Rob Edwards thinks Bukayo Saka’s match-winning cross against Wolves back in December had a spot of luck about it.
Wolves are hoping to make Arsenal uncomfortable again after forcing the Gunners to wait until injury time to win against them on matchday 16.
Mikel Arteta’s side were awful when Wolves visited the Emirates in December, and were almost caught out, as the bottom-of-the-table side silenced N5 with a 90th-minute equaliser.
Thankfully, Saka was on hand to spare Arsenal from humiliation, as his superb cross in the 94th-minute was unable to be cleared, eventually turned in by Yerson Mosquera to go down as an own goal.
Ahead of Wednesday night’s match, Wolves boss Rob Edwards relived that moment.
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Some memorable games here 👀
Rob Edwards says Bukayo Saka’s cross against Wolves on matchday 16 was fortuitous
Saka has so many strings to his bow that make him world-class, but one of his greatest strengths is his crossing ability.
From corners, Arsenal almost have a cheat code thanks to Declan Rice and Saka’s ability to deliver the ball in with intent.
The clear intention behind Saka’s crossing is why Edwards’ latest comment about the winger might put some fire in his belly.
Ahead of welcoming Arsenal to Molineux, Edwards spoke about Saka’s cross against Wolves in December, describing it as ‘brilliant’ but ‘fortuitous’.
“It was a brilliant corner from Saka, but it was quite fortuitous,” the Wolves boss claimed.
Though Edwards was initially praising Saka, the Arsenal man will want to remind the opposition manager that there’s nothing fortuitous about the direction of his crosses.
It’s part of the magic that makes Arsenal so successful from set-pieces, something Saka will want to show off at Molineux.
Saka will be more motivated than ever against Wolves
Saka might want to show Edwards that there’s nothing lucky about his deliveries into the box, but that won’t be his only motivation on the night.
Firstly, Saka just signed a new contract at Arsenal to become the Gunners’ highest-earner.
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Secondly, Wolves are not easy to beat from set-play, contrary to belief, so if Arsenal want to score from a dead-ball scenario, Saka’s crossing will have to be at its best.
Despite sitting at the opposite end of the table to Arsenal, Wolves have actually conceded fewer set-pieces than the Gunners.
Only five of the 48 goals Wolves have conceded this season have been from set-play, whereas six of the 18 Arsenal have let in are from those routines.
It gives Arsenal, and Saka, additional motivation to both impress from set-pieces and step it up from open play.
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