In what felt like a spirited performance, particularly defensively, Wolves fell to defeat at the Emirates. An awkward corner hit the post midway through the second half, and bounced off Sam Johnstone to find its way in to make it 1-0. Mateus Mané looked lively after coming on for Toti, and tried to bend one into the far corner, but rather instinctively, Tolu glanced his head at the shot and brought the game back to 1-1, sending Raya flying the wrong way. But when you’re down, you’re really down, as a Saka cross met Mosquera’s head to seal Wolves’ fate and leave them without a win so far this season. Follow along as we dish out this week’s player ratings.
Sam Johnstone – 6
He made a very good save to keep Declan Rice out, but his punches weren’t going too far and kept us under consistent pressure. I wouldn’t put the blame on him for the own goal, and really, no Arsenal players beat him today so a solid 6.
Matt Doherty – 7
Kept Martinelli at bay for the majority of the game on his first start in a while, and kept the defensive line very well organised. Won several fouls with his experience and equally broke Arsenal’s play down well with it too.
Emmanuel Agbadou – 7
Besides getting nutmegged by Saka, Agbadou seemed back to his best here and defended very well for most of the game. He made some brilliant forward passes when Wolves were chasing the game too.
Yerson Mosquera – 5
You’ve got to feel for him. He plays with such passion and aggression and this will no doubt haunt him for some time. Overall though, he was very assured and defended well – but you can’t get more than 5 if you head the ball into your own net. Here’s to hoping he’ll take this in his stride, because he’s a player who will fight for the badge.
Toti – 6
Toti, like the rest of the backline, had a good game all-round and defended most things that came their way. Without DMW to back him up, he did get turned inside out by Saka on a few occasions but without the own goals, as we’ve said, he’d have a clean sheet.
David Møller Wolfe – 6
We usually see DMW sprinting like his life depends on it to try and help us get forward but clearly, he needed to stay back and try and mark Saka. He didn’t put too much of a foot wrong today but didn’t stand out too much either, but that’ll happen when you have 11 men behind the ball.
Andre – 8
Andre was brilliant today. He’s only about 5”7’ but headed so many balls out the box, blocked shots, held possession and didn’t dawdle like he did against Manchester United. A proper CDM today and a deserved 8.
Joao Gomes – 6
Joao defended well too but was often the out-ball to try and get Wolves forward but he’s not blessed with pace and would have to result in lashing it forward, usually back to Arsenal or out of play. He defended well when he was needed and moved it well in the last 10 minutes.
Ladislav Krejci – 6
Just like the rest of the team, spent a long time jumping for headers, pressing in midfield and trying to win the ball back. Made some blocks and did well in his duels.
Hwang Hee Chan – 6
Fashioned a brilliant chance and went 1v1 with Raya but couldn’t quite get his shot far enough into the corner. Offered something Wolves haven’t had for a while – a forward option that’s willing to run with the ball. Hopefully a sign of things to come.
Jørgen Strand Larsen – 5
It gets said every week, but really he did have absolutely nothing to feed on in terms of forward chances. However, he’s got to do better in the air. When Tolu came on, it felt like every duel was won, but JSL doesn’t seem to get a single one to land. Even flicking it on into the void is better than not winning it at all.
Substitutes
Fer Lopez – 6
Looked sharp and interested, had some flair about him and created some strong chances. Has to start soon, surely.
Tolu – 7
Won his duels and scored a lovely header, equally has to start.
Mateus Mané – 7
Created the goal, wanted to move with the ball and feels like a breath of fresh air. Maybe a touch too young to be starting but a brilliant impact sub.
Jhon Arias – 6
Moved the ball nicely when he came on and made things happen going forward more than he has done in a Wolves shirt so far.
Jackson Tchatchoua – 6
Never seems interested in running with the ball usually, but I can now say I have seen him do it (knocked the ball past Trossard in the 85’ minute). If he can do this more often and not wait for someone to play him through, we could offer so much more threat down the right hand side
