Despite being dropped from African Cup of Nation by Coach Eric Chelle, Tolu Arokodare score a stunning header to earn his first Premier League at Emirates as Arsenal edged Wolverhampton Wanderers 2–1 in a dramatic Premier League encounter at the Emirates Stadium, with late twists and two own goals defining a pulsating contest.
The hosts eventually broke the deadlock in the 70th minute under fortuitous circumstances. A dangerous delivery into the Wolves area caused confusion, and goalkeeper Sam Johnstone inadvertently turned the ball into his own net to hand Arsenal a 1–0 advantage.
Wolves, however, refused to go quietly and were rewarded deep into stoppage time. In the 90th minute, substitute Tolu Arokodare rose highest in the box to power home a header, brilliantly assisted by M. Mané, to stun the home crowd and draw the visitors level at 1–1.
The goal marked Arokodare’s first Premier League strike, coming just two days after he was dropped from Nigeria’s AFCON squad—an emphatic response on the biggest stage.
The drama was not done yet. In the fourth minute of added time, Arsenal pushed forward in search of a winner. Bukayo Saka’s teasing cross caused panic in the Wolves defence, and centre-back Yerson Mosquera unfortunately diverted the ball into his own net, restoring Arsenal’s lead and sealing all three points for the Gunners.
Despite Wolves’ valiant late surge and Arokodare’s memorable equaliser, Arsenal held on to claim a hard-fought victory, underlining their resilience in tight matches.
For Wolves, there was disappointment in the manner of defeat, but encouragement in their late response and the emergence of Arokodare, who made a powerful statement on a night filled with high drama.
