LITTLE JOY FOR POD
Jimenez injury takes shine off a Wolves victory inspired by Podence strike as size of job becomes crystal clear for Arteta
ON the first anniversary of the sacking of Unai Emery, ruthless Wolves showed Arsenal are still light years away from the good old days.
And the harsh reality for the north London club is that Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, who are up to sixth, are simply a better team with better players.
The Gunners are now as close to the drop zone as the summit, with a visit to table-topping Tottenham to come on Sunday.
Thi s match will be remembered for an early sickening clash of heads which saw Raul Jimenez stretchered off and rushed to hospital and David Luiz soldier on until half-time with a blood-stained head bandage.
But the worrying incident should not take credit away from Wolves, who were superb even without their star striker.
Nor should it deflect criticism from an Arsenal side who still languish in 14th place after losing three home league games in a row. And after scoring only 10 goals in their first 10 games, their tally of 13 points is their worst in the Premier League era at this stage of a season.
Manager Mikel Arteta (circle) insisted before the game that he needed more time to rebuild, but last night there was little sign of progress.
The club of the Invincibles has been the Unwatchables in the Premier
League in recent matches. Indeed they had only two shots on target last night. By contrast, Wolves are vibrant proof of the strength of the Premier League – and the effectiveness of spending money well. The return of captain Conor Coady after his enforced absence against Southampton did not end Nuno’s experiment with a flat back four after so long deploying three at the back. On this solid base, Adama Traore ran riot and Pedro Neto (celebrating, left) justified his starting place with a goal and an assist.
Wolves know exactly what they are doing. Arsenal do not appear to have a clue. Arteta, finally beginning to realise the size of the job he
has on his hands, said: “It was a frustrating night again. Losing at home is painful. This is our level. We can beat anyone but lose to anyone on our day.
“It’s a big mountain to climb. It is nowhere near good enough for this football club. We have to improve dramatically.”
Asked if he feared for his position, Arteta added: “I’m not worried. It is something that I decided when I became coach. I knew I would leave or be sacked. My only concern is to get the best out of the players.”
The 10-minute delay after the collision between Jimenez and Luiz appeared to stun both sides before the opening goal reenergised the encounter after 28 minutes.
Leander Dendoncker headed Traore’s cross against the bar before Neto’s shot deflected in off Hector Bellerin and Gabriel.
The lead lasted only three minutes before Gabriel headed home a Willian cross (right).
But Wolves always looked the more likely to get the next goal.
And sure enough, when it came, the dangerous Traore was the architect. The Spanish winger, after a powerful run, fed Neto, whose shot was blocked by Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno’s legs. But Daniel Podence was first to react – he skipped impudently over Gabriel’s challenge before turning to fire home.
Arsenal were better after the break but still looked punchless.
The lacklustre Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could not find the net even when Wolves keeper Rui Patricio passed straight to him after the break.
It was Wolves’ first league win at Arsenal since 1979 and Nuno said: “Amazing. I’m very proud.”