Arsenal went five points clear at the top of the table as they produced one of the most comfortable football results of the weekend in the Premier League. After Brentford shocked the defending champions earlier on Saturday, Arsenal was already assured of winning the Premier League during the holiday season. However, Wolves frustrated the Gunners at Molineux while new manager Julen Lopetegui watched from the stands. Before captain Odegaard knocked Fabio Vieira’s cross in from close range, it appeared that Arsenal would enter the World Cup break with just a three-point lead at the top (55). Then, with his second goal, the Norwegian gave Mikel Arteta’s team a resounding victory (75).
Before the game, Wolves introduced their new manager Lopetegui to the Molineux crowd. The Spaniard was likely impressed by his team’s tenacity, especially in the first half, despite the outcome. After Bukayo Saka’s deflected cross was cleared by goalkeeper Jose Sa and Gabriel Jesus’ early shot was disallowed for offside, Arsenal lost the crucial Granit Xhaka to illness after a quarter of an hour. The visitors were able to maintain possession of the ball thanks to Fabio Vieira, but the Wolves were strong on the break.
Nelson Semedo’s play-in behind led to Goncalo Guedes’ attempt, which he missed. The Portugal international thought he should have been given a penalty after colliding with William Saliba in the area, but VAR determined there was no foul. Before the half, Jesus had two chances to end his goalless streak of 10 games, but he first shanked a volley wide after Ben White’s cross found him alone at the back post. The Gunners almost paid for those missed opportunities when Guedes capitalized on Saliba’s careless pass only to see his shot deflect past the post, but Odegaard’s goal put an end to the frustrating first half just ten minutes after the restart.
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