A last-gasp winner from Nicklas Bendtner prevented Arsenal's title challenge from slipping away against Wolves.
Bendtner grabs stoppage-time winner
A last-gasp winner from substitute Nicklas Bendtner prevented Arsenal's Premier League title challenge from slipping away as they defeated a brave Wolves side 1-0.
The hosts came out of the blocks quickly, with Eduardo forcing Wolves goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann into a fine save after just five minutes.
The Croatian striker then spurned another golden opportunity shortly after when he scuffed a close-range effort well wide of the post.
Arsenal remained on the front foot after the half-time break but could not find a way past a stern opposing defence.
Wolves' chances of holding on for an unlikely point were dealt a massive blow when Karl Henry was shown a straight red for sliding through the back of Tomas Rosicky.
But despite being down to 10 men, the visitors hung on admirably until Bendtner nodded home Bacary Sagna's cross deep into stoppage-time to secure a dramatic three points.
The victory moves Arsenal one point behind Manchester United and within striking distance of Chelsea with five games remaining.
Tight margins
After Chelsea went back to the top of the table with a 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, Arsene Wenger knew there was little margin for error if Arsenal wanted to keep pace as the title race heats up.
Theo Walcott - recalled to the team after his explosive display against Barcelona - was a livewire throughout.
Early on he weaved his way into the Wolves box after cutting in from the right, before chipping the ball back across goal where Eduardo forced goalkeeper Hahnemann into a fine, one-handed reaction save.
Wolves defender Michael Mancienne charged forwards and let fly from 25 yards but his effort was just off target.
Arsenal went close again when Rosicky pulled the ball back through a crowded six-yard box to find Eduardo, but the Croatian could only scuff the ball wide as he lost balance.
Walcott then released right-back Sagna on the overlap into the Wolves area, and his shot was blocked by Hahnemann.
After 15 minutes, the French defender was in again, this time sliding to hook the ball to Emmanuel Eboue, whose attempted backheel hit his trailing leg but play had already been stopped.
Arsenal continued to press, with Walcott testing Hahnemann with a 20-yard snap-shot after the ball dropped to him from a corner.
Rosicky then created some space for himself on the edge of the area, but could only fire his shot high into the stands, while Denilson drilled a low effort wide and Mikael Silvestre tested the in-form Wolves goalkeeper again.
Pressure
Arsenal maintained the pressure at the start of the second half as Silvestre flashed a low centre across goal.
Alex Song collected the ball 30 yards out and charged forwards, only to blaze his shot wide.
Walcott continued to be Arsenal's main attacking outlet, but his final delivery was often cut out by the visitors' back-line.
As the hour mark approached, Rosicky cut in from the right and fired a low, angled drive goalwards, which Hahnemann got down well to.
There was still a threat from a counter-attacking Wolves, though, as winger Matthew Jarvis flashed a couple of dangerous balls into the Arsenal six-yard box.
After 66 minutes, Wolves captain Henry was shown a straight red by referee Andre Marriner for going through the back of Rosicky.
The Czech midfielder needed treatment to his calf, but was soon back on the pitch and forced Hahnemann into another good reaction save before Bendtner stretched the American with a looping header.
Rosicky cleared off the line as Sol Campbell deflected the ball towards his own goal following a Wolves corner.
Arsenal sent on Mexican Carlos Vela to try to find a way through as Wenger began to grow frustrated on the touchline.
Walcott stabbed a close-range effort wide during five minutes of stoppage-time and the Gunners looked to be heading towards a costly goalless draw.
But just as the final whistle was imminent, Sagna whipped the ball into the six-yard box where Bendtner arrived to bullet a header past Hahnemann as the Emirates Stadium erupted.
| Arsenal |
Team Statistics |
Wolverhampton Wanderers |
| 1 |
Goals |
0 |
| 0 |
1st Half Goals |
0 |
| 9 |
Shots on Target |
2 |
| 10 |
Shots off Target |
2 |
| 6 |
Blocked Shots |
1 |
| 10 |
Corners |
4 |
| 12 |
Fouls |
14 |
| 0 |
Offsides |
3 |
| 0 |
Yellow Cards |
2 |
| 0 |
Red Cards |
1 |
| 86.5 |
Passing Success |
73.3 |
| 16 |
Tackles |
33 |
| 93.8 |
Tackles Success |
72.7 |
| 64.3 |
Possession |
35.7 |
| 61.6 |
Territorial Advantage |
38.4 |
|
