League leaders Arsenal missed a golden opportunity to stretch their advantage at the top of the Premier League after surrendering a two-goal lead in a dramatic late draw at rock-bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers.
What looked like a routine away win turned chaotic deep into stoppage time at Molineux. Defender Riccardo Calafiori inadvertently turned Tom Edozie’s goalbound effort into his own net in the fourth minute of added time, rescuing Wolves and leaving Arsenal stunned.
The visitors had appeared firmly in control for much of the night. Bukayo Saka, celebrating a newly signed five-year contract, opened the scoring inside five minutes. The England forward rose to meet Declan Rice’s cross, ending a 15-game goal drought in all competitions with a confident header.
Arsenal doubled their advantage in the 56th minute when Piero Hincapie marked his first goal for the club. Latching onto Gabriel’s pass, he applied a composed finish that seemed to put the contest beyond Wolves’ reach.
But momentum shifted sharply just five minutes later. Hugo Bueno sparked the comeback with a stunning curling effort that flew beyond goalkeeper David Raya, reigniting belief among the home supporters.
After Saka was forced off following treatment, Arsenal struggled to regain their rhythm. Wolves pressed relentlessly in the closing stages and chaos ensued when Gabriel and Raya collided while attempting to clear a high ball into the box. Nineteen-year-old debutant Tom Edozie seized the moment, firing in a shot that struck Calafiori and bounced in off the post.
Tempers flared at full-time, with Gabriel Jesus shoving Yerson Mosquera as frustrations boiled over.
The result leaves Arsenal five points clear of Manchester City, although Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand. For Mikel Arteta and his players, it was a damaging setback in their pursuit of a first league title since 2004.
Despite the disappointment, Arsenal remain in contention on multiple fronts. They face City in next month’s Carabao Cup final, have advanced to the Champions League last 16 after topping the league phase, and are through to the FA Cup fifth round.
Yet nights like this will renew questions about their staying power, having finished second in each of the past three seasons.
