SUPER Eagles of Nigeria striker Tolu Arokodare scored his first English Premier League goal on Saturday night but it was not enough to save his Wolves side from a 2-1 defeat at Arsenal.
Yerson Mosquera’s stoppage-time own goal gave leaders Arsenal the victory over bottom of the table Wolves in a dramatic finish at Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners were frequently frustrated by a stubborn five-man Wolves defence and took until the 70th minute to take the lead, when Bukayo Saka’s curling corner was pushed on to ... by Sam Johnstone and the ball bounced off the goalkeeper’s back to put them ahead.
Arsenal were nervy as they looked to see out the win, but that allowed Wolves to send numerous balls into the box before Mateus Mane crossed for Arokodare to head home in the 90th minute.
Supporters had their heads in their hands as it appeared Arsenal had handed title rivals Manchester City the chance to move level on points against Crystal Palace on Sunday – before the final act in the late drama.
Saka cut in from the right before curling a cross towards substitute Gabriel Jesus, and Mosquera, trying to head clear, glanced the ball past his own keeper to the unbridled joy – and immense relief – of the home support.
There was a negative for Arsenal, though, as Ben White had to be withdrawn with a hamstring injury in the first half.
The last-gasp victory means Arsenal are five points clear of Manchester City, while Wolves are stuck in bottom spot with only two points from 16 matches.
Arokodare, who was making his ninth substitute appearance in the clash (12 overall in the Premier League), was not included in the Super Eagles’ 2025 Africa Cup of Nations squad.