For the third time this season Arsenaldropped precious points at the Emirates, this time to a very defensive Wolverhampton outfit.
The Gunners took an early lead inside the first 10 minutes after Yossi Benayoun played through Gervinho, who then went past Wayne Hennessey and slid the ball into an empty net.
Arsenal had the majority of the possession and created several chances, but nothing that really made the Wolves goalkeeper sweat or work for. Despite their control of the game,Arsene Wenger’s men found themselves on level terms after being unable to deal with a corner. Matt Jarvis’ cross was diverted away from goal, but the ball fell to Stephen Hunt outside the area who then had a go at goal. Unfortunately for us, the Irishman’s effort took a wicked deflection and found Steven Fletcher, who then nodded the ball past a helpless Wojciech Szczesny.
The second half was pretty much the same as the first – Arsenal continued to press forward, but actually made Hennessey work his wages.
Robin van Persie had several opportunities as did Tomas Rosicky and others, but their best effort probably fell to German international Per Mertesacker, who had a 7-yard header saved by the Wolves keeper. Needless to say the Welsh shot-stopper had his Weetabix today.
Arsenal’s chances of bagging all three points were hugely enhanced after Nenad Milijas was sent off in the 74th minute following a tackle on Mikel Arteta, which sparked a mini scuffle. However, despite their one man advantage, Arsenal couldn’t manage to break down a very resolute and hard-working Wolves side.
The 1-1 draw leaves Wenger’s men sitting in fifth place, 12 points behind both Manchester clubs, one behind Chelsea and three behind fierce rivals Spurs, who have two games in hand over Arsenal.
Courtesy of Gunnersphere.com
