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Arsenal secured an important 2-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) in the Premier League on Saturday, April 20.
The Gunners entered this game on the back of a decent run of form. With three wins, two draws and two defeats in their last seven games, they were the favourites to win this. However, having lost their last two games on the bounce, Arsenal were looking to win.
Mikel Arteta made three changes to the lineup against Bayern Munich. Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jorginho and Gabriel Martinelli made way for Jakub Kiwior, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard.
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Arsenal made a decent start to the game but unlike their approach to other matches, they could not dominate possession. Wolves played a good rigid line and were also well-drilled to break out in attack in numbers. The visitors attempted eight shots with four of those on target. The hosts, on the other hand, managed two shots on target from three attempts.
Leandro Trossard grabbed a goal on the cusp of half-time with a lovely finish following an assist from Gabriel Jesus. The ball broke to the Brazilian, who showed sharp footwork before turning the ball towards Trossard, who scored with a great finish. Arsenal led Wolves 1-0 at half-time.
Arsenal began the second half with even more attacking intent than they showed in the first. They also had the ball for slightly longer in the second half, allowing them to create several changes. Arteta used just two of his substitutes as the Gunners looked comfortable throughout the second period in which they defended well.
Wolves, on the other hand, managed just one shot on target from two attempts. They looked hapless towards the end of the second period as most of Arsenal's shots came after the 70th minute. However, Jose Sa was solid between the sticks for the hosts, but was clueless as Martin Odegaard scored from an improbable angle in the 95th minute.
With this win, Arsenal regain their lead at the top of the Premier League with 74 points, one ahead of Manchester City who have a game-in-hand. Having said that, let's take a look at the five hits and flops from this contest.
#5. Hit - Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
Arsenal's captain led from the front and put in an energetic performance for his team. Odegaard passed the ball with 91% accuracy, including three key passes and one cross.
The Norwegian often found himself in great shooting positions but seemed slightly reluctant to have a crack at goal tonight, as he attempted five shots but just one was on target.
However, that prove to be the all-important second goal for the Gunners in the 95th minute as they secured a 2-0 win.
#4. Flop - Toti Gomes (Wolves)
Gomes had a poor game in defence and was almost a liability for Wolves. He failed to win any of his seven duels and was also dispossessed five times. Gomes made three clearances, one block and was dribbled past once. He also committed a total of three fouls and was lucky to walk away with just a booking in the first half.
#3. Hit - Jose Sa (Wolves)
Wolves' Portuguese custodian put in a strong showing between the sticks but was unable to prevent the defeat. He made seven saves throughout the contest, including an incredible spell of multiple saves late in the second period. Sa also played seven long balls and passed the ball with 65% accuracy.
#2. Flop - Jakub Kiwior (Arsenal)
Kiwior put in a slight rusty performance tonight and made a mistake that cost the Gunners a shot on their goal. The Pole won seven duels, making two clearances and one tackles. Kiwior also did not attempt any shots and lost possession of the ball a whopping 13 times.
#1. Hit - Leandro Trossard (Arsenal)
The Belgian scored a lovely goal just before half-time to put the Gunners 1-0 up in the game. Jesus played the pass towards Trossard after some lovely footwork in the box as he adjusted his body well and struck the ball with perfection to guide it into the top right corner of the net.
Trossard passed the ball with 75% accuracy, including one key pass and two long balls. He also won three duels and completed one dribble past an opponent.
