declan Rice’s delivery to nod through the legs of Jose Sa after five minutes.
Wolves sensed they could restore parity and emerged at the start of the second half on the front foot. Nonetheless, their hard work was undone when Arsenal scored their second.
Gabriel threaded his pass through to Piero Hincapie, who crept inside, delayed his run to remain onside, and struck into the roof of the net.
This was initially adjudged offside before VAR overturned the on-field decision due to Hugo Bueno fractionally playing Hincapie onside.
Bueno atoned for his error that prevented Hincapie from straying offside. He curled an exquisite effort into the top-left corner and beyond the reach of David Raya to suddenly pile that familiar nervy feeling back onto Arsenal.
A calamitous mix-up in stoppage-time between two of their most dependable players then found Arsenal staring down the barrel of a sobering draw.
Gabriel was about to head clear before Raya rushed off his line to attempt to claim the ball.
It fell to teenage substitute Tom Edozie, who still had a lot to do.
He kept his strike down impressively, and the hapless Riccardo Calaifori couldn’t supply the goalline clearance, just minutes after the Italian entered proceedings.
Arsenal had imploded. A defining moment in the title race. The leaders dropped pivotal points to one of the worst sides in Premier League history. That’s two wins from seven Premier League matches.
Here are four things we learnt from Arsenal’s draw with Wolves:
Wolves accepted a recurring invitation from Arsenal
For basement dwellers Wolves, this was a free hit. One win to their name in the Premier League this season, but what they did to Arsenal at the Emirates back in December would have instilled a sense of hope.
The Gunners could count themselves lucky when they scraped over the line in the reverse fixture with a last-gasp winner to cut short the celebrations from Tolu Arokodare’s stoppage-time equaliser.
It should have been a complete mismatch and a routine dismantling. Instead, Arsenal were required to fight hard and control their emotions. To which, they did neither this time out.
It would have been naive to conclude Wolves were incapable of throwing a curveball. Rob Edwards’ side deserve credit for their endeavour to get back into the game, coming from two goals behind in a second half comeback.
The status of league leaders inevitably galvanises the opposition regardless of how inferior they should be, especially in situations where they detect Arsenal's vulnerability.
Nonetheless, Arsenal were the architects of their own downfall.
Take the handbrake off, go up the gears, and put games to bed. Too risk-averse, too cautious, too measured.
These are the accusations Arsenal have carried for some time. They have ironed out unnecessary draws this season, however, their latest debacle epitomises where their sporadic shortcomings have stemmed from.
Wolves were there for the taking in the first half, especially after Saka’s opener. Meanwhile, the hosts registered just one attempt before the interval.
A lack of clinical edge to breach the rearguard of Wolves, or simply a lack of impetus, mentality, and urgency to score goals.
You would have thought the lesson had been learnt, but they paid the price in humiliating fashion.
As has occurred too often this season, Arsenal were keen to settle with two goals rather than searching for more. Wolves were invited to step on and resumed their momentum after conceding.
It was the first time in Premier League history that the league leaders dropped points to the bottom side after going two goals in front.
The Saka experiment and relationship with Madueke
In the continued absence of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka started in the number ten role in successive games following his successful outing centrally against third tier side Wigan in the FA Cup.
Rice, who was restored to the starting lineup after resting entirely against Wigan, picked out Saka for Arsenal’s opening goal. After penning a contract extension, the goal ended a 15-match goal drought for the 24-year-old.
Not somewhere you’d expect him to crop up, but Arteta was keen to assess a second trial of his experiment.
A large proportion of Arsenal attacks came from the right-hand side against Wolves.
Noni Madueke was brought in as a capable understudy to Saka, while operating alongside Saka wouldn’t have been Arteta’s first thought.
Saka’s playmaker role involved him gliding across the midfield and supporting either flank in build-up and creativity to unlock the defence. He also mirrored the defensive output of Odegaard in that position, an imperative trait for Arteta.
Interestingly, there were instances when Madueke and Saka interchanged on the right-side when the opportunities arose, and they combined well.
The pair have been pictured in training as close friends, yet they are vying for coveted spots on the wing for Arsenal as well as for England ahead of the World Cup.
How they fare when starting together could be an interesting twist heading into the run-in should Arteta continue to utilise their strong bond on the pitch.
Cracks starting to show under familiar pressure
In the driving seat and in control of their own destiny. They have been here before during Mikel Arteta’s tenure, and have fallen short.
This season, though, the squad has been built in quantity and quality to deliver a title, so the excuses for Arteta to secure his second major trophy in six years are wearing thin.
Condemned to the tags of bridesmaids and bottlejobs for another season by buckling under the pressure is exactly what Arsenal are attempting to avoid.
For this season, they have the useful experiences of previous campaigns to help them overcome the challenges and consistently produce results.
The dramatic ending does not bode well, however. Retreating against Wolves culminated in panic stations on the pitch in that final moment.
The fallout with tempers flaring, namely Gabriel Jesus’, the supporters, and the players storming down the tunnel at full-time. The level of frustration in the Arsenal camp was palpable.
The reflections about where it all went wrong will be hard to digest and will linger. More importantly, where do they go from here?
Do Arsenal have the same minerals in the run-in as their closest competitors?
Arsenal will be well aware of their once stable footing at the summit becoming increasingly uncertain.
Manchester City could cut the gap to just two points should they win against Newcastle United, who they host on Saturday night.
Pep Guardiola is the one man you don’t want to be seeing when you look in the rear view mirror given his track record.
**Manchester City**’s prowess at the back end of Premier League seasons has been formidable, far superior, during the upcoming period, to the form of The Gunners.
Repeating that dominance will only be boosted by the January acquisitions of Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo. If Arsenal falter, City will be eager to be hot on the heels to knock them off their perch.
The North London derby for Mikel Arteta’s men offers the perfect opportunity to redeem themselves, albeit Tottenham Hotspur may be the latest outfit to profit from a new manager bounce.
Arsenal still have to travel to the Etihad Stadium on 18th April in what is growing to be a decisive encounter with a lot riding on the outcome. The Carabao Cup final between the sides comes first on 22nd March.
Until then, any further deflation and defeatist outlook needs to be overcome and replaced.
How Arteta manages to inject positivity, and perhaps arrogance, into his squad for the remaining games will define whether this monumental slip-up at Wolves could cost his side the Premier League.