Saka’s first Premier League goal keeps Arsenal in Euro race
ARSENAL climbed back into the race to qualify for the Champions League as Bukayo Saka’s first Premier League goal inspired a crucial 2-0 win against Wolves on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s side made it three successive league victories thanks to Saka’s first half strike and a late Alexandre Lacazette goal at Molineux.
Arsenal are now six points behind fourth placed Manchester
United with five games left. The Gunners remain a long shot to reach next season’s Champions League, but if second placed Manchester City’s continental ban is upheld, a fifth place finish would secure a place in Europe’s elite club competition.
Just days after Saka signed a new long-term contract with the club, the 18-year-old underlined the potential of Arsenal’s emerging crop of academy graduates.
Wolves’ hopes of qualifying for the Champions League were hit by their first defeat in four games since the restart and they now sit three points behind Manchester United.
The visitors took the lead two minutes before halftime when Willy Boly misjudged the bounce and Aubameyang touched it on to Kieran Tierney. Tierney’s deflected cross reached Saka and he hooked a fine finish past Rui Patricio from 12 yards.
Saka’s fourth goal of the season in all competitions was the first Wolves had conceded in 448 minutes stretching back to their win at Tottenham on March 1.
Wolves striker Raul Jimenez appealed in vain for a penalty when Cedric Soares made contact with him as they challenge for Traore’s cross.
The introduction of substitute Diogo Jota lifted Wolves and the midfielder had a goalbound shot blocked by Luiz.
Lacazette came off the bench to wrap up the points three minutes after his introduction. The French forward took Joe Willock’s pass and drove a clinical strike past Rui Patricio in the 86th minute.