Wolves put on a resilient showing against Arsenal, but two own goals would succumb them to a 2-1 loss.
The Old Gold had an impressive first-half showing against Arsenal. Defensively they frustrated the Gunners, and it was Rob Edwards’ side who looked most likely to score.
The selection of Hwang Hee-chan would have raised some eyebrows, but the Korean had the best chance of the opening 45 out of anyone on the pitch.
Wolves came out the second half with more of the same, and a moment of misfortune, which perhaps sums their season up, would arrive in the 70th minute.
Bukayo Saka’s corner would swing directly towards Sam Johnstone and hit the back post before bouncing in off the keeper.
Tolu Arokodare would equalise in added time, but then Saka would force another own goal, this time from Yerson Mosquera, to break Wolves’ hearts.
Here are the ratings.
Despite defeat, there was plenty of positives to take away from that Wolves performance.
Wolves player ratings vs Arsenal
Sam Johnstone – 5
Kept quiet for 65 minutes before getting a fingertip to a Declan Rice free kick, then moments later made a strong stop to deny him again.
Extremely unfortunate for the own goal, and not much he could do.
Matt Doherty – 5
Provided some much-needed experience to the backline in what needed to be an organised performance. Brought off in the 68th, likely due to being on a yellow card and only coming back from injury in the last few weeks.
Yerson Mosquera – 5
Won his battles against Viktor Gyokeres well, and then scored an own goal to break Wolves’ hearts. Disappointing ending.
Emmanuel Agbadou – 7
There was nothing the defenders could do about the goal, and we won’t hold that against them. Overall throughout the 90 minutes, it was a commendable showing.
Toti Gomes – 7
The defence moved like a coherent unit, and that was a big part of keeping Arsenal frustrated for most of the game. The captain, no doubt, played a role in that.
David Moller Wolfe – 5
Could not venture forward as much as he would have liked and was not terrible defensively. However, Bukayo Saka often got the better of him more often than not.
Joao Gomes – 7
Joao Gomes was like a Duracell bunny against Arsenal; he was absolutely everywhere. Won most of his battles and kept his composure in tough moments.
Use one word to describe that performance, Wolves fans…😒
Andre – 5
Nothing overly special from Andre against Arsenal, but in games like this, that is what you want. Did his job to a decent standard.
Ladislav Krejci – 4
Could never really find a foothold in the game like his midfield partners. Passing was all over the place, and perhaps he is better suited to central defence.
Hwang Hee-chan – 5
Hwang is always much better playing centrally, and he had a couple good moments for Wolves. His first-half shot should have been put away, but the combination of the Korean and another striker should be something tried against different opposition.
Jorgen Strand Larsen – 4
Isolated up top again, but that was always expected in a game like this. Have to feel for him up top, and as Steve Bull says, it might not always be his fault.
Substitutes
Tolu Arokodare – 7
Incredible header for the equaliser, and that is what Wolves needed. Disappointing it was not the final goal of the game.
Jackson Tchatchoua – 5
Provided fresh legs at the back and did not do much wrong.
Fer Lopez – 6
It looked bright after coming on, and that is when Wolves’ best attacking play came. Could also have been down to the state of the game. Promising showing.
Jhon Arias – 5
Did little wrong and did nothing special after coming on.
Mateus Mane – 7
Excellent cross to Arokodare to equalise for Wolves. Put him in the starting XI next week!
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