Mikel Arteta led his Arsenal team to Molineux knowing that a win would put them five points clear at the top of the Premier League table heading into the World Cup break.
Arsenal extended their Premier League lead with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Wolves at Molineux.
The Gunners have made quick starts their trademark this season, but they couldn’t find their rhythm against a Wolves side that found plenty of space in behind their visitors’ full-backs.
Gabriel Jesus has struggled to find the net in recent weeks, and his first-half performance will do little to alleviate concerns about his finishing. He passed up several clear chances in the first period, and the one time he did have the ball in the net, he was greeted by the offside flag.
The Gunners can consider themselves fortunate not to have received a penalty when William Saliba’s trip on Adama Traore escaped VAR punishment.
Martin Odegaard’s first goal from close range was his fifth of the season and caused an uproar in the away end. Fabio Vieira deserves a lot of credit for his assist, and Jesus’ initial ball opened up the penalty area.
Shortly after, the Gunners captain scored his sixth goal of the season and second of the evening, rifling a low left-footed strike past Jose Sa. The goal could be one of the most significant of Arsenal’s season.
With a win at Wolves, Arsenal now sit comfortably atop the Premier League table, with a five-point lead over nearest rivals Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s side were defeated 2-1 at home by Brentford, giving Arsenal the opportunity to extend their lead while also ensuring that whatever happened at Molineux, Arteta’s men would be top at Christmas.
With a five-point lead on the line, everyone associated with the Gunners would have felt the pressure, but Arsenal delivered and can now enjoy the festive period with a healthy lead at the top of the table.
Arteta’s team currently has 37 points, while Guardiola’s City has only 32.
Granit Xhaka has been a constant in this Arsenal squad for some time, starting the last 31 Premier League games.
While his run technically continued at Wolves, he only lasted 15 minutes before being replaced by Fabio Vieira due to what appeared to be a stomach bug or other illness.
The Switzerland international required medical attention within the first five minutes, but he was able to continue for another ten before he was unable to continue.
With the World Cup less than two weeks away, Arteta and Switzerland manager Murat Yakin will both be hoping that the problem is nothing more than a stomach ache.