In a match that tested Arsenal’s patience as much as their quality, Mikel Arteta’s side were made to work hard by a disciplined and energetic Wolves team.
Ultimately, two own goals proved decisive, handing Arsenal a victory that looked far from comfortable for long spells and underlined the fine margins at the summit of the title race.
Speaking after the final whistle, Saka was candid about the performance and the unusual nature of the goals that secured the win.
“It was frustrating,” the England winger said.
“We created chances, we moved the ball well at times, but they were very organised and hard to break down.
Sometimes in football you need a bit of luck, and today we had that.”
Arsenal started brightly, dominating possession and pinning Wolves back in their own half.
However, clear-cut chances were limited as the visitors defended deep, closed passing lanes and disrupted Arsenal’s rhythm with aggressive pressing in midfield.
The Emirates crowd grew increasingly anxious as the first half wore on, with Wolves threatening on the counter and reminding the league leaders they could not afford complacency.
The breakthrough, when it came, owed as much to pressure as precision.
A dangerous Arsenal delivery into the box forced a defensive error, with a Wolves defender inadvertently turning the ball into his own net.
Relief swept around the stadium, but the goal did little to dampen Wolves’ resolve.
After the break, the pattern remained similar.
Arsenal pushed for control, while Wolves continued to frustrate and looked capable of punishing any lapse in concentration.
When a second own goal followed – again the result of sustained Arsenal pressure rather than a moment of attacking brilliance – it felt like a decisive moment, even if it arrived in unconventional fashion.
For Saka, the match was a reminder that title challenges are rarely built on flawless performances alone.
“People expect us to win every game comfortably, but that’s not how this league works,” he said.
“Every team is fighting for something.
Wolves made it really tough for us, and we had to stay patient and keep believing.”
Mikel Arteta echoed his winger’s assessment, praising his side’s mentality more than the aesthetics of the performance.
The Arsenal manager highlighted the importance of forcing mistakes through persistence and intensity, particularly at this stage of the season.
“We didn’t score the type of goals we usually do, but we earned them,” Arteta said.
“When you are at the top, opponents come here to make life difficult.
You have to accept that and find different ways to win.”
The victory, scrappy as it was, had significant implications for the title race.
Restoring a five-point cushion at the top of the table, Arsenal sent a message to their rivals that they are capable of grinding out results even when fluency is lacking.
For Wolves, there was frustration too.
Their organisation, work rate and tactical discipline deserved more, but fine margins and a touch of misfortune left them empty-handed.
As for Saka, the focus quickly shifted to what lies ahead.
“We’ll enjoy the win, but we know we can play better,” he said.
“If we want to stay where we are, we have to keep improving – and sometimes, accept that luck is part of the game.”
In a season defined by pressure and precision, Arsenal’s latest win served as a timely reminder: champions are not only made by brilliance, but by resilience – and occasionally, by a fortunate deflection.
