Wolves 2-2 Arsenal: Player ratings as Gunners suffer huge slip-up at Molineux

Arsenal slipped up once again in the Premier League title race as they let go of a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with bottom of the table Wolves.

Mikel Arteta reverted to full strength for the trip to Molineux with several crucial players returning to the side. Bukayo Saka was one of those to keep a starting spot as he was deploted in the experimental number 10 role for the second consecutive game.

The Gunners dominated the game from the start and that paid off as they broke the deadlock after just five minutes. Declan Rice picked the ball up on the edge of the box and played a perfect cross into the area for Saka to head past Jose Sa from a matter of yards.

Wolves found their feet after the opening goal, but it was Arteta's side who continued to control the play. Both Rice and Noni Madueke went close to adding a second, but to no avail as the hosts began to trouble their visitors as half-time drew near.

Rob Edwards' side started the second-half well, but were kept at bay by Arsenal before they then found themselves two goals down. Finding himself in an advanced position, Gabriel played a great ball through for Piero Hincapié to latch onto in the box and set himself before firing past Sa.

The linesman raised his flag for offside, but a swift VAR check confirmed the Ecuadorian was onside, meaning his maiden goal for the club would stand.

That two goal advantage was cut to one soon after though when Hugo Bueno received the ball on the right side of the box and curled a fine effort past David Raya and into the top corner to hand his side hope.

Both sides went on the hunt for the next goal with the Gunners doing well to deal with a barrage of Wolves attacks, but they couldn't see it out forever as the hosts levelled matters when Raya and Gabriel mixed up a clearance, allowing Tom Edozie to strike at goal, with his effort bouncing off the post and into the back of the net off Riccardo Calafiori.

After a lengthy period of stoppage time, the game ended level as Arsenal failed to capitalise on a chance to leave City behind with their lead at the top of the table now just five points.

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their disappointing draw at Wolves.

Wolves 2-2 Arsenal player ratings

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 5/10 - Not much he could do about Bueno's stunning strike. Did well when dealing with balls coming into the box until he made a huge error in coming out for a ball Gabriel could deal with in the build-up to Wolves' equaliser.

Jurrien Timber (RB) - 6.5/10 - Improved after a poor performance at Brentford last week. Linked up with Saka and Madueke well and did his defensive job as always.

William Saliba (CB) - 6.5/10 - Battled well with the Wolves forwards, but was guilty of committing a few fouls. Solid after conceding a goal that made it nervy.

Gabriel Magalhaes (CB) - 5.5/10 - Played a great pass through for Hincapié to score the second. Defended well, but will be disappointed not to have kept a clean sheet. Involved in a huge mix-up with Raya for the equaliser.

Piero Hincapié (LB) - 7/10 - Netted his first goal for Arsenal when he made a good run and beat Sa with a well-taken finish. Positive all-round in both attack and defence to keep a good run of form going.

Midfielders

Martín Zubimendi (CM) - 6.5/10 - Nothing flashy from him this evening, but he did his job well and found himself high up the pitch when he could. Calm and composed as always in the middle.

Declan Rice (CM) - 7/10 - Played a perfect cross in for Saka to meet and break the deadlock. Saw a shot from the edge of the box go the wrong side of the post shortly after. Made some good runs and covered plenty of ground as per usual.

Bukayo Saka (AM) - 7/10 - Broke his scoring duck with a header to put his side in front. Continued to cause problems in the central position, as well as drifting out to the right. Switched to the wing after Madueke's substitution, but was forced off himself soon after.

Forwards

Noni Madueke (RW) - 6.5/10 - Could have made it two when he saw a header go just wide in the first-half. Caused a few problems down the right side and linked up well with Saka and Timber before being taken off.

Viktor Gyökeres (ST) - 6/10 - Held the ball up well at times, but that was his only real contribution as he failed to continue his impressive recent form. Withdrawn just after the hour.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) - 6.5/10 - Denied by a good save from Sa, but it wouldn't have counted as the flag went up for offside. Moved out to the right flank after Saka was withdrawn.

Substitutes

• Gabriel Jesus (on 64' for Gyökeres) - 6/10
• Eberechi Eze (on 64' for Madueke) - 5/10
• Leandro Trossard (on 73' for Saka) - 6/10
• Riccardo Calafiori (on 90+3 for Trossard) - 5/10

Player of the match: Piero Hincapié