Arsenal: 4 huge positives from 2-1 Wolves win

3. No Saka, No Emile Smith Rowe, No Worry

Before, during and after the win over Brentford it was all about ‘Saka and Emile Smith Roweeee’.

The Hale End superstars carried Arsenal last season, and have individually taken their games to new levels this season with their increased number of goal contributions. They’ve been spectacular.

Against Wolves it was neither of their days. Smith Rowe wasn’t involved at all and Saka wasn’t at his crisp best in a game where his usual energy and endeavour didn’t produce the cutting edge he’s known for.

Best of all, it didn’t matter.

Arsenal, so used to relying on one or both of the pair’s brilliance, instead were shouldered by players elsewhere in the team. Thomas Partey was utterly magnificent across the whole game, Xhaka really put his stamp on matters in the second half, and Odegaard continued his astounding form with another glittering performance.

Much like it’s reassuring to have the substitutes bench chip in, having other members of the group step up in the absence of an electric Saka or an efficient Smith Rowe – as well as a misfiring Martinelli – was a huge positive in a game that really mattered.

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