Arsenal vs Wolves: Instant Reaction

Thoughts on the full time whistle

Here we go straight into it.

Headline: Early goals are really nice

Coming into this match Arsenal had 0 goals in the opening 15 minutes of matches.

Also, Arsenal had created just 1.4 expected goals in the opening 15 minutes of matches. That’s in TOTAL, in 13 matches played. That is just 0.11 xG per match in the opening 15 minutes, that’s roughly one average shot.

Arsenal had lost Fast Start FC.

Some of this is probably by design, the heavy metal press was more subdued, favoring control. Some of this is from the teams Arsenal has faced, who come out looking to frustrate and not go behind early. Some of it is just bad luck that can happen in slices of a still pretty small sample.

Regardless, today was a day for the early goals.

In the opening 15 minutes Arsenal had 2 shots, 2 goals, 0.3 xG, 8 touches in the box, and 52 final third touches.

The two goals ended up being enough, but I think the encouraging thing is that Arsenal didn’t really stop trying to score either, racking up over 3 expected goals with some very dangerous attacks.

I know it didn’t feel great and there is the old cliche about two goal leads but going up two goals in the opening 15 minutes given the relative strength of the teams was essentially game over.

Would have it been nice to convert one of the 3 big chances that Arsenal had late? Absolutely but getting out to an early lead gave Arsenal a ton of margin for error to be profligate with their chances and have it not cost them.

I am also going to take the position that creating the chances, even if they didn’t finish them is a positive sign.

Arsenal have crying out for more good performances in the Premier League and they delivered one today that was badly needed to help us feel better about the attack.

Another win, and another weekend at the top of the Premier League.

Stock Rising: Martin Ødegaard

What a match.