Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points after their 2-2 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.
But Arsenal will not be happy. They’ve given Manchester City the chance to reduce the gap to just two points on Saturday.
The Gunners held 58% possession against Wolves, creating three big chances with 10 shots and 1.86 Expected Goals. Wolves, on the other hand, only managed 0.30 xG from their five shots and one big chance.
In this article, we’ll cover
Saka’s new role
Bukayo Saka went into the game without a goal in 15 matches — with his last strike coming back in Decemebr against Brentford. It was the 24-year-old’s longest goalless streak for the club.
But that streak was ended five minutes into the game at Molineux as Saka started to bear fruit in his new role, arriving on the end of Declan Rice’s inswinger from the left half space.
When asked about Saka playing more centrally after their 4-0 win against Wigan Athletic, Arteta revealed he could use it again. He said: “It’s a bit more difficult for the opponent to get his reference constantly.”
This role allows Saka to drift between markers, picking up the ball in areas he is difficult to press and allowing him to dictate the game more, closer to goal in the middle of the pitch and more involved in all phases.
Arsenal fans would’ve had their hearts in their mouths with Saka subbed off after 72 minutes, going down with an injury. They’ll be waiting eagerly to hear he’s okay as their title charge continues.
Defensive steel not enough
Arsenal limited Wolves to just two shots in the first half, both off target, with 0.06 xG. Wolves managed to score in the second half with a lovely strike from Hugo Bueno — beating David Raya from outside the area.
But it was the 94th-minute equaliser that stole the headlines, as Gabriel and Raya both went for the ball in the air, leading to a free shot inside the box from Tom Edozie, making it 2-2.
Despite conceding twice, Arteta’s plan to utilise his full-backs deep in the first phase in a 4-1 base, before shifting into a 2-3 rest defence with both full-backs tucked inside to protect the half spaces in transition had worked well, limiting Wolves to just 0.30 xG in the match.
Time to panic?
With a draw against Wolves, Pep Guardiola’s side now trail Arsenal by five points, but with a game in hand over the Gunners.
Manchester City face Newcastle United at the Etihad next, before travelling to Elland Road to face Leeds United at the end of February.
On the other hand, Arsenal’s next two Premier League fixtures are back to back London derbies, facing Tottenham Hotspur away from home before hosting Chelsea at the Emirates.
With the Carabao Cup final at the end of March also a good chance for either side to assert their authority over the other, the title race could look much clearer by the end of next month.