VAR + Wolves Not Toothless But Gunners Triumph

A breathless, late-night Emirates rollercoaster ended in a stoppage-time own goal to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers and keep us top of the Premier League, five points clear. It was a chaotic, nervy win that felt more like a nick than a statement — but three points nonetheless.

The first half was flat and tense: missed chances, an early Ben White injury, and Wolves threatening on the break. No shots on target by half-time and a growing sense that the game could punish any slip-up.

Second-half changes lifted the tempo. Bukayo Saka’s curling corner eventually found the net, but Wolves hit back with a late equaliser. In the fourth minute of stoppage time another Saka delivery caused panic in the box and a deflected own goal settled the match.

Controversy lingered — a studs-up challenge on Timber looked red-card worthy and VAR decisions drew ire — but grit and a slice of fortune carried the day. Next up: Everton, then Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-final, and Brighton after Christmas.