Tolu Arokodare scores as Arsenal rely on late fortune to beat Wolves

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare was on target for Wolverhampton Wanderers, but Arsenal got a dramatic late own goal to secure a fortunate 2-1 victory in a pulsating Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Arsenal, who had most of the ball possession, appeared to be heading for another costly slip when Arokodare rose highest to head Wolves level in the closing moments.

However, deep into stoppage time, a defensive error handed the league leaders a vital win that keeps them five points clear at the top of the table.

The first half was largely uneventful, despite expectations of a comfortable afternoon for Arsenal against a Wolves side rooted near the bottom of the table. The hosts dominated possession but lacked cutting edge, failing to register a shot on target before the break.

Wolves, disciplined and compact, nearly punished Arsenal on the counter, with Hwang Hee-chan forcing David Raya into a save after a rare breakaway. Arsenal were also forced into an early change when Ben White limped off with injury.

After the interval, Arsenal stepped up the tempo and began to apply sustained pressure. Declan Rice went close twice, while Gabriel Martinelli squandered several promising opportunities. The breakthrough eventually came in the 70th minute, albeit fortuitously, when Bukayo Saka’s corner struck the post before ricocheting off Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone and into the net.

Despite falling behind, Wolves refused to surrender. Their persistence paid off in the 90th minute when Matheus Mane delivered a teasing cross that Arokodare glanced past Raya with a clever header, silencing the Emirates and seemingly condemning Arsenal to another late setback.

Just as Wolves began to dream of a famous point, Arsenal were handed a lifeline.

In the 94th minute, another dangerous Saka delivery caused panic in the Wolves’ defence, and Yerson Mosquera inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net under pressure, sparking wild celebrations among the home supporters.

The dramatic ending spared Arsenal’s blushes and denied Wolves a deserved draw, while Arokodare’s composed finish stood out as a bright moment in an otherwise heartbreaking night for the visitors.

For Arsenal, it was a reminder of their vulnerability despite the result. For Arokodare, it was another statement of his growing influence, even as Wolves left north London empty-handed after pushing the league leaders to the limit.