Arsenal: 4 huge positives from 2-1 Wolves win

The only frustrating aspect of Arsenal beating Wolves 2-1 on Thursday has nothing to do with the game itself. It’s that there is isn’t a game for the team to dive into this weekend.

With Liverpool and Chelsea contesting in the Carabao Cup final it means another three-game gap will open up between Arsenal and the likes of Manchester United, putting them back in the unenviable position of having to play catch up with the fixtures.

But as far as wins go, this one was pretty special. It already goes down as one of the best moments the Emirates Stadium has seen since its construction.

It’s a win that will count for nothing unless it is built on in the remaining 14 matches of the Premier League season, with the short trip to Watford next up, although it gives fans more time to savour a magnificent three points.

Arsenal: 4 huge positives from 2-1 Wolves win as Pepe and Lacazette secure comeback Premier League win

From the sinking feeling of throwing away a gigantic opportunity to capitalise on Spurs’ loss at Burnley and allowing Wolves to claw their way back into the top four hunt to sheer ecstasy, it was a rollercoaster of a match.

Gabriel’s early error handed Wolves the opportunity to extend their staggering 45-game unbeaten run in the Premier League when taking the lead. It was the worst possible start, especially after being denied a clear penalty inside the first minute.

Leaving it later than most would have liked – although it just adds to the drama and elation – Arsenal grabbed their opportunity to keep their noses in front in the pursuit of Champions League football.

What a night. What a win. It’s only positives from here, right?

1. Arsenal’s Immense Fighting Spirit

One year ago Arsenal wouldn’t have won this game. Not a chance in hell.

You need only look at the horrendous statistic that shows the side had failed to win a single game under Mikel Arteta when they were trailing at half-time as evidence of that: 19 games, four draws, zero wins.

There is an unbreakable spirit in this team. This tight-knit group may be one of the smaller squads Arsenal have had for years on account of their lack of European involvement, but it’s the most united one in recent memory.

Every single player on that pitch fought for one another. They’ve been through thick and thin this season, let alone the events of the previous campaign, and are battling past the adversity hand in hand.

Wolves had their chances, notably dragging a few decent openings wide, but this was a game that Arsenal dominated. The team knew that, too. Drawing this match wouldn’t have sufficed in the context of the game and the season, even if with 94 minutes on the clock fans began rationalising the benefits of a single point.

This is the very definition of a team.

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