Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League table as Leandro Trossard’s first-half strike and a late Martin Odegaard finish gave the Gunners a first win in four matches in all competitions with victory at out-of-form Wolves.
Forward Gabriel Jesus hooked the ball back into Trossard’s path from the floor, allowing the Belgium international to swing the first goal of the game into the far corner of the net from just inside the penalty area on the stroke of half-time.
Captain Odegaard added a 95th-minute second, slotting in from a tight angle when Jesus released him inside the box.
With Manchester City in FA Cup semi-final action on Saturday, Arsenal knew victory against their 11th-placed opponents would move them a point above the reigning champions at the summit.
City, who beat Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley to reach the FA Cup final, will play their game in hand at Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday.
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Mikel Arteta’s side were back in action after being knocked out of the Uefa Champions League on Wednesday and desperate not to cede further ground to City after losing 2-0 at home to fourth-placed Aston Villa last Sunday.
Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat at Bayern Munich as part of a 3-2 aggregate defeat was a demoralising blow after a fine European campaign, and their performance at Molineux carried little of the zip which allowed them to thrash Brighton & Hove Albion 3-0 in their last top-flight away game.
Injury-hit Wolves went closest when Joao Gomes dispossed Jakub Kiwior with the score goalless, entered the penalty area and forced David Raya to tip his effort against the woodwork at the goalkeeper’s near post.
Trossard gives Arsenal the lead just before half-time! ⏰ pic.twitter.com/x8Dweo8qYD
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 20, 2024
Full Wolves debutant Tawanda Chirewa had sent an early shot wide and Arsenal forward Kai Havertz’s first-minute volley was accurate but did not trouble Jose Sa.
Wolves, who had Sa to thank for stopping shots by Declan Rice and substitute Gabriel Martinelli during second-half added time, held hopes of European qualification during an impressive first season in charge for Gary O’Neil.
Their surprise exit to Coventry City in the FA Cup quarter-finals was the first of three consecutive home defeats as part of a six-match winless run which has left them more likely to finish in midtable.
Bournemouth are their visitors in the league on Wednesday, with Arsenal hosting Chelsea a day earlier.
That could move Arsenal four points clear by the time City kick off at the Amex Stadium, although the Cityzens’ games in hand mean they remain favourites to retain their title.
