Two own goals save Arsenal blushes against Wolves

Arsenal dodged a significant setback versus the Premier League's last placed side Wolves on Saturday, thanks to a pair of own goals, including one during added time, which secured a 2-1 victory and extended their lead over Manchester City to five points.

Head coach Mikel Arteta conceded that his squad found it tough to generate obvious opportunities and that the triumph ought to have been far smoother.

Nevertheless he noted that the style of the success would provide a substantial lift to the players.

"It instils confidence that no matter the flow of the match, there is always a way to secure the result," he remarked to TNT Sports.

"However we now face a full week ahead. It is essential to gradually work on specific elements in training, as neglecting them leads to a gradual decline." 

Artetas side lacked sharpness in the opening period, managing zero efforts on goal while Gabriel Martinelli squandered several promising moments.

The Arsenal manager introduced three replacements just before the 60 minute mark, with Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino entering to replace Martinelli, Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi.

The team launched relentless assaults, and Declan Rices effort during the second half midway through, their initial shot on target, was capably stopped by Sam Johnstone.

Yet in the 70th minute the relentless assault paid off, much to the vast relief of a restless and anxious Emirates audience.

Johnstone glanced Bukayo Sakas corner against the upright while lunging for the ball, only for it to bounce off his arm and cross the line as an own goal.

Gabriel Jesus made his return for his debut home appearance following 11 months sidelined by injury, replacing Viktor Gyokores.

Incredibly Wolves levelled the score in the 90th minute as Mateus Manes low delivery was nodded home by Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare.

However right when Arsenal supporters feared a costly stalemate, their side gained from another own goal.

Saka supplied an excellent pass which Jesus challenged for but the ball was redirected into his own goal by Wolves centre back Yerson Mosquera.

Trophyless Wolves, enduring a ninth straight league loss, have accumulated merely two points across their opening 16 fixtures and appear headed for the most dismal campaign in Premier League records.

Pep Guardiolas Manchester City visit high flying Crystal Palace on Sunday aiming to narrow the deficit on Arsenal, who last claimed the Premier League crown in 2004.