Premier League leaders Arsenal dropped crucial points in a 2-2 draw against bottom-side Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, blowing a two-goal advantage in the second half. Bukayo Saka and Piero Hincapie scored for the visitors, but Hugo Bueno and debutant Tom Edozie netted for Wolves to secure a vital point. The result leaves Arsenal five points clear of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
The match on February 18, 2026, kicked off at 8pm UK time at Molineux Stadium. Arsenal took the lead in the fifth minute when Bukayo Saka headed in Declan Rice's cross, marking his first goal in 15 games and celebrating his new five-year contract. The Gunners dominated the first half, with Jose Sa making double saves to deny Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli.
Five minutes into the second half, Piero Hincapie doubled Arsenal's advantage, finishing a through ball from Gabriel after VAR overturned an offside flag. This was Hincapie's first goal for the club, putting Arsenal on course for a seven-point lead over Manchester City.
However, Wolves mounted a comeback. In the 61st minute, Hugo Bueno curled a stunning strike into the top corner from the edge of the box, halving the deficit. The home side grew in confidence, and in the fourth minute of stoppage time, a cross from Rayan Mane caused chaos. David Raya and Gabriel collided while attempting to clear, allowing substitute Tom Edozie, 19, to fire the ball goalward on his senior debut. It deflected off Riccardo Calafiori and the post but was later awarded to Edozie, securing a 2-2 draw.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described the second half as far below standards: "We did not perform in the way we should... we paid the price." Bukayo Saka added, "We dropped our standards and we got punished for it." Wolves boss Rob Edwards praised his team's spirit: "To come back from 2-0 down against one of the best teams in Europe is pretty special."
Wolves remain bottom with 10 points, 17 from safety, while Arsenal's lead shrinks to five points ahead of Manchester City's game against Newcastle. The Gunners face Tottenham next in the North London derby.
