Premier League Tactical Analysis: Arsenal 2-1 Wolves
Emirates Stadium – 13 December 2025
In this extensive post-match review, we dissect Arsenal’s dramatic 2-1 Premier League win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. This analysis uses only official statistics and verified data to produce a detailed tactical, statistical and narrative account of the game.
Final Score & Key Outcome
Arsenal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium. Both goals were ultimately own goals favouring Arsenal — the first from Wolves’ goalkeeper Sam Johnstone and the second from defender Yerson Mosquera deep in second-half stoppage time. Wolves, who had equalised through Tolu Arokodare in the 89th minute, were left to rue late misfortune as Arsenal claimed all three points. ([turn0search9])
Official Match Statistics
| Statistic | Arsenal | Wolves |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 2 | 1 |
| Possession | 69.3% | 30.7% |
| Total Shots | 16 | 3 |
| Shots on Target | 2 | 2 |
| Big Chances Created | 2 | 1 |
| Corners | 8 | 0 |
| Pass Accuracy | 87.2% | 68.8% |
| Total Passes | 572 | 263 |
| Saves | 1 | 2 |
| Fouls | 7 | 15 |
| Yellow Cards | 0 | 4 |
Arsenal dominated territorial statistics and chance creation, while Wolves were compact but ultimately punished by rare errors that proved decisive. ([turn0search9])
Tactical Overview
Arsenal’s Strategy and Build-Up
Arsenal dictated play for long periods, controlling 69.3% of possession and circulating the ball with patient build-ups. Their use of wide areas and multiple forward runners created sustained pressure, reflected in the eight corner kicks earned. However, breaking down Wolves’ structured low block proved challenging, and Arsenal created relatively few high-quality chances despite territorial dominance. Ultimately, it was set-piece delivery and persistence that forced the own goals in a dramatic late twist. ([turn0search9])
Although Arsenal struggled to convert their numerical and positional advantages into goals during open play, their intelligent ball progression and shared movement in midfield maintained consistent threat throughout the match. Wolves’ low block meant creative patience was required, often resulting in lateral movement and resets rather than direct penetration. ([turn0search9])
Wolves’ Defensive Approach
Wolves entered the contest with a disciplined 3-5-2 shape aimed at minimising space between lines and frustrating Arsenal’s fluid midfield play. While their possession share was markedly lower, Wolves remained defensively organised and relied on sharp transitions when possession was won. Their first half was solid, and they fashioned scoring opportunities, including the decisive equaliser from Tolu Arokodare in the 89th minute following a well-worked wide delivery.
Despite a limited number of total shots and chance creation, Wolves’ defensive resilience was evident, especially in restricting Arsenal’s clear cut chances. Their compact block and risk-averse positioning limited Arsenal to relatively few meaningful goal attempts. The unfortunate own goals were an unfortunate by-product of Arsenal’s sustained pressure rather than evidence of Wolves’ wider tactical collapse.
Goals & Match-Defining Moments
The game remained deadlocked for much of the 90 minutes until Arsenal’s first breakthrough in the 70th minute. Bukayo Saka’s well-delivered corner resulted in a miscommunication at the back, with Wolves’ goalkeeper Sam Johnstone inadvertently turning the ball into his own net. This opened the scoring and forced Wolves to adapt tactically.
Wolves responded admirably and equalised in the 89th minute through Tolu Arokodare, who met a precise cross with a powerful header, silencing the Emirates crowd. However, Arsenal regained the lead in stoppage time when Yerson Mosquera, under pressure from Gabriel Jesus, inadvertently headed Saka’s cross into his own net. The second own goal, deep into added time, proved decisive and dramatic.
Player Performance & Key Contributors
Arsenal Standouts
- Bukayo Saka – Instrumental in Arsenal’s set-piece threat, providing both decisive deliveries that led to the own goals. His influence in attacking transitions was a major factor in destabilising Wolves’ defence.
- Gabriel Jesus – Played a significant creative role and applied pressure that contributed to the late own goal. His presence in and around the box lifted Arsenal’s attacking intensity.
- Midfield Control – Arsenal’s midfield trio dictated tempo, with movements and passing combinations allowing progression into wide and central areas throughout the match. Their composure ensured sustained territorial control.
Wolves Notable Performers
- Tolu Arokodare – His 89th-minute header was a testament to Wolves’ resilience and tactical execution despite being under pressure for long spells.
- Defensive Organisation – Wolves’ backline and midfield shield limited Arsenal’s clear opportunities and effected several important blocks and interceptions throughout the match.
- Goalkeeping & Defensive Efforts – Sam Johnstone and defenders worked to keep Arsenal at bay for large portions of the game before the late own goals decided the contest.
Statistical Takeaways
From a statistical perspective, Arsenal’s dominance in possession (nearly 70%) and passing accuracy underlines their control over the tempo and structure of play. Wolves, with minimal possession, maximised defensive compactness and transitioned quickly into attacking phases. Despite the low total shots from Wolves, their ability to convert a rare opportunity into an equaliser highlights their tactical discipline and execution on the break.
Arsenal’s extensive passing and high corner count reflect sustained pressure, yet their low shot count and modest shots on target illustrates the difficulty they encountered in converting control into clear chances. The eventual victory underscores the fine margins in Premier League football, especially in matches decided by set pieces and defensive errors.
Conclusion
This dramatic Premier League encounter saw Arsenal secure three crucial points against Wolves in stoppage time. Although the match did not follow a conventional goalscorer pattern, the Gunners’ persistence, set-piece threat and ability to force errors were decisive. Wolves’ disciplined defensive display and attacking response deserved credit, yet the own goals ultimately shaped the narrative. This result keeps Arsenal firmly in the title conversation while providing a valuable lesson in converting possession and territory into clinical opportunities.