Opponent : Arsenal

Date : 03/04/10

Result : L 1 - 0

Game :

Report :

Arsenal 1- 0 Wolves
Wolves’ final game this season against a Top Four side came in the shape of Arsenal. After a bruising encounter against Barcelona and Birmingham the week before, the Arsenal side was severely weakened, with no Gallas, Arshavin, Fabregas and Van Persie. The re-emergence of Theo Walcott was a bright spot for them, although he had to face Wolves’ man mountain, George Elokobi. Again Super Mick decided to choose an unchanged side, with increasingly good performances, and the team’s best run without defeat.
The game started with an Arsenal onslaught, with Walcott at the centre of things, and Eduardo missed two golden opportunities. One was saved well by Hahnemann, while the other screwed wide from 10 yards out. Arsenal were dominating the ball and Wolves hardly had a sniff. Wolves only real threat came in the form of Matt Jarvis, who wasn’t seeing enough of the ball to make an impact. Even fullback Bacary Sagna got into the box, but he could only shoot straight at Hahnemann, who was having an inspired day in goal. Michael Mancienne created a yard of space and flashed a shot just wide, with Wolves only attempt of the half.
The second half began with Wolves gaining more confidence, but the turning point arrived on the hour-mark. Karl Henry slid in on Tomas Rosicky from behind, and fouled him. But with Rosicky writhing in agony and Arsenal plays berating Henry for his ‘violent’ challenge, the referee succumbed to the pressure and sent him off. With Wolves unjustly down to ten, Arsenal regained control and peppered Wolves with attack after attack. David Jones had a free kick saved and Wolves had the odd foray forward, but spent most of the time remaining camped on the edge of their own box. But deep into injury-time Sagna found space on the right to dig out a cross which was met by Bendtner with a powerful header that finally ended Wolves’ resistance.
A cruel blow in a valiant performance, Wolves left the Emirates with their heads held high.

By Gully kular