Premier League: Own Goal Thwarts Arsenal's Win, Gap with Man City Narrows

Arsenal's ambition to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League standings faced another test. Visiting Wolverhampton Wanderers' home ground in Week 27 of the 2025/26 Premier League at Molineux Stadium early Thursday, 19 February WIB, The Gunners were held to a 2-2 Draw in a match that raised questions about their consistency.

In terms of gameplay, Arsenal dominated from the opening minutes. The visitors took an early lead in the 5th minute through Bukayo Saka. 

Saka's header maximized Declan Rice's lofted pass, leaving Wolves Goalkeeper Jose Sa helpless.

Arsenal's pressure didn't relent. Rice's chance in the 8th minute went wide, followed by back-to-back opportunities from Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli in the 17th minute, both thwarted by Jose Sa.

The first half ended with Arsenal maintaining their 1-0 lead.

Early in the second half, Arsenal doubled their advantage in the 56th minute. Piero Hincapie beat the offside trap to receive Gabriel Magalhaes' through ball before unleashing a powerful strike past Jose Sa. 

A 2-0 lead should have been the moment for Arsenal to secure the match. Instead, it became the turning point where their consistency came under scrutiny.

Wolves pulled one back five minutes later. Hugo Bueno embarked on a solo run down the right flank before curling a shot into the top-left corner past David Raya. The score became 2-1, reigniting Molineux's atmosphere.

The situation worsened when Arsenal lost Saka to injury in the 72nd minute, replaced by Leandro Trossard. The Gunners' attacking intensity and sharpness dropped significantly thereafter.

Disaster struck in Injury time. In the 95th minute, miscommunication in Arsenal's defense saw David Raya collide with Gabriel while attempting to secure the ball. The loose ball fell to Tom Edozie, and Riccardo Calafiori's attempted clearance resulted in an own goal. The self-inflicted strike sealed the 2-2 final score.

This result keeps Arsenal atop the Standings with 58 points, but their lead over second-placed Manchester City is now reduced to five points.

City still have one game in hand, and a win would narrow the gap to two points. Meanwhile, Wolves remain rooted to the bottom of the table with just 10 points.

In an increasingly tight Premier League title race, dropping two points after a two-goal lead serves as a serious warning for Arsenal. 

If Arsenal truly aim to be consistent title contenders, matches like the one at Molineux must not be repeated.