Arsenal: Attack Rating 3.61 (2), Defensive Rating 1.91 (4), Net Rating 1.7 (2), Possession 57.95% (4), Pace 2.63 (6)
Saturday 11th November @ 19:45
Location: Away – Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton
Opposition – Wolves
Attack Rating 1.03 (20), Defensive Rating 2.98 (10), Net Rating -1.95 (19), Possession 50.32% (10), Pace 1.38 (20)
Last Season Results
Thursday 10th February 2022 @ Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton
Wolves 0 – 1 Arsenal
Goals: Magalhães 25'
Thursday 24th February 2022 @ Emirates Stadium, London
Arsenal 2 – 1 Wolves
Goals: Pépé 82', Sá 90 +5' (og)
Hee-Chan 10'
Stamford Bridge, this young Arsenal team are finally getting sincere respect as a title contending team. Though a somewhat rested Arsenal team lost mid-week in the Carabao Cup, the various World Cup team inclusions could act as a huge boost to the confidence of this side. Gabriel Martinelli, Ben White and William Saliba all have the qualities to contend on the international stage, but were by no stretch guaranteed their places in their respective nations world cup squads. Their inclusion shows that their spectacular domestic start is being recognised across the footballing world. To place a stamp on this start and ensure we go into the break safely atop the league, we still have business to close out against Wolves.
The opposition are currently not showing the type of quality expected from them and have fallen to the depths of the table and into the relegation zone. At this point, the only team below them are Nottingham Forest – notably dispatched at the Emirates Stadium 5 – 0 in game week 13. Injuries, recruitment and style of play can all be looked at as reason for the struggles Wolves have experienced this season, but expectedly, the conclusion was to sack to the manager (Bruno Lage) and go in a new direction. Steve Davis took the job in the interim and the results have not improved. Julen Lopetegui has been appointed the new manager, but will not begin his match duties until the Premier League resumes after the World Cup. This means Steve Davis will still be in place when Arsenal visit on Saturday looking to cement the position at the peak of the table.
The mainstay of Wolves’ time in the Premier League is their midfield. Regardless of their poor beginning this season, Wolves still pose danger to any team if given the chance. With Rúben Neves at the base of the midfield and the hopeful return of Matheus Nunes (following a shoulder injury), Arsenal will be wary of the challenge that they present as Wolves will be looking to capitalise on any complacency that the Gunners display.
Possible Line-Up
With injuries and suspensions keeping some of the Wolves starting 11 out of contention, there is little room for experiment for Steve Davis. Acknowledging that Arsenal will be the favourite, Wolves are likely to set up with as much protection for their back 4 as possible. Boubacar Traoré and Rúben Neves will be looking to disrupt the flow of play in the middle of the park throughout the 90 minutes. Notably, their position is the table is not directly linked to their defensive efficiency. The Wolves defence is rated 10th in the league, while allowing the 6th fewest Big Chances per game. The issue is the attack. They have the lowest rated attack in the league and are only creating fewer Big Chances per game than fruitless Bournemouth.
Key Themes for Saturday’s Game
Controlling the midfield – The first few weeks of the season saw Wolves play a confident brand of football. The central midfield trio created silky patterns of play that were rivalled only by teams at the very top of the league. Regardless of results, the quality remains. Neves and Nunes have the ability to trouble every team in this league. The game at Stamford Bridge last week showcased just how special Thomas Partey is in his “lone 6” role and a similar display will be essential to taking the 3 points from the Molineaux.
World Cup Fever – The squad announcements for the World Cup make the arrival of the prestigious tournament even more prevalent. It seems unlikely that this will not be playing on the minds of every player planning to represent their nation in this year’s winter competition. At this point, any threat to that possibility will rightfully be met with the strongest of emotions. For the Gunners, key memners of the likely line-up on Saturday will also be expected to have significant roles for their countries. Their ability to play 100% in this final fixture, without hampering their World Cup, will inevitably play some factor in the team’s overall performance.
Gabriel Jesus – The Brazilian international has now gone 5 Premier League games without a goal. Though his work in other areas are pivotal to the success of the team, a centre-forward’s confidence is typically highly linked to their own individual scoring. Every game that goes by without him scoring, increases the noise around this point. The inclusion in the ludicrously talented Brazil squad will surely be a major boost to Gabriel Jesus, but a Premier League goal to quiet any nonbelievers will give the Arsenal fandom even more faith come the return of the league after the international break.
Prediction
Wolves 0 – 3 Arsenal
Boasting the best away record in the league, coming up against the lowest ranked attack in the league and playing some of the smoothest football in the league, Arsenal are an easy pick to come away with the 3 points from the 19th placed team in the league. However, as always, there are no easy games in the most competitive league in the world.
Arsenal will have to play their best against a side that is currently struggling, but has talent to put on show. Nonetheless, a strong start from the Gunners and a professional performance should be enough to see this game out and close the opening phase of the season, top of the league.
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