The match saw continuous shifts in momentum during the final five minutes. When Arsenal gained a lead, they dropped deep to defend, conceding possession to Wolves, a tactic that nearly proved costly.

In the final minute of regular play, substitute Mateus Mane delivered a cross into the penalty area. Tolu Arokodare outjumped defender Piero Hincapie, heading the ball past goalkeeper David Raya to equalize the score at 1-1.

Tolu Arokodare heads in the 1-1 equalizer during Wolves' 1-2 loss to Arsenal in the 16th round of the Premier League at Emirates Stadium, London, on 13/12. Photo: AFP

Tolu Arokodare heads in the 1-1 equalizer during Wolves' 1-2 loss to Arsenal in the 16th round of the Premier League at Emirates Stadium, London, on 13/12. Photo: AFP

The visiting players celebrated wildly with the few Wolves fans present at Emirates Stadium. On the sidelines, manager Mikel Arteta urged his players to keep fighting, quickly getting the ball back into play as six minutes of added time were announced.

In the fourth minute of injury time, the "Gunners" scored in a nearly identical scenario. From the right wing, Bukayo Saka curled a cross towards substitute forward Gabriel Jesus. In an attempt to challenge for the ball, center-back Yerson Mosquera leaped and headed it, only to send it into his own net. Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone made an effort to save but could not correct his teammate's error.

This time, it was Arsenal players and fans who erupted in emotion. The difficult but crucial victory solidified the "Gunners'" position at the top of the Premier League with 36 points, extending their lead over Manchester City—who visits Crystal Palace today—to 5 points.

Yerson Mosquera (blue shirt) scores an own goal, securing Arsenal's victory. Photo: Bleacher

Bukayo Saka's corner kick deflects off the post, hits goalkeeper Sam Johnstone (black shirt), and bounces into the net. Photo: AFP

The match was expected to be one-sided, with Arsenal leading the league table with 33 points, while Wolves sat at the bottom with just two points and no wins.

However, the significant difference in league standings was not evident in the first half. Despite dominating possession with 73%, Arsenal managed only one shot on target and an expected goals (xG) metric of 0,43.

Wolves' deep defensive setup forced the "Gunners" to seek opportunities from crosses and corners. One such instance created the most notable chance, as Gabriel Martinelli headed wide from just three meters in the 34th minute.

Bukayo Saka's corner kick deflects off the post, hits goalkeeper Sam Johnstone (black shirt), and bounces into the net. Photo: AFP

Bukayo Saka was a rare bright spot in the attack. The English winger created three chances, more than the combined total of his teammates (two) in the first 45 minutes. In contrast, Viktor Gyokeres—who started as a striker in place of Mikel Merino—was deeply disappointing. Gyokeres did not attempt a single shot, had the fewest touches (five), and completed the fewest passes (one).

The Emirates hosts continued to struggle in the second half, needing a set-piece to make a difference. From a corner kick on the right wing in the 70th minute, Saka curled the ball towards the far post. The ball lightly touched Sam Johnstone's hand, hit the post, and then deflected off the Wolves goalkeeper's head into the net.

After taking the lead, Arsenal ceded control to Wolves, playing cautiously and nearly paying the price.