Arsenal got back to winning ways as they secured a 2-0 victory away at Wolves, in a game which was not wholly comfortable.
The hosts made it difficult for Arsenal at times, who did control the game, but fail to take most of their chances, whilst also seeing off some nervy moments at the back.
There was a notable absentee from the Arsenal squad, as defender Takehiro Tomiyasu failed to even make the bench after starting in the defeat to Bayern Munich on Wednesday, and Jakub Kiwior took his place at left-back.
Kiwior put in a shaky display, with Wolves forcing a strong save from David Raya in the first half after an error from the defender, and Arsenal icon Alan Smith criticised his display in the first 45 minutes.
Tomiyasu has missed most of the season through injury, but after returning in recent weeks, fans were frustrated to see him missing, but Mikel Arteta explained why he missed out on the squad.
Mikel Arteta explains Takehiro Tomiyasu absence in Arsenal win at Wolves
Speaking before the game, Arteta revealed that Tomiyasu had picked up a knock in the defeat at Bayern Munich, and was left out as a precaution.
“He [Tomiyasu] had a knock in the game and he had a bit of swelling and he wasn’t fit to play this game,” he stated.
During the game at the Allianz Arena, Tomiyasu went down and required treatment after a heavy challenge, but played on before being withdrawn for Eddie Nketiah in the 86th minute.
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Takehiro Tomiyasu poor fitness record continues
Tomiyasu has struggled with injury in all of his years at Arsenal, missing crucial games in the run-in in 2021-22, as well as the entire final two months of the campaign last season.
He has started just 16% of Arsenal’s Premier League matches this season, and appeared in just 25% of all possible minutes in the competition.
The Japan star is an outstanding option for Arsenal when fit, and his versatility across the back line has proved useful for Arteta.
However, if he cannot prove that he can stay fit to contribute for Arsenal going forward, then questions should be asked about his future, having signed a new deal in recent months to extend his contract by two years.