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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Blow

5 moments missed from Arsenal's win vs Wolves including leaking roof and unusual ritual

Arsenal had a tough but successful evening on Thursday, as they came from a goal down to win 2-1 against top-four rivals Wolves at the Emirates.

Hwang Hee-Chan's 10th-minute strike gave Bruno Lage's side a priceless lead before late goals from Nicolas Pepe and Alexandre Lacazette saved the day for Mikel Arteta's men.

The result leaves Arsenal fifth in the Premier League, one point behind Manchester United with a game in hand. Wolves, meanwhile, remain in seventh.

Gunners fans across the world would've loved seeing them come from behind, but what was it like to be inside the Emirates?

Wonder no more, as Mirror Football visited north London to watch the action unfold and sample the atmosphere from the press box.

What did you think of Arsenal's performance against Wolves? Let us know in the comments below!

"Eventually replaced by..."

Wolves' late substitution was not well received by the Arsenal fans (Reuters)

There was a long delay when Daniel Podence was replaced by Leander Dendoncker shortly before Arsenal's winner.

Raul Jimenez thought he was coming off and slowly made his way to the sidelines, but Lage wouldn't let him leave the pitch.

Jimenez then began waving frantically at Podence, but the Portuguese winger just stood there looking slightly bemused.

Gunners fans were not impressed, shouting their feelings towards the pitch. "Ref, sort it out!" was a particularly frequent demand. Others aren't suitable for publication.

When Podence did come off, Arsenal's stadium announcer let him know. "Eventually replaced by..." was his words, followed by ironic cheers from the home crowd.

Ramsdale's ball test

Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was full of energy (REUTERS)

Just before the kick-off, Aaron Ramsdale was spotted testing the match ball in the middle of the pitch - even though several balls are used each game.

The Arsenal stopper had a good squeeze and bounced it several times before finally making his way to the goal. His opposite number Jose Sa didn't follow suit.

It's unclear why Ramsdale tested just the one ball, yet one thing is for sure - he is one of the most animated goalkeepers in the Premier League.

After Wolves' opener, the goalkeeper was immediately shouting at his defence to discuss the costly mistake. It wasn't the last time he barked orders.

It's easy to see why Arsenal have conceded just 18 Premier League goals since Ramsdale arrived last summer. His communication skills are vital to Arteta's defence.

The Englishman may have a mistake in him, yet he's a leader - something the Gunners haven't always had, particularly in the final years of Arsene Wenger's tenure.

More Lage, please

Watching Bruno Lage in his technical area was worth the admission fee alone (PA Wire)

Speaking of animated individuals, it's a joy to watch Lage in the dugout.

The Wolves manager was constantly on his feet and skipping side to side, in and out of his technical area. His step count for the day must've been through the roof!

Lage was living every moment with his players. It's easy to see why Wolves' intensity has improved significantly since he replaced Nuno Espirito Santo last summer.

The Portuguese coach eventually sat down in the 30th minute for a quick drink before getting back to business. And when I say quick, I mean quick.

Arteta, meanwhile, was a much calmer figure on the touchline - except when a decision didn't go his way and Arsenal's winner hit the back of the net, of course.

If I had to choose, I'd recommend Bruno for Strictly.

VAR suspense

There was a long wait to confirm Romain Saiss' goal was offside (REUTERS)

There were plenty of anxious fans in the Emirates when Romain Saiss' sixth-minute strike found the back of Ramsdale's net.

The goal was disallowed for offside by the linesman before being referred to VAR.

Those watching at home could clearly see the assistant had made the correct decision, yet it took a while for the technology to verify it.

Arsenal fans were confident, although they weren't sure. A handful of supporters asked the press box what the verdict was, such was the tension.

It's been said plenty of times, but the fans need to be aware of what's happening - especially at the Emirates, where there are screens plastered all over the ground.

Either that, or they need to be a lot quicker with their decision making. A quick glance was all that was needed to confirm that call.

Shoot!

Alexandre Lacazette eventually got the winner but wasted chances to shoot earlier in the game (Getty Images)

Arsenal fans are a passionate bunch - but even more so on Thursday evening.

It was a huge six-pointer at the Emirates, with the winner taking a big step towards Champions League qualification.

That only ramped up the tension and songs about Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka were replaced by cries of "shoot" during the first half.

In fairness to Arsenal fans, it was often frustrating to watch their attackers constantly waste opportunities to pull the trigger before the interval.

Anxiety around the Emirates evaporated as the game wore on and the home support began urging their team to a comeback which looked more unlikely by the minute.

Yet they, somehow, found a way. Arsenal's winner was met by a cheer so loud it was probably heard by Ralf Rangnick and Cristiano Ronaldo in Manchester.

Other bits and bobs

The Emirates needs renovating after 16 years in operation (Reuters)

Throughout the evening, there was a stream of water falling from the Emirates roof - right in between the two dugouts - despite it not appearing to rain in north London.

It'll soon be 16 years since the Gunners left Highbury for their current home and time is starting to catch up with what many still describe as their "new" stadium.

As reported earlier this month, Arsenal are planning a multi-million-pound renovation of the Emirates - and fixing the roof is on the agenda. Just in time, it seems.

Elsewhere, academy manager and Gunners legend Per Mertesacker made an appearance at half-time alongside some of the club's youngsters.

Arsenal's pre-match video montage of famous moments in the club's history was a lovely touch. And Ruben Neves' hair looks superb in the north London breeze!

Anyway, I'm off to go find AFTV outside of the ground.

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