Arsenal's narrow escape against Wolves at the Emirates Stadium left fans on the edge of their seats, but it was Bukayo Saka's heroics that ultimately secured the win. However, the real talking point was Viktor Gyokeres' near-invisible performance, which raises questions about his role in the team moving forward.
In a match that saw the Gunners scrape past the league's bottom side, Simon Collings was on hand to witness the drama unfold. Here’s how each player fared:
David Raya (6): Pulled off a crucial save early on to deny Hwang Hee-chan, but had a relatively quiet evening otherwise.
Ben White (6): Earned his fourth consecutive start but was forced off after just 30 minutes with a hamstring injury—a setback for both him and the team.
Jurrien Timber (6): Started at right-back but seamlessly transitioned to the center after White's injury, showcasing his versatility.
William Saliba (6): Returned from a four-game injury absence and enjoyed a trouble-free night at the back.
Piero Hincapie (6): A surprise inclusion at left-back, he moved centrally following White's exit. While solid overall, he was caught out for Wolves' goal.
Eberechi Eze (5): Lacked his usual creativity after being rested midweek, struggling to make an impact.
Martin Zubimendi (6): Outperformed most of his teammates, though that’s not saying much. Substituted as Arsenal pushed for a winner.
Declan Rice (7): Stepped up in the second half, particularly after Zubimendi’s exit, and forced a strong save from Johnstone with a long-range effort.
Bukayo Saka (8) | Star Player: At times, it felt like he was carrying the team single-handedly. The only Arsenal attacker who consistently threatened, he played a pivotal role in both goals.
Viktor Gyokeres (5): Virtually nonexistent in the first half, his performance sparked debate about his suitability for the starting lineup. Improved slightly after the break but failed to make a significant impact.
Gabriel Martinelli (5): Squandered a golden opportunity from a corner in the first half and was substituted before the hour mark after a lackluster display.
Substitutions:
Myles Lewis-Skelly (6): A surprise omission from the starting XI, he came on early and made a crucial tackle to deny Tolu Arokodare.
Leandro Trossard (6): Returned from injury and came close with several efforts.
Martin Odegaard (6): Took control of the midfield after his introduction, attempting to inject pace into Arsenal’s play.
Mikel Merino (6): Brought on to bolster the midfield, he kept things tidy as Arsenal chased the win.
Gabriel Jesus (7): Made an immediate impact off the bench, playing a key role in the winning goal.
Subs not used: Arrizabalaga, Norgaard, Nwaneri, Madueke.
But here's where it gets controversial: Was Gyokeres' poor performance a one-off, or does it signal a deeper issue with his fit in the squad? And while Saka’s brilliance saved the day, how sustainable is it for Arsenal to rely so heavily on one player? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Gyokeres deserves another chance, or should Arsenal look elsewhere for firepower?
