Alious
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ season continues to unravel at the foot of the Premier League table, with relegation fears deepening after a cruel late defeat away to Arsenal. Despite delivering one of their most committed performances of the campaign at the Emirates, Wolves left empty-handed after two own goals handed the hosts a stoppage-time win.
The West Midlands side were disciplined and resilient for long spells, restricting the league leaders to no shots on target in the opening half. Misfortune, however, struck twice as Wolves put the ball into their own net, with those errors overshadowing Tolu Arokodare’s dramatic strike that briefly looked set to secure a priceless point.
While the display offered encouragement that a long-awaited first league win may not be far away, the bigger picture remains bleak. Wolves are already 14 points from safety, leaving them facing a daunting survival challenge as the season progresses.
Tensions around the club boiled over earlier in the week following a heavy 4–1 home defeat to Manchester United, which sparked protests from supporters aimed at the board and owners Fosun. In response, chairman Jeff Shi broke his silence in a rare public appearance to address the growing unrest.
Speaking to BBC Radio WM, Shi acknowledged the anger among fans but insisted that the ownership group has no intention of walking away from Molineux. He stressed that he understands supporters’ frustrations and hopes they can eventually rediscover the happiness they felt during the more successful early years under Fosun.
Asked directly about his long-term commitment, Shi said he empathises with fans but believes staying calm and focusing on the club’s future is the best course of action. He added that, while criticism is understandable, he remains committed to running the club in his own way and pushing Wolves to grow again.
Meanwhile, Saturday’s defeat was further inflamed by controversy over Arsenal’s opening goal. The breakthrough came via a Sam Johnstone own goal from a corner, but debate raged over whether Bukayo Saka was offside in the build-up that led to the set-piece.
Former Premier League striker Jay Bothroyd argued that Saka was actively influencing play, forcing defender Toti Gomes into a decision and therefore interfering from an offside position. Speaking on Sky Sports News’ *Ref Watch*, Bothroyd claimed the decision ultimately led to an outcome that “cost Wolves”.
Ex-referee Dermot Gallagher offered a different perspective, explaining that officials were required to allow the move to develop due to its tight nature, with VAR only able to intervene if Saka directly played the ball.
Bothroyd remained unconvinced, insisting that the end result—a goal for Arsenal—should have prompted a closer review. He suggested such marginal calls continue to have a significant impact, particularly on teams already battling at the wrong end of the table.
For Wolves, the frustration of narrow margins, controversial decisions and mounting pressure off the pitch is fast becoming a familiar story—one that threatens to define a season slipping dangerously out of control.
Alious
