Fewer touches than Raya: 5/10 Arsenal star made just 3 passes vs Wolves, Arteta should be worried

Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

The Gunners were much fancied to beat the bottom-placed club. There were predictions that they could score plenty of goals against the Midlands outfit.

However, the game went in a different way. Arsenal did not muster a single shot on target in the opening half. Declan Rice’s effort in the 67th minute induced the first save from goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

Arsenal eventually took the lead with a bit of fortune. Bukayo Saka’s corner in the 70th minute rattled off the woodwork at the far post before rebounding off Johnstone into the back of the net.

The Gunners went into their shell prior to stoppage time with an evident lack of high pressing. They paid the price with Tolu Arokodare scoring a surprise equaliser for Wolves in the 90th minute.

Fortunately, Arsenal grabbed the lead in the 94th minute from Yerson Mosquera’s own goal. Saka delivered another fine cross. Mosquera could only find the net under pressure from Gabriel Jesus.

Despite the lucky win, manager Mikel Arteta should be worried about the form of striker Viktor Gyokeres, who had just one meaningful attempt on goal until he was replaced by Jesus in the 81st minute.

The Sweden international had 15 touches in the game, much fewer than goalkeeper David Raya (30).

Gyokeres managed just three successful passes out of six attempted. The striker lost possession on eight occasions, winning only three out of six duels. He squandered a big scoring chance in the opening half.

The 27-year-old had a couple of good moments with his hold-up play. His best bit came before his substitution. He made a quick turn to beat his defender and sliced his shot just wide of the far post.

Still, much more is expected from the £64 million signing. Gyokeres received a 5/10 rating from Goal, and in our opinion, he must step up with goals, or he could lose his starting spot.

Jesus is likely to be handled with extra caution, having just returned from a long-term knee injury.

However, his league minutes should increase in the coming weeks. Mikel Merino is also waiting in the wings to capitalise, having been in fine form whenever he has played as a makeshift striker.

We believe Gyokeres will continue to lead the line against Everton at Goodison Park next weekend. If the Swede fails to find the net on Merseyside, the manager could opt for a change.

Stats from Sofascore.com

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