Wolves vs Arsenal | 2022/23 PL | 3 Crucial Things Learnt From the Game

Wolverhampton vs Arsenal, Wolves vs Arsenal

We learnt three things as Arsenal defeated Wolves 2-0 at the Molineux Stadium to go into the World Cup break with a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Martin Odegaard scored a pair of goals to give Arsenal a comfortable win over the struggling Wolves side before the players leave for the World Cup. Arsenal have lost only one game and drew another in their 14 Premier League games so far this season.

The Gunners had a great start to the first half against the home side. However, the North London side were lucky to not have had a penalty awarded for William Saliba’s tackle on Adama Traore.

Arsenal, Wolves — Image Obtained Via Reuters

Mikel Arteta had a few issues with Granit Xhaka who had played all of the last 31 games for Arsenal and the player was substituted after just 15 minutes. Arteta and Switzerland fans will both hope that the problem is nothing more than a stomach issue with the World Cup just a week away. Meanwhile, the Spaniard’s men will be top of the Premier League table table on Christmas for the first time since 2007.

1. Odegaard Is In His Best Form This Season

The Norwegian magician and captain of the Gunners was in fine form as he converted a goal from Fabio Vieira’s cross after excellent work from Gabriel Jesus. Odegaard made it six goals for this campaign with the second of the night, a low strike past Wolves keeper Jose Sa.

⭐️ Player of the Match, @Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard

Arsenal’s top PL scorer this season (6 goals)
3 shots on target – most in match
65 touches, 3 in opposition box
43/51 passes completed
11.4km distance – 2nd most in match pic.twitter.com/nwdCgaFM8x

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) November 12, 2022

2. Wolves Need To Adapt To Use Possession Under Lopetegui

Wolverhampton have played some good football in the middle of the park this season with the likes of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho, but where they struggle is with a lack of runners or players mistiming their runs. The injury to Pedro Neto has been integral to Wolves’ downfall.

Julen Lopetegui has a lot of interesting players to choose from after his formal takeover of the team after the World Cup. His possession and attacking ideas are going to be important to Wolves’ chances of staying in the Premier League. The players need some tactics and fresh ideas to be integrated into their squad rather than just following the ‘park the bus’ philosophy and depending on counter-attacks.

3. Gabriel Jesus Will Need To Be More Clinical

Gabriel Jesus has been going through a goal drought for the last 10 games. This will be a cause of concern for Mikel Arteta who solely depends on the Brazilian striker for spearheading the attack.

Gabriel Jesus in action against Wolves, Arsenal Wolves three things — Image Obtained Via Daily Star

Jesus’s only drawback at Manchester City was that he used to miss a lot of chances, although he did score many when he got the opportunity to play. Against Wolves, the ‘City’ Gabriel Jesus was on show with a number of clear-cut opportunities missed in the first period and the only time he had the ball in the back of the net, he was greeted with an offside flag.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was proud of his players when he spoke to BBC (via GOAL) after the win against Wolves:

‘We showed another kind of maturity today to play their game. Thanks to the fans for the support and the way they helped transform this club and the energy of everyone and they should enjoy it.

In the first 20-30 minutes we struggled to break them down. We were much better in the second half and we had a bit more courage and took risks but also not allowing them to run.”

The win against Wolves sees Arsenal sit comfortably on top, having a secure 5-point advantage over nearest contenders Manchester City. The Gunners will be on break until Boxing Day when they face West Ham United in a London derby after the World Cup.

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