Yerson Mosquera’s stoppage-time own goal gave Premier League leaders Arsenal victory over bottom of the table Wolves in a dramatic finish at Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners were frequently frustrated by a stubborn five-man Wolves defence and took until the 70th minute to take the lead, when Bukayo Saka’s curling corner was pushed on to the post by Sam Johnstone and the ball bounced off the goalkeeper’s back to put them ahead.
Arsenal were nervy as they looked to see out the win, but that allowed Wolves to send numerous balls into the box before Mateus Mane crossed for Tolu Arokodare to head home in the 90th minute.
Supporters had their heads in their hands as it appeared Arsenal had handed title rivals Manchester City the chance to move level on points against Crystal Palace on Sunday – before the final act in the late drama.
Saka cut in from the right before curling a cross towards substitute Gabriel Jesus, and Mosquera, trying to head clear, glanced the ball past his own keeper to the unbridled joy – and immense relief – of the home support.
“It was a rollercoaster,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told BBC Match of the Day. “The longer the game went on, they had hope and we had to accelerate our game and take more risks.
“We did find a way and that’s a very positive thing, if not we’d be very frustrated and rightly so, but there are things to improve obviously.”
There was a negative for Arsenal, though, as Ben White had to be withdrawn with a hamstring injury in the first half.
The thrilling victory means the Gunners are five points clear of Manchester City, and can focus on a tough trip to Everton next week.
