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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2. Nicolas Pepe & Eddie Nketiah’s Contributions

Even if their places in the starting lineup are less certain than most, the decision to trim the squad in January meant that every member of the 20-man group would have a say before the season’s end.

Even the unloved ones like Nicolas Pepe and Nketiah. Especially the unloved ones like Pepe and Nketiah.

The attackers in the squad would have their moments. Every dog has his day. On this particular day, the two players coming off the bench were the finest pedigree Crufts winners the NEC in Birmingham has ever seen.

Both Pepe and Nketiah were outstanding. Lacazette was breaking records for the number of shots he was having but it wasn’t his day in front of goal, and it would require some inspiration off the bench to add the cutting edge for Arsenal. Pepe looked as engaged and sharp as he’s ever done, while Nketiah’s energy and composure in key moments was exactly that he’d been lacking in cameos gone by.

When you take the risk to reduce the squad and not replace outgoing bodies, this is exactly what you’re relying on.

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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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4. The Fans

Using the word unity isn’t just some buzzword designed to evoke an emotion. It’s an expression of the reality around Arsenal.

This team had bonded in a way only clever squad building could produce. They’re with each other every step of the way and that belief system they have is their superpower that will give them an edge not just in the hunt for the top four, but for many years to come.

And they’re being followed every step of the way by an outstanding Emirates crowd. For those who can but haven’t been this year: go. There hasn’t been an atmosphere like this at the stadium for many, many years. Everyone believes in the project at hand and it shows with exceptional support home and away.

Martinelli, Lacazette, Cedric, the manager, and more, were all seen interacting with the fans throughout the game, throwing their fists up in the air and connecting on a personal level. It’s one entity now. The fractured toxicity of the past is gone. It’s a club tied together at every end.

Even something as small as the Arsenal stadium announcer saying ‘Daniel Podence…eventually…being replaced by Leander Dendoncker’ over the loudspeaker demonstrates the connection from every terrace to every blade of grass.

Everyone is in this together.