Wolverhampton–Arsenal

This is one of those games where the table, form and mentality all point in the same direction. Wolves are playing with their backs to the wall and fighting for every point, but at the same time it is an Arsenal team that smells of blood. Not just because the opposition is weaker – but because this is the season where it is all about getting the job done.

Arteta has never been closer to a trophy. And games like this are exactly where he expects the maximum response.

Wolverhampton – fighting spirit, but limited level

Wolves will give it their all. There's no doubt about it. They're playing with their lives at stake, and Molineux can be a demanding arena when the crowd knows the team needs them.

The problem is the level difference.

Defensively, Wolves have struggled all season. They concede a lot, and when the tempo is turned up against top teams, the structure often unravels early. Although they can resist at times, they have lacked both the quality and composure to keep the games even over time.

They have had one win recently and a few draws, but it has come against weak opposition. When the pressure is constant, Wolves have shown time and time again that they struggle – especially when they first fall behind.

Arsenal – pace, intensity and full throttle from the start

Ødegaard is out, but that hasn't slowed Arsenal down in such games. Rather, it has given the team a more direct expression. When responsibility is spread more widely across the team, the ball flows faster and the attacks more vertical. Arsenal spend less time in the gaps and go straight to the back more often, which has been particularly effective against teams that drop low and defend deep.

The most important thing, however, is the mentality. Arteta is now in a phase where he expects the team to take control of games early and break the opponent before they can believe anything. We saw this clearly in the away game against Leeds that ended 0-4, where Arsenal set the pace from the start and never let up. The same pattern was repeated in the 3-0 win against Sunderland and 4-0 at home against Wigan in the FA Cup.

This is an Arsenal team that is no longer content with control. They want to decide. They want to punish weaknesses early on, and once they get the lead, they are extremely good at keeping the pressure up even after the break.

Against a Wolves team that is struggling defensively and already under a lot of pressure, it's hard to imagine Arsenal not going all out here too

Match picture

Everything is in place for a clear Arsenal initiative from the start.

Wolves will try to resist, but when Arsenal press high and move the ball quickly, the gaps become too large. If Arsenal get the first goal early, this could be a game where Wolves chase – and are punished further.

Arsenal have both the breadth, pace and discipline to win both halves if they first get the game where they want it.

Conclusion

This is not a game Arsenal will “manage.”
This is a game they will decide.

Wolves are struggling, but Arsenal are in the swing of things – and Arteta is more obsessed than ever with keeping the pressure on in the title race. Against an opponent already down, we expect an Arsenal team that is on the move from the first minute.

Bet suggestions

Premier League At 21:00 Wolves - Arsenal: Arsenal -1.5 (1.90)

Alternative games:

Premier League 21:00 Wolves – Arsenal: Arsenal to score in both halves (2.00)

Premier League 21:00 Wolves – Arsenal: Arsenal to win both halves (2.70)