Arsenal’s position at the top of the Premier League table has come under serious scrutiny after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Mikel Arteta’s side looked in control for much of the contest, racing into a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka and Piero Hincapie. But a second half fightback from Wolves turned the game on its head and left Arsenal clinging to just a single point.
Hugo Bueno’s stunning strike gave the hosts hope before a chaotic finale saw the Gunners concede deep into stoppage time. A defensive mix up involving David Raya and Gabriel allowed the ball to fall kindly in the box, with Riccardo Calafiori ultimately seeing the ball deflect in off him to seal a 2-2 draw.
The dropped points leave Arsenal on 58 points after 27 games, the lowest tally for a league leader at this stage in over a decade. Only Leicester City in their famous 2015/16 campaign had fewer points after 27 matches among title leading sides in the last 15 seasons.
By comparison, Liverpool had amassed a remarkable 79 points at the same stage during their 2019/20 title winning season under Jurgen Klopp. Even Manchester City’s record breaking centurion side had collected 72 points after 27 games.
Arsenal now hold a five point advantage over Manchester City, who have a game in hand. If Pep Guardiola’s side win all their remaining matches, the title would swing their way once again.
History will not comfort Arsenal fans either. Since the 2011/12 season, only four teams leading after 27 matches have failed to win the title. Arsenal themselves were one of them in 2022/23, when they were overtaken by Manchester City after holding a similar advantage.
Despite still being in contention across multiple competitions, Arteta’s side cannot afford many more slip ups. With crucial fixtures ahead, including a North London Derby, the coming weeks will likely determine whether Arsenal can finally end their long wait for a league crown or once again fall short at the final hurdle.
