Arsenal is going to the World Cup break with a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table following a 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The resurgent Mikel Arteta-led squad came out victorious at Molineux with a stunning performance from team captain Martin Odegaard.
Odegaard bagged a brace to ensure Arsenal took advantage of Manchester City’s surprise home defeat in the hands of Brentford.
Brentford stunned the defending champions with a brace from prolific England forward Ivan Toney to pick all three points against City.
Arsenal needed a win against Wolves to ease off the pressure, and it was what they did perfectly despite missing Granit Xhaka in the game.
Early in the game, Granit Xhaka was forced off the pitch due to an apparent illness, but Odegaard rose to the occasion by scoring a double to help Arsenal secure all three points against the home team.
Odegaard has now increased his Premier League tally to six goals this season, with Arsenal increasing their unbeaten run to eight matches.
The Gunners will now go into the World Cup break five points clear at the top of the Premier League table after they successfully secured their seventh victory from eight matches so far.
It was as if Arsenal would have another night of a nightmare at Molineux after top star Granit Xhaka was forced off in the 16th minute due to an apparent illness.
Mike Arteta’s game plan was sharply distorted following Granit Xhaka’s exit from the game, and the first half ended barren, with both sides unable to score.
Arsenal dominated proceedings in the game, but Wolves, under new manager Julen Lopetegui were equal to the task, demonstrating great defending skills to hold off the Gunners.
Wolves also contested strongly for the possession of the ball and equally made attempts on goal to upset the Gunners.
A tense first half ended goalless, but Arsenal was the better side, with some clear chances created.
Arsenal improve their game the more in the second half, and were making frantic attempts on goal.
Martin Odegaard finally broke the goal deadlock in the 54th minute to give Arsenal a narrow 1-0 lead.
Twenty-one minutes later, he scored again to double the lead and consolidate the Gunners’ victory over struggling Wolves.
Wolves did little to overturn the misfortune as their Premier League struggle continue under the former Sevilla and Spain manager.
The win is a significant leap in Arsenal’s attempt to challenge for the Premier League title.
They have now opened a five-point gap at the top of the Premier League table with 37 points from 14 games against Manchester City’s 32 points from the same number of games.
The Gunners also have another clean sheet, conceding only four goals away from home so far.
On the other hand, Wolves are not enjoying their football quite as much as they continue to struggle in the Premier League this season.
The defeat against Arsenal means they will hit the World Cup break rock bottom of the Premier League.
Meanwhile, new manager Julen Lopetegui will hope to turn things around for the club, given his profile and pedigree after succeeding Bruno Lage.
So far this season, Wolves have scored only eight goals in the Premier League and may be relegated to the Championships if the poor form continues.
The game was the last for both teams before the World Cup break. Final round of matches will be played on Sunday, and action will then return on boxing day after the World Cup.
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