Arsenal failed to weather a spirited fightback from Wolves and slipped to a 2-2 draw at Molineux having surrendered a two-goal lead against the Premier League’s bottom placed side.
The Gunners played this midweek match ahead of the weekend’s fixtures and managed to assert some pressure on the chasing Manchester City by earning a point and increasing the gap to Pep Guardiola’s side.
Bukayo Saka helped by ending his 15-game run without a goal and nodding the Gunners ahead inside the first few minutes of the game. Playing as the No. 10, Saka drifted into the box and glanced in Declan Rice’s cross.
Wolves responded well. They kept Arsenal at bay even managing to apply a bit of pressure in the second half. However, Piero Hincapie nipped in behind to double Arsenal’s lead for a goal that was initially ruled out.
Hugo Bueno then curled in a goal for the hosts which added an extra layer of tension to the closing stages as Arsenal employed dark tactics and game management. It wasn’t enough though as Tom Edozie came off the bench to latch onto a David Raya fumble and blast in an equaliser.
Relive the action from Molineux in our live blog below:
Wolves vs Arsenal live
- Arsenal draw with Wolves in a clash of the Premier League's top and bottom side | Live on Sky Sports
- 90+4' GOAL! Wolves strike in stoppage time (WOL 2-2 ARS)
- 61' GOAL! Hugo Bueno pulls one back for Wolves (WOL 1-2 ARS)
- 56' GOAL! Hincapie keeps himself onside and doubles the lead (WOL 0-2 ARS)
- 53' SHOT! Wolves push for equaliser with Armstrong close (WOL 0-1 ARS)
- 17’ SAVE! Sa drops low to deny Madueke (WOL 0-1 ARS)
- 5' GOAL! Saka meets Rice's cross and nods in early goal (WOL 0-1 ARS)
Arsenal drop points in Premier League title race after Tom Edozie’s dramatic late equaliser
22:43 , Mike JonesDebutant Tom Edozie scored a dramatic last-gasp equaliser as Wolves came from two goals down to snatch a 2-2 draw with Arsenal and plunge the Gunners’ Premier League title hopes into further doubt.
Following their draw with Brentford, the Gunners were unable to cling on to three points in wintry conditions over Rob Edwards’s battling side who claimed another point in their unlikely survival bid.
Arsenal drop points in title race after Tom Edozie’s dramatic late equaliser
More from Mikel Arteta:
22:56 , Mike Jones"Incredibly disappointed that we gave two points away. I think we need to fault ourselves and give credit to Wolves. But what we done in the second half was nowhere near our standards that we have to play in order to win a game in the Premier League.
"There are certain things, certain basics that today we are very far from our level, and when you don't perform you can get punished, and we got punished and we have to accept the hits because that can happen when you are on top.
"Certain basics we have to do we did them so poorly one after the other. And then you have no dominance, no control in the game."
Do Arsenal make the most of dominant position?
22:49 , Mike Jones"Depends. Against Leeds, it didn't happen. Today we need to accept it,” Mikel Arteta said.
“We need to be critical of ourselves because it was not good enough. In the league, it is the reality that we have not been consistent over the last few months.
“You have to stand up. When you have a moment of difficulty, we have to show how much we want it and how good we are. We have to stand up."
Reaction from Mikel Arteta
22:46 , Mike JonesThe Arsenal boss said: "Very tough to accept it. In the second half we did not perform in the way we should and the way we require to win a Premier League match. It is better not to judge it, we are all too emotional about it. You have to take the hit because we deserve it.
"It is very easy with emotion to say things that can damage the team. Everyone wants to do their best. You have to go through tough periods. Today at the last minute, we paid the price. We have to do basic things much better than we have done."
Reaction from Bukayo Saka
22:39 , Mike JonesArsenal’s captain to BBC Match of the Day: "Disappointed. Not much else to say. There was a big difference in how we played in the first half and the second half. We dropped our standards and we got punished for it.
“Time to focus on ourselves, improve our standards and improve our performances and it is in our control."
Edozie on his goal:
22:36 , Mike Jones"The ball dropped to me and just trying to keep it as low as people and just as hard as I can. They couldn't stop it, so it was my goal.
"Nothing was really going through my head, it was just loads of different emotions. I was so happy to be there when fans were cheering. Something I dream of."
Reaction from Wolves goalscorer Tom Edozie
22:33 , Mike JonesThe debutant told BBC Match of the Day: "It's a dream come true. Getting my debut is one thing and then scoring on my debut is another. Just so thankful, just so happy.
"100 per cent, I'll take the goal. Definitely my goal.
"As I was watching the game I saw the game becoming a bit tense and we had more control of the ball than before so I knew that going into the last couple minutes of the game it was going to be more end-to-end, so I just tried to do as best as I can. Luckily I scored."
How can potential champions do that?
22:30 , Mike JonesHow can a prospective champion be five points clear, and then 2-0 up, against the Premier League’s bottom side, and then do that? That is remarkable. It’s February! Genuinely hard to remember too many comparable examples like that in title race history.
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) February 18, 2026
Reaction from Paul Merson on Sky Sports
22:27 , Mike JonesThe former Arsenal midfielder said: “I know Arsenal have been in this position three times before but it might never happen again.
“Now, all of a sudden, it's out of their hands after being so many points clear.”
Who do Man City play next?
22:24 , Mike JonesManchester City will have the chance to properly assert pressure on Arsenal this weekend.
They face Newcastle in the late kick off (8pm) on Saturday and should they win they will cut the gap to Arsenal to two points.
The Gunners then face Tottenham on Sunday in what will be Igor Tudor’s first game in charge of Spurs.
Arsenal's remaining fixtures
22:20 , Mike Jones11 matches left for Arsenal and there are a few sticky ones coming up.
Sunday’s north London derby is now massive for them. They need to win to rebuild the confidence.
Here’s how Arsenal’s run in looks:
Sunday v Tottenham (away)
01 March v Chelsea (home)
04 March v Brighton (away)
15 March v Everton (home)
11 April v Bournemouth (home)
18 April v Man City (away)
25 April v Newcastle (home)
02 May v Fulham (home)
09 May v West Ham (away)
17 May v Burnley (home)
24 May v Crystal Palace (away)
Wolves force draw with Arsenal after late equaliser
22:16 , Mike Jones
2026 hasn't been great for Arsenal
22:12 , Mike JonesArsenal have been stumbling through the league since the turn of the year.
In 2026 they have played eight league games with three wins, four draws and one defeat.
That’s a total of 13 points won from a possible 24 and there lead over Man City has dwindled.
Is the title still in Arsenal's hands?
22:09 , Mike JonesNo.
They’ve extended their lead over Manchester City to five points but they’ve played a game more than their rivals.
What that means is that if Man City win the rest of their games, including one against Arsenal, they will overturn the deficit and claim the title.
A bad night for the Gunners but there’s a long way to go in the season yet.
FT Wolves 2-2 Arsenal
22:06 , Mike JonesThere’s a bit of argy bargy after the final whistle with Gabriel Jesus pushing Yerson Mosquera to the ground.
Arsenal’s frustration is boiling over as the players square off and then leave the pitch.
Declan Rice looks livid. He cannot believe Arsenal haven’t claimed all three points and rightfully ignores the squabbling on the pitch and heads over to the dugouts.
Full-time! Wolves 2-2 Arsenal
21:59 , Mike Jones90+8 mins: A banana skin for Arsenal!
Wolves have come from two goals down to force a draw against the Premier League leaders.
Arsenal’s lead over Man City moves to five but it will feel like two points lost as Mikel Arteta’s men were two goals clear.
A superb and stubborn fightback from the home side.
GOAL! Wolves 2-2 Arsenal (Edozie, 90+4')
21:57 , Mike JonesError from Arsenal!
Wolves burst forward quickly and cross the ball into the box from the left.
Gabriel has it covered but David Raya comes to claim the ball and leaps above his defender.
He drops it and the ball scoots loose to Tom Edozie. He smokes a shot at goal and it deflects in off Riccardo Calafiori!
Wolves 1-2 Arsenal
21:54 , Mike Jones90+3 mins: Trossard has been seen to by the Arsenal physios and can’t play on.
Riccardo Calafiori comes on to replace him for the final few minutes.
Wolves 1-2 Arsenal
21:53 , Mike Jones90 mins: There’s going to be six minutes of added time to play.
Actually, it’ll be more because Leandro Trossard is buying time after a collision with Santiago Bueno.
The Wolves fans voice their displeasure at his play acting.
Wolves 1-2 Arsenal
21:47 , Mike Jones87 mins: Can Wolves create one more great chance or will Arsenal’s stubbornness and game management get them through?
Seems like the latter at the minute.
Wolves 1-2 Arsenal
21:47 , Mike Jones84 mins: Arsenal are in a fight. They’re content to hold possession, slowly move Wolves back and maybe create a chance if the opportunity comes.
Whittling down the remaining time is the main aim now though.
Wolves 1-2 Arsenal
21:42 , Mike Jones81 mins: Wolves ping a long ball forward to Arokodore but Gabriel beats him to the ball and chests it down to David Raya.
There’s a look in Gabriel’s eyes now. He’s switched on, focused.
He knows Arsenal can’t afford to concede again.
Wolves 1-2 Arsenal
21:38 , Mike Jones78 mins: Gabriel and Armstrong clash heads as both duck low to get onto the end of a loose ball.
The defender clears Arsenal’s lines and as such comes off worst and needs a bit of treatment.
Wolves 1-2 Arsenal
21:37 , Mike Jones75 mins: 15 minutes to play at Molinuex and the home side are being encouraged on by their fans.
Arsenal are doggedly stick to their defensive shape with plenty of work being put in by the forward line too.
Wolves can’t really penetrate very far.
Wolves 1-2 Arsenal
21:32 , Mike Jones70 mins: The Wolves goal and the substitutions have reignited a bit of urgency in Arsenal.
They know they can’t afford to let Wolves get into the final third as Bueno’s strike was a corker.
Instead they’re trying to move back up the pitch and assert some pressure of their own.
Wolves 1-2 Arsenal
21:31 , Mike Jones67 mins: Eze has slotted straight in at No. 10 with Saka out on the right in his more familiar position.
There are a few nerves to Arsenal at the minute. That energy will explode if Wolves score again.
Wolves 1-2 Arsenal
21:25 , Mike Jones64 mins: Changes are being made by Mikel Arteta now.
Gabriel Jesus and Eberechi Eze come on to replace Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke.
The subs should bring a bit more control which it what Arteta will want.
Along with more goals of course.
GOAL! Wolves 1-2 Arsenal (Hugo Bueno, 61')
21:22 , Mike JonesOut of nowhere!
Hugo Bueno comes forward on the right side and is in plenty of space to collect the ball.
He decides to go for goal and curls a delightful effort past David Raya and into the back of the net!
Game on.
Wolves 0-2 Arsenal
21:21 , Mike Jones60 mins: I think that will be good enough for Arsenal to get this game done and dusted.
The Gunners are defensively solid anyway but with the knowledge they’re two in front they aren’t likely to let anything slip.
30 minutes still to play though so anything can happen.
GOAL! Wolves 0-2 Arsenal (Piero Hincapie, 56')
21:18 , Mike Jones56 mins: Disallowed goal! Or is it?
Piero Hincapie thinks he’s scored a second for the Gunners. He nips in behind, receives the pass and lifts it over the goalkeeper.
The offside flag goes up but the replays look like he’s onside...
... yes! VAR confirms as much. Arsenal have their second.
Wolves 0-1 Arsenal
21:14 , Mike Jones53 mins: Oh nearly!
Armstrong receives the ball on the right wing with his back to goal.
He spins inside, takes a glance then laces a shot towards the far top corner.
It’s a sweet connection but the ball just drifts wide of the far post!
Wolves 0-1 Arsenal
21:12 , Mike Jones51 mins: There’s more threat from Wolves already in this half.
Arsenal are being forced deeper. Tchatchoua swings a cross into the box but overhits it and the ball bobbles out for a goal kick.
Wolves 0-1 Arsenal
21:10 , Mike Jones48 mins: A throw in from Wolves comes down the right wing and Bellegarde keeps the attack moving.
He finds Armstrong but the pass is a little heavy and the striker can only nudge it out of play.
Second half! Wolves 0-1 Arsenal
21:07 , Mike JonesArsenal get the ball rolling for the second 45 minutes at Molineux.
Will they finish the job or can Wolves get can into this game?
HT Wolves 0-1 Arsenal
21:01 , Mike JonesIt’s been pretty dominant from Arsenal so far.
68% possession, seven shots and five of them on target.
Only the one goal though despite an xG of 1.33 so Mikel Arteta will want to improve that in the second half.
It’s also bleak viewing for Wolves.
Only two shots, both wide, and an xG of 0.06. In a home game!
HT Wolves 0-1 Arsenal
20:56 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Wolves 0-1 Arsenal
20:50 , Mike Jones45+5 mins: So far so good for Arsenal.
They take a one goal lead into the break but Wolves have just started to get themselves back into the match.
What will the second half have in store?
Wolves 0-1 Arsenal
20:47 , Mike Jones45+2 mins: Shot!
Andre strikes a long ranged effort for Wolves and connects with it well enough.
He’s slightly off balance though and pulls the shot wide of the left hand post.
That’s Wolves’ first effort of the match.
Wolves 0-1 Arsenal
20:45 , Mike Jones45 mins: Five minutes of added time to play in the first half.
Wolves 0-1 Arsenal
20:45 , Mike Jones42 mins: Saka takes a corner which is knocked to the edge of the box.
The ball comes back out to the right and Saka looks for Gyokeres over by the far post.
His cross goes over the striker’s head though.
Wolves 0-1 Arsenal
20:40 , Mike Jones39 mins: Santiago Bueno times his takle on a breaking Saka beautifully to cut out a big danger from Arsenal’s counter.
Both teams are getting frustrated but Wolves are growing into the game.
Wolves 0-1 Arsenal
20:37 , Mike Jones36 mins: Things are heating up as Wolves throw themselves into physical tackles to try and win the ball back.
The noise level of the crowd increases and Wolves earn themselves a free kick on the halfway as Saliba brings down Arokodore.
Wolves 0-1 Arsenal
20:33 , Mike Jones33 mins: Arsenal pushing for the second goal. Wolves have struggled to transition into attack themselves and they’re just defending away in this game.
Arokodore looks to get forward on the counter but he’s tackled and pulls up holding his ankle.
He looks okay though.
Wolves 0-1 Arsenal
20:29 , Mike Jones30 mins: Saka is drifting out to the right side showing that playing in the 10 role doesn’t come naturally to him.
A couple of times now he and Madueke have swapped positions which could be a valuable link-up for Arsenal going forward due to the adaptability of the two.
Wolves 0-1 Arsenal
20:27 , Mike Jones27 mins: William Saliba punts another long ball forward as Madueke looks to nip in behind Hugo Bueno.
The defender holds him off and makes the interception but the ball is quickly back in Arsenal possession.
Wolves 0-1 Arsenal
20:25 , Mike Jones24 mins: Saka shuffles over to the corner flag to take the latest set piece.
He places the ball and whips his delivery into the near post.
Martinelli is there but his flick on sends the ball over the crossbar and out of play!
Wolves 0-1 Arsenal
20:21 , Mike Jones21 mins: Angel Gomes is down again and needs the physios to come on and check him over this time.
He gets to his feet gingerly but won’t play on this time.
Tolu Arokodore is brought on to replace him.
Wolves 0-1 Arsenal
20:17 , Mike Jones17 mins: Save!
Saka slips the ball over to the right side of the as Viktor Gyokeres cuts across to get to it.
He plays the ball back to Noni Madueke who decides to shoot from the edge of the area and forces a save out of Jose Sa!
Decent stop from the Wolves goalkeeper.
Wolves 0-1 Arsenal
20:15 , Mike Jones14 mins: Angel Gomes needed a moment or two to shake off that nudge to the face but he’s fine.
The match continues with Wolves winning a throw in over on the right.
They manage to find Adam Armstrong up top but he can’t hold on to the ball and loses possession.
Wolves 0-1 Arsenal
20:11 , Mike Jones11 mins: Arsenal’s aim now is to score the second goal and put the game to bed.
Mateus Mane is forced deeper and deeper into his own half before sending a pass to Angel Gomes.
He’s clipped on the nose and goes down with Wolves awarded a free kick.
Wolves 0-1 Arsenal
20:09 , Mike Jones8 mins: Paul Merson spoke about it in the build up that the longer Arsenal went without scoring the more pressure would be on them.
Five minutes was the time.
And, as such, all the pressure has been relieved on the Gunners who can go and enjoy the game now.
The visiting fans can be heard celebrating that goal still.
GOAL! Wolves 0-1 Arsenal (Bukayo Saka, 5')
20:05 , Mike JonesLovely!
That is a superb goal from Arsenal. Bukayo Saka has been tasked to play in the No. 10 role and gets himself into the box.
Declan Rice floats in the cross, lifts it over the defenders’ heads and finds Saka.
He nods in from a couple of yards away and the Gunners have the lead.
Wolves 0-0 Arsenal
20:03 , Mike Jones3 mins: Arsenal take control of the ball and look to draw Wolves out of shape.
Rob Edwards has made the midlands side more defensively solid so it’ll be a tricky job to break them down tonight.
Gabriel Martinelli makes a run down the left wing and collects a long ball. He whips in a cross but sends it straight at Jose Sa.
Kick off! Wolves 0-0 Arsenal
20:01 , Mike JonesWolves get the ball rolling at Molineux and work it over to the right wing.
Arsenal win the aerial challenge and hook it clear of their back line.
Wolves vs Arsenal
19:56 , Mike JonesHere come the teams.
Can Arsenal win tonight and put the pressure on Man City or will Wolves earn something from this match?
Contrasting fortunes
19:50 , Mike JonesWolves have failed to score in more different Premier League games than any other side this season (14), while Arsenal have kept more clean sheets than anyone else (13).
Is Madueke the main threat?
19:45 , Mike JonesArsenal’s Noni Madueke – who has scored in his last two away league games – has scored more Premier League goals against Wolves than any other opponent, with his four goals against them accounting for 27% of his total in the competition (4/15).
Top versus bottom
19:40 , Mike JonesWolves have lost 16 of their 20 Premier League games against sides starting the day top of the table beating Man Utd in January 2004 and February 2011, and Manchester City in September 2023.
Those two wins against Man Utd came while they were bottom of the table, however.
Not another own goal?
19:35 , Mike JonesBoth of Arsenal’s goals in their 2-1 win against Wolves in the reverse fixture were own goals.
Only three sides have benefitted from three own goals against an opponent in a single Premier League campaign – Charlton against Sunderland in 2002-03, Arsenal against Southampton in 2012-13 and Southampton against Sunderland in 2014-15.
Bukayo Saka signs new five-year deal with Arsenal
19:30 , Mike JonesBukayo Saka has signed a new five-year contract with Arsenal keeping him at the club until 2031 as the 24-year-old commits his future to the Gunners.
Saka’s previous deal had been due to run out at the end of next season in June 2027 but the club decided to strike early with a new deal understanding that interest in Saka, from within England and across Europe, was high and that the winger preferred to remain at the Emirates Stadium.
Midweek maestros
19:25 , Mike JonesArsenal have won all eight of their games played on a Wednesday in all competitions this season.
The last time a Premier League team had a better 100% win rate on a specific day over the course of a season was Man City in 2020-21 (won 15/15 on Wednesdays).
Flat track bullies
19:20 , Mike JonesArsenal have won their last 14 Premier League matches against teams in the relegation zone by an aggregate score of 40-4.
It’s the longest winning run against sides in the bottom three (or bottom four in 1994-95) in the competition’s history.
Favourite opponents
19:15 , Mike JonesArsenal have scored in each of their last 36 meetings with Wolves in all competitions.
In competitive English football history, only Wrexham have had a longer scoring streak against an opponent (49 vs Darlington between 1929 and 1961).
A nice trip away
19:10 , Mike JonesArsenal have won nine of their 11 Premier League away games against Wolves.
It is their highest win rate against any side they’ve faced 10+ times on the road (82%).
A long losing streak
19:05 , Mike JonesSince doing the double over Arsenal in 2020-21, Wolves have now lost each of their last nine against the Gunners in the Premier League.
Do Arsenal or Man City have the easier run-in?
19:00 , Mike JonesThe Premier League is building towards another thrilling run-in, as Arsenal and Manchester City face off in the title race.
After three second-place finishes in a row, Arsenal are bidding to finally end their 22-year wait for a league title under Mikel Arteta.
But they are once again facing competition from Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who denied them in both 2023 and 2024.
Premier League title race: Do Arsenal or Man City have the easier run-in?
Arsenal team news
18:54 , Mike JonesIt looks as though Mikel Arteta will be playing Bukayo Saka in the No.10 role tonight with Noni Madueke starting on the right wing where he has excelled this season.
We’ll need to see if that is the case but it’s a potential change in role for Saka as Arteta looks to fit both star players into the line-up.
Wolves team to face Arsenal
18:50 , Mike JonesWolves XI: Sa; Tchatchoua, Mosquera, S. Bueno, Krejci, H. Bueno, Andre, A. Gomes, Mane, Bellegarde, Armstrong
4️⃣ changes from the weekend
— Wolves (@Wolves) February 18, 2026
🇭🇹 Bellegarde starts
🏴 Armstrong leads the line
Our team to take on @Arsenal 📋 pic.twitter.com/0sj7vHoaFy
Arsenal team to face Wolves
18:47 , Mike JonesArsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Rice, Zubimendi; Madueke, Saka, Martinelli; Gyokeres
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 18, 2026
⛔️ Raya between the sticks
🕰️ Zubimendi keeping it ticking
🏹 Gyokeres leads our attack
Let's get to work, Gunners 💪
🤝 Presented by @deel
Wolves aiming to win
18:42 , Mike JonesAnother word from Rob Edwards just before the team news drops.
Here’s what his aims are for tonight’s match.
He said: “It's been tough. It's been challenging. I'm in a very privileged position, I’m working at a brilliant football club that at the moment is in a difficult period, but we're working really hard to try and change that, and I think we are having a positive effect.
“But it was never going to be quick. It would be amazing to win this game, it would give everyone such a lift. That is our aim.”
How difficult will it be to win at Wolves?
18:36 , Mike JonesMikel Arteta said: “Well, I think understanding the difficulty of the match is always there in any game in the Premier League but when you come to the last stages of the season you know the importance of every win and what you have to do.
“I sense the team is in a really good emotional state, really looking forward to playing tomorrow and that's why. Play with that energy, that confidence and I'm sure we'll continue to do what we've done.
“It's great to be in every competition, it's great to change the mood from competition to competition and adapt to that in the manner that we are doing so every competition is very welcome.”
Arsenal face ‘tough’ Wolves challenge before north London derby
18:30 , Mike JonesGabriel Jesus insisted Arsenal must navigate the “tough” challenge of facing Wolves before even starting to think about Sunday’s pivotal north London derby.
Arsenal will have the opportunity to extend their Premier League advantage over rivals Manchester City to seven points when they travel to Molineux on Wednesday, with Pep Guardiola’s side next in action three days later at home to Newcastle.
Gabriel Jesus: Arsenal face ‘tough’ Wolves challenge before north London derby
Arsenal not thinking about upcoming derby
18:24 , Mike JonesGabriel Jesus insists that Arsenal are fully focused on beating Wolves this evening before they turn their attention to the north London derby on Sunday.
“We are not thinking about the derby. We are only thinking about Wolves on Wednesday and that is a tough game away,” said the striker.
“We know the situation they are in but is an amazing team, an amazing club and we are aware they need points to get out of the their situation.
“So, our focus is to go to Wolves, get the three points and that is it.”
Edwards hopes Grimsby win provides energy
18:18 , Mike JonesWolves’ FA Cup win over Grimsby last weekend will hopefully provide a bit of momentum and energy into the players for tonight’s big clash.
“It would have sapped the lads a little bit the other day, but I think it would have sapped them even more if we'd have lost. There's nothing like winning a game of football,” Rob Edwards said.
“It can give you a little bit of energy and a bit of bounce and belief and confidence as well. Arsenal under the lights on a Wednesday night, it's not hard to get up for that.
“We'll have our energy and we'll be able to freshen up in a few different areas, and we'll be ready to run and fight.”
Can Wolves beat Arsenal?
18:12 , Mike JonesEdwards believes so.
“We’ll have to be very, very disciplined. We’re going to have to be prepared to run and work hard and then run and work hard some more, and then probably do a little bit more,” he explained.
“If we can remain in the game, then obviously we can grow into it. There's pressure on us, because we want to have really good standards, we want to keep improving and building, but there's a lot of pressure in a different way on them, an expectation.
“They'll be feeling that, and we've got to make sure that we're in the game to make them feel like later on.”
How will Wolves approach the game?
18:06 , Mike JonesRob Edwards wants his time to be proactive but understands that against Arsenal there will be times his Wolves side will suffer.
Edwards said: “They're a brilliant team who can play in so many different ways and win a game in different ways. We’ve got to be prepared for lots of different sides to the game.
“We want to try and be brave and win the game, but of course, we have to respect them and what they're going to make us do as well. We're going to have to be very good without the ball, very diligent.
“We're going to have to be patient, but aggressive in the right moments and then hopefully we'll have moments in the game that we can take advantage of.”
Arsenal blow their chance at Brentford to highlight vital change needed to hold off Man City
18:00 , Mike JonesArsenal did the difficult part, but then faltered at what they’re supposed to be best at, making this title challenge that bit more testing. Except, much of that was down to Brentford. Keith Andrews’s side beat – or perhaps drew with – Arsenal at their own game.
Brentford fully deserved Keane Lewis-Potter’s set-piece equaliser, and the 1-1 draw ultimately leaves Arsenal’s lead down to just four points.
Arsenal blow their chance at Brentford to highlight key change needed
Arteta on Edwards
17:54 , Mike JonesMikel Arteta was full of praise for Rob Edwards who will be is opposite number in the dugouts tonight.
“Most of their games, that is what they are doing against opponents and he [Rob Edwards] came in in a really difficult moment for the club and I know how he feels about the club and the way he works and it’s going to be very tough,” Arteta said.
“If we do the things that we do really well we have a big chance to win the game and we need to play as well with that purpose and confidence.”
Arteta expecting 'tough test' at Wolves
17:48 , Mike JonesMikel Arteta says his team must enjoy the success they have had so far this season but remain switched on to keep their standards high.
Especially against sides like Wolves were he is expecting a ‘tough test’.
“The position that we are in is a privilege and we take it because we have earned it, and for so long, seven and a half months is a long time to, every single day, do the right things and perform at the level that we are performing to get where we are, so we need to embrace that,” Arteta said.
“We know we’re going to play a really difficult match against them, our recent past with them showed how tough it was to actually win the three points.
“I know Rob [Edwards] really well and how he sets his teams out and it’s going to be a tough test.”
Arteta offers negative update on midfielders
17:42 , Mike JonesKai Havertz and Martin Odegaard will not feature at Molineux with Mikel Arteta ruling both out of the match.
“No, for Wolves he’s [Odegaard] not going to be fit. But for Sunday, we’re very hopeful that he can be with us,” said the Gunners boss.
It was a similar story with the update on Havertz as Arteta added: “Kai is the other one that again, for the weekend is a possibility, so looking forward to having him in the squad.”
Arteta offers positive update on defenders
17:36 , Mike JonesRiccardo Calafiori and Ben White are in contention to play this evening with Mikel Arteta admitting both defenders were ‘fine’ despite recent injury knocks.
Of Calafiori, Arteta said: “He’s fine; he was training with us today, he’s feeling better, and hopefully he’s fit for tomorrow.”
When asked why Ben White went off during the FA Cup match with Wigan, Arteta explained: “It was just a bit of fatigue, obviously he did a lot in the game and by the end of it, he was feeling a bit of tightness in the hamstring, but he’s fine.”
Flying start sends Arsenal on way to emphatic FA Cup win over Wigan
17:30 , Mike JonesArsenal scored four times in 17 first-half minutes to cruise through to the fifth round of the FA Cup with an emphatic 4-0 drubbing of League One Wigan.
Noni Madueke sent Mikel Arteta’s rampant side on their way after 11 minutes before Gabriel Martinelli doubled the hosts’ advantage seven minutes later.
Flying start sends Arsenal on way to emphatic FA Cup win over Wigan
Arsenal's early team news
17:24 , Mike JonesArsenal once again have injury problems to contend with at the back after Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori were forced off in their FA Cup win over Wigan on the weekend.
Martin Odegaard also missed that game and will be assessed ahead of the trip to the Midlands, along with Max Dowman who recently returned to training. Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz remain sidelined.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Rice, Zubimendi, Eze; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard.
Early Wolves team news
17:18 , Mike JonesWolves are without forward Hwang Hee-chan, sidelined for several weeks with a calf injury, while the visit of Arsenal will likely come too soon for Toti Gomes who has been recovering from a hamstring problem since the reverse fixture.
Predicted Wolves XI: Sa; Mosquera, S. Bueno, Krejci; R. Gomes, A. Gomes, Mane, J. Gomes, H. Bueno; Armstrong, Arokodare.
How can I watch it?
17:12 , Mike JonesViewers in the UK can watch the game on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 7:30pm.
When is Wolves vs Arsenal?
17:06 , Mike JonesWolves’ meeting with Arsenal kicks off at 8pm GMT on Wednesday 18 February at Molineux.
Wolves vs Arsenal
17:00 , Mike JonesArsenal will have the chance to reopen the gap at the top of the Premier League table to seven points as they face rock-bottom Wolves at Molineux.
The Gunners missed out on two valuable points at Brentford last time out after Keane Lewis-Potter cancelled out Noni Madueke’s opener, with Arsenal failing to win for the third time in six league games.
And while tonight’s meeting with relegation-doomed Wolves may seem a perfect chance to get back to winning ways, Mikel Arteta will be wary of the threat Rob Edwards’ side pose, given how things nearly transpired in the reverse fixture.
Arsenal required two own goals at the Emirates, including one deep into stoppage time, to beat Wolves 2-1 back in December, meaning there’s no guarantee the Midlands outfit will be a gimme for the title hopefuls.
Good evening!
15:25 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Premier League action as Arsenal seek to extend their lead at the top of the table.
The Gunner take on Wolves away from home and should make easy work of the team sat 20th in the table.
But, with unrelenting pressure on Mikel Arteta’s men that tasked is easier said than done.
This midweek fixture kicks off at 8pm and we’ll have all the updates and team news throughout the evening.
