Saturday 12 November 2022 Molineux USA TV: USA 2:45pm ET Two clubs coming from very different places. Not only 1st vs 19th, or a whopping 24pt difference after just 35% of the season, but one team that’s completely missing any offensive ability (league-bottom 8 goals compared to our 31) and no permanent manager ATM, versus the other team who’s been able to score (even if the star striker's in a bit of a goal drought himself), keep numerous clean sheets, grind out wins, etc, etc. And let’s just downplay a bit that our midweek cup loss is opposite to their win. But that’s pretty easily rationalizable in that we rotated nearly the whole squad whereas Wolves did not. And strategically, our forgettable performance may just be the blessing that removes a bunch of midweek matches, at least in January, something Citeh undoubtedly will be saddled with. Also the silly winter WC is looming, and many of our lads will ship out the day after this match, so some of them might even have a little thought about playing safe to avoid injury? So Arteta will earn his pay if he can get our XI (which barring any surprise fitness/injury issues, should mirror the XI that beat Chelsea) to take this game almost like it’s a cup final. There’s a very big reward if we win it, one which will last for at least 6 weeks! So all I ask for is a balls-out, take-no-prisoners performance, right from the off. No fvckin handbrake please. Come on boys, how about giving us a big, early, shiny Christmas present!
The good news is the lads know what the match means and that they can essentially rest after this one. Surely they'll want to enter the break on a high. Wolves players, however, know they may be playing for their livelihood, hoping to catch Arsenal looking ahead. I'm sure they'll play hard, but not sure they can be potent and play disciplined. Key thing for Arsenal is to not panic and be opportunistic when they can press high. Vamos, Arsenal!
Match officials Stuart Attwell makes his first appearance at Emirates Stadium since New Year’s Day when we lost 2-1 to Manchester City. It will be the fourth time he has taken charge of our fixture against Wolves, and we haven’t won any of the previous three. In fact, we have only won six of the 17 games of ours he has refereed, with the last coming against Newcastle United in November 2021. Referee: Stuart Attwell Assistant Referee 1: Harry Lennard Assistant Referee 2: Darren Cann Fourth Official: Thomas Bramall VAR: Mike Dean Additional VAR: Neil Davies
With City losing, Arteta's job just got more difficult. I am hoping we will see the team motivated to win this one.
Lineup is as you would predict, but no Sambi in the squad. Injury/illness or is he in Arteta's doghouse?
Wolves lineup different than their norm, so it will be a bit from film the Gunners have studied. COYG!