Premier League 2018/19: 3 Reasons why Arsenal drew 1-1 with Wolverhampton Wanderers

One thing consistent about this Arsenal team is that they are starting matches very slowly and by the time they raise the tempo they lose the opportunity to get three points.

The Ivan Cavaleiro goal in the first half was due to a mistake by Granit Xhaka and everything after that was not up to the mark from the Gunners.

But the fact that Arsenal play average football in the first halves of matches has become a blessing in disguise as they somehow manage to make a comeback in the second half.

When the final whistle was blown it was hard to figure out which manager felt more relieved. Even though the Gunners have gone 16 matches unbeaten, it will be a matter of concern for Emery as to how Wolves were easily able to destroy their defence.

We look at three reasons why Arsenal drew 1-1 with Wolves.

#1 Granit Xhaka’s inconsistency

A manager is known by how well he transforms the already existing players at a football club, and Emery’s work with Xhaka has been commendable. Xhaka has looked like a transformed player and has played every minute of the premier league.

His tackling has improved, his passing has seen an improvement and his leadership qualities on the field are for everyone to see.

But tie to time, he produces errors which are difficult to cover even for his boss.

Granit Xhaka simply let a sideways pass past him. Cavaleiro quickly snatched it up and Wolves took the lead.

It was a very big mistake against a Wolves side who were determined to get something from this match.

Though Xhaka did create some chances for Bellerin and other teammates, his error in the first half was too much for Arsenal to recover from.

Emery would be hoping that Xhaka quickly learns from his mistakes, as he is a vital part of how Emery wants this team to play.

#2 Rusty Pierre Emerick Aubameyang

Aubameyang hardly touched the ball in the first half. He has missed quite a lot of sitters in this season. Even in the defeat to Chelsea, he missed two open chances.

Aubameyang has been banging in some quality goals this season, but when it comes to easy tap-ins or not so difficult goals, he is found wanting.

In the second half when the Gunners were chasing the game, Aubameyang was set up beautifully by a Bellerin cross, and all he had to do was just tap-in.

But a lack of confidence took a toll and Aubameyang, who normally is pretty clinical, failed to score.

Aubameyang’s form will be key to Emery as Welbeck is out injured for a pretty long time as conveyed by the manager in the post-match conference.

Also, the fact that the former Dortmund forward is not happy playing wide is sometimes seen on his face and Emery needs to resolve this as soon as possible.

#3 Arsenal’s constant failure to take the initiative

Lucas Torreira helps out the defence in most situations, but then the backline should be able to predict the counter attacks and be ready in the times of adversity

Barring the Liverpool match, the Gunners have started very slow in all other matches and most of the time they were trailing in the first half. It was the same case today too.

A pretty Arsenal like error gave Wolves the lead. But the error was self-inflicted by the Gunners as they were not pressing the Wolves defence and they allowed them to dictate terms.

Bernd Leno was tested so many times that we forgot which team was the home team and which was away.

It looks like the Gunners wait for an opposition goal to spring back to life. This type of waiting game can be dangerous against strong opponents and Emery has a lot of work to do on the training ground.

Lucas Torreira helps out the defence in most situations, but then the backline should be able to predict the counter attacks and be ready in the times of adversity.

Edited by Alan John