Wolves were forced to settle for defeat against Arsenal on Saturday evening however, Gary O’Neil’s makeshift side will be proud of their performance, with Mikel Arteta admitting the hosts caused the Gunners ‘problems’.
It was a difficult evening for Wolves at Molineux on Saturday, as Arsenal left the Midlands with three points after recording a 2-0 victory over the Old Gold.
Gary O’Neil had his adaptability tested more than ever, as a growing list of first-team players were ruled out due to injury, seeing those available playing in a variety of unfamiliar positions.
Despite the loss, Wolves had a lot to be proud of in what was a valiant effort against the Premier League leaders, as the hosts made it far from easy for Arsenal to walk away with a win.
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Speaking after the game, Mikel Arteta was full of praise for the Old Gold after watching his side’s win, admitting that one thing that O’Neil did made it difficult for the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta admits one Gary O’Neil decision made it hard for Arsenal v Wolves
Talking to the media on the events of the fixture, the Spaniard gave credit to the hosts for the game they applied to Arsenal despite their limited squad options.
As relayed by BBC, Arteta identified what O’Neil did to cause his side ‘problems’ in the second half of the match.
“Even at 2-0 you are never sure and they [Wolves] are a good side, they made some changes and caused us some problems.”
After the interval, O’Neil welcomed Rayan Ait-Nouri and Mario Lemina into the game, two players who caused a tireless threat against the Gunners, regardless of the fact that Lemina played wildly out of position.
The Gabon international put in a good performance against Arsenal, playing as a number nine, far from his usual role in defensive midfield.
It was impressive game management from the Wolves boss, who worked his squad well to adapt to the threat the visitors applied, forgetting the limited options he had to work with on the day.
Wolves can be proud of their performance against Arsenal
Wolves didn’t make it easy for Arsenal, who have been formidable away from home in 2024, recording their sixth consecutive clean sheet on the road.
The Old Gold didn’t back away from the Gunners, and never had their tails between their legs despite their current struggles, with Arteta describing Molineux as a ‘tough’ venue to visit in the Premier League.
“It’s a really tough place to come – a lot of big teams have dropped points here and I think the team performed really well.”
The challenges don’t stop for O’Neil’s wilted squad, with Bournemouth next to play on Wednesday night, in what will be another big night at Molineux with just five games left to conquer in the 2023/24 calendar.