Arsenal head to Molineux hunting a seven-point lead as Wolves’ survival hopes hang by a thread
Arsenal return to Premier League action on Wednesday night with a trip to Molineux, where Wolverhampton Wanderers provide another opportunity for the leaders to put daylight between themselves and the chasing pack.
Mikel Arteta’s side head into the midweek fixture with their advantage at the summit under closer scrutiny after being held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford last time out.
That result reduced the margin for error, even if the Gunners remain in control of the title race with 12 matches still to play.
Arsenal did respond at the weekend by easing into the fifth round of the FA Cup, scoring four times in the opening 27 minutes of a comfortable 4-0 win over Wigan Athletic.
The performance offered a timely boost and also allowed Arteta to manage minutes, with the schedule now intensifying again.
Now attention turns back to the league, where Arsenal will be eager to find a more ruthless edge away from home.
Their form on the road has been slightly patchy in recent weeks, and the draw at Brentford was another reminder of how quickly momentum can swing.
This match should provide a different test, but it will not be one Arsenal can afford to approach casually.
Wolves are bottom of the Premier League and still searching for a first league win since early January, with the gap to safety growing each week.
However, they do arrive with a small lift after winning in the FA Cup on Sunday, beating Grimsby Town 1-0 to record their first victory in some time.
The result was scrappy and the conditions were difficult, but it was the sort of night that can steady nerves and offer a hint of belief.
Wolves have also shown signs of stubbornness in recent league outings, including a goalless draw away at Nottingham Forest.
For Arsenal, the challenge will be to avoid allowing the contest to become messy, emotional and defined by set-pieces and second balls.
Arteta will want his side to start quickly, play with purpose and keep control of the match for long spells.
The Gunners have enjoyed this fixture in recent years and have regularly found ways to score against Wolves, both home and away.
Molineux can be a difficult ground when the home crowd senses an opening, so Arsenal will be keen to remove that energy early.
With the title race tightening behind them, this is the type of game Arsenal must win, even if it requires patience.
Three points would keep their lead intact and maintain the pressure on those still hoping for a slip.
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