On paper, the trip to face a Wolves side with just nine points from 26 matches appeared routine. In reality, it exposed Arsenal's lingering fragility. The Gunners surged into a two-goal lead but once again failed to manage the closing stages, a recurring flaw that could prove fatal in the title run-in.

They struck early. After just five minutes, Bukayo Saka headed home from close range, meeting a precise Declan Rice cross while operating in the number 10 role in Martin Odegaard's absence. The England winger celebrated by mimicking the signing of a contract, a nod to his imminent renewal, reportedly set to tie him to the club until 2031.

Wolves, however, refused to fold. Gradually, they found rhythm and purpose, testing David Raya with sporadic efforts and growing in belief as Arsenal's control waned.

The visitors appeared to settle nerves when Piero Hincapie netted his first goal for the club, timing his run perfectly to convert Gabriel Magalhaes' through ball. The assistant initially ruled it out for offside, but VAR overturned the decision after confirming Hugo Bueno had played him onside.

At 2-0, Arsenal seemed safe. Yet complacency crept in. Within five minutes, Bueno redeemed himself, curling a superb left-footed strike into the top corner to halve the deficit and reignite the contest.

Then came the collapse. Deep into stoppage time, under torrential rain, Gabriel and Raya failed to deal with what looked like a routine cross. The loose ball dropped to Tom Edozie, whose effort deflected off Riccardo Calafiori and into the net. Molineux erupted. Arsenal stood stunned.

The draw leaves the leaders five points clear for now, but Manchester City can reduce that margin to two and, crucially, still host Arsenal in a decisive showdown. Pep Guardiola’s side now hold their fate in their own hands.

For Arsenal, this was more than a slip. It felt like a warning, and perhaps the moment the title began to drift away.

Tom Edozie

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