Arsenal player ratings vs Wolves: 4/10 and Raya to blame as title race open | Football | Sport

Arsenal endured a devastating setback in the Premier League title race after Gabriel Magalhaes and David Raya collided disastrously at the back during the dying moments against Wolves. The Gunners surged ahead within the opening five minutes following a delightful cross from Declan Rice, which picked out Bukayo Saka in his central position inside the box. Yet despite their opponents’ lacklustre display, they managed to keep the contest semi-competitive and held a slender half-time advantage.

Following an extended VAR review, Piero Hincapie had perfectly timed his run only to witness Hugo Bueno strike moments later with an excellent curling effort from range. Then in stoppage time, Gabriel and Raya clashed whilst attempting to clear a Wolves delivery, and Samuel Edozie’s attempt ricocheted off the upright before deflecting in off Riccardo Calafiori. Here is how we rated the performances of the Arsenal players involved…

David Raya – Had been largely untroubled but was unable to reach Bueno’s strike. Major breakdown in communication at the death which proved decisive. 5.

Jurrien Timber – Received a hefty challenge midway through the opening period and simply didn’t appear himself afterwards. During the second period he arguably warranted replacement by Ben White but no substitution materialised. 5.

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

William Saliba – Compelled to intercept a delivery from the right flank, anticipating Tolu’s run behind him. 7.

Gabriel – Outstanding pass through to his left-back colleague for the Gunners’ second goal. However didn’t hear the shout of his keeper at the end and the rest could be history. 6.

Piero Hincapie – Got himself into the penalty area and made a strong appeal for a spot-kick as well. However, was completely absent for the Bueno goal. 7.

Martin Zubimendi – Required a more commanding presence in proceedings, but remained largely ineffective. 5.

Declan Rice – Superb and trademark delivery from Rice from the left flank into the danger zone. He was forced to battle throughout and compensate for certain teammates’ deficiencies. 8.

Bukayo Saka – Operating in his central position, Bukayo Saka managed to give his team the advantage, drifting into the area to convert Rice’s delivery. Following the opener, though, the forward struggled to produce many significant opportunities. 7.

Noni Madueke – Found himself meeting a decent cross in the opening period, but was unable to guide his header on target. He deteriorated markedly after the interval and was withdrawn. 6.

Viktor Gyokeres – Desperately disappointing display from the frontman, who was unable to impose himself on the match and made some questionable decisions in the limited moments he touched the ball. 4.

Gabriel Martinelli – Got involved in unnecessary confrontations with Mosquera and was unable to influence the match in any meaningful way. 5.

Eberechi Eze – Showed some energy during his opening moments on the pitch, but he also diminished. 5.

Gabriel Jesus – Failed to contribute anything beyond the player he came on for. 4.

Leandro Trossard – Executed some questionable choices after entering the action. 4.

Riccardo Calafiori – Entered proceedings late to take over from Trossard. n/a.

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page