Live Text isn't live anymore, this is a record of the match events.
Full Time JOB DONE: Arsenal win this one by a comfortable margin thanks to goals from Van Persie, Walcott and Benayoun. Tottenham and Newcastle are now five behind, with Chelsea seven points adrift. Five games left to play and Arsenal sit in a strong position for automatic Champions League football.
90
AGAIN FROM WOJCIECH! Another fine stop from the Pole to deny substitute Milijas' rasping drive inside the box. A little sloppy at the back in the dying moments.
Top Comments:
@ArsenalPanda11 on Twitter says:
Spare a moment for Szczesny. It was easy to be complacent but he held firm with 2 fantastic saves.
90
REMINDER: Stay online for our post-match debate. Tim Peters and Adrian Clarke will be taking your calls as well as your e-mails so phone the studio on 020 7607 3200 (from inside the UK) or +44 20 7607 3200 (from outside the UK).
90
THREE ADDED MINUTES: We're into injury time as the Gunners also hunt down their fourth clean sheet in five games.
90
'ONE ARSENE WENGER': You bet. He's helped mastermind this run of nine wins in 10 league matches. Arsenal will extend their lead in third place to five points.
88
FLETCHER JUST WIDE: Ran out of steam? Pah. The ball is worked out to the striker on the angle, who drives just off target.
87
ENDING STRONGLY: Could there be a fourth on the cards? Wolves are out of steam and Arsenal are taking advantage. You wouldn't say they're pushing hard for it but they are certainly probing.
86
GOOD FROM THE BACK FOUR: Both Djourou and Santos have come in to give good accounts of themselves tonight. That is sure to please the boss.
84
Substitution OFF COMES SAGNA: He'll be replaced by Carl Jenkinson.
82
GREAT SAVE HENNESSEY: It just won't go in for Ramsey, will it? Van Persie squeezes the ball back for the Welshman, who forces his compatriot into a superb stop from close range. Unfortunate.
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
In the last 10 or 15 minutes Aaron Ramsey has looked much better. The thing with Ramsey is that he never shirks responsibility, he always works hard and he is always looking for the ball
82
NINE UP FOR SONG: The midfielder has been pivotal in providing for his team-mates this year and tonight has been no different. He did ever so well for Benayoun's goal.
Top Comments:
@hakesy_vet_ket on Twitter says:
When will Alex Song get the credit he deserves? The numbers show he is currently the best midfielder in the EPL
81
INTO THE LAST 10: The third goal has well and truly deflated Wolves who, despite the scoreline, have given a good account of themselves tonight. But Arsenal's quality has just proved too much on the night. A professional display from the Gunners.
Top Comments:
@Swanny_83 on Twitter says:
It's understandable rvp wanting to stay on, he smells another goal
78
Substitution FLETCHER ON: The lone ranger Doyle is the man off. He's worked tirelessly tonight to little avail.
77
REMINDER: Stay online for our post-match debate. Tim Peters and Adrian Clarke will be taking your calls as well as your e-mails so phone the studio on 020 7607 3200 (from inside the UK) or +44 20 7607 3200 (from outside the UK).
76
Substitution ON COMES THE OX: Walcott trots off to a standing ovation from the Arsenal fans and he deserves it after a superb opening to this game. Oxlade-Chamberlain on in his place.
75
ARSENAL CORNER: Sagna plays in Ramsey, who tries to skip away from his marker but wins a set-piece for his side. Arsenal take it short, they're being more patient.
74
NO SUBSTITUTIONS YET: And no sign of one either. There could be a few tired legs out there now.
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
3-0 against 10 men is it worth it to rest key players? Jenkinson for Santos could be a possibility.
73
STEADY STUFF: The visitors should be able to see this one out nicely now the third goal is in the bag. Wolves haven't given up yet though.
71
ALMOST FOUR! That could easily have fallen kindly for Arsenal. Van Persie is down after going for the first effort, before Benayoun is almost set free again. But Hennessey stands firm. Robin is back on his feet, he'll be fine.
Top Comments:
@MitaisMe on Twitter says:
Anyone else hear that worldwide gasp at RVP on the ground hurt?
69
GOAL! - Yossi Benayoun 0 : 3 THAT SHOULD BE IT! Van Persie plays in Song down the left, who shows excellent vision to lay it back for Benayoun. The Israeli steadies himself before firing past a motionless Hennessey. Game over.
Top Comments:
@Mash3ani on Twitter says:
Yeeessssssssssssssssssssssssssss … now get RvP + walcott out and put on chamakh and Ox make it lively
67
CRUCIAL PERIOD: Arsenal have looked capable of seeing this through, Szczesny's magnificent stop aside. Wolves have impressed in the second period but it still looks tough for them to muster anything from this one. Gunners pushing for a third.
Top Comments:
@FRFootballTom on Twitter says:
Surely it's time to get the Ox involved? Perfect opportunity to use his direct approach against a tiring/worried Wolves side
65
E-MAIL US: Send us your thoughts at studio@arsenal.co.uk, where Dan Roebuck and Richard Clarke will be there to intercept your e-mails on air.
65
#ARSENALLIVE: That's the hashtag to use if you want to have your say on Twitter. We'll publish some of your comments on here.
64
ALMOST: Song's searching cross almost finds the head of Van Persie but Hennessey mops up before it can cause any real threat.
62
ARSENAL NEED A THIRD: Just to make sure. You wouldn't have put the home side down as the one with 10 men based on the last 10 minutes.
Top Comments:
@Zachenben on Twitter says:
10 man Wolves looking better than in last 5 games.
61
ALMOST FOR JARVIS: Wolves have their tails up and have Arsenal on the ropes a little. Doyle whips in a dangerous ball but Jarvis can't quite make contact with his header.
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
Jarvis seems to have a freer role now and Wolves are looking like they are willing to gamble
60
OH WHAT A SAVE SZCZESNY! A wonderful Wolves move equalled with a superb stop. Jarvis finds the head of Doyle inside the box, who forces a flying stop from the Polish goalkeeper.
Top Comments:
@SanchezNI on Twitter says:
This is a dire performance from the Gunners now but Szczesny just made a Seaman-esque save, brilliant stuff.
59
CHANGES? Wenger has options at his disposal, with Chamakh, Park and Oxlade-Chamberlan all waiting in the wings. No sign of a switch yet though.
Top Comments:
@BatterseaGooner on Twitter says:
Why does Wenger always make late substitutions? Give the Ox a go. I wouldnt mind seeing Chamakh and Park
58
Yellow Card KIGHTLY GETS A YELLOW: For dissent by the looks of things. Or the niggly challenge on Santos perhaps.
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
What are the odds of Wolves going down to nine men? They are gone physical and have picked up a lot of cards
57
STRAIGHT AT HENNESSEY: Arsenal building up some steam for a third goal now, with Van Persie testing the water with a fairly weak strike at the Wolves goalkeeper.
56
Yellow Card ZUBAR IN THE BOOK: His challenge on Benayoun is a poor one and the defender picks up a yellow.
56
GOOD FROM JARVIS: The one-cap England man twists and turns inside Sagna before dragging his effort just wide. Certainly a danger man for the hosts.
55
OH WHAT A CHANCE! Arteta pulls the ball back for Van Persie, who is just leaning back and clips his right-footed effort over the bar.
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
I think left foot – other side of the pitch - Robin van Persie puts that in
@Mr_FizzyStyles on Twitter says:
Oh My. Arteta our new Fabregas. RVP unlucky there.
54
VERMAELEN JUST OVER: Ramsey dinks a good cross to the back post, where Henry challenges the Belgian and concedes a corner. It amounts to nothing, however.
53
Substitution MILIJAS COMES ON: Connor and his Wolves side are going for this one, they have no choice. The more attacking Milijas replaced Edwards in midfield.
51
GREAT CHANCE RAMSEY: The midfielder is played through the middle and slightly delays his shot, allowing a Wolves defender to slide in and cover. That was a real opportunity for the Welshman.
49
POOR FROM ZUBAR: It all started so well. The powerful full back strides forward once more but lashes his shot well wide of goal. In fact, Sagna is there to prevent it from going out for a throw.
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
I think Pat Rice is trying to get a bit of urgency in the Arsenal players at the moment.
49
E-MAIL US: Have your say on the second half at studio@arsenal.co.uk, where Dan Roebuck and Richard Clarke will be there to intercept your e-mails on air.
48
SAGNA AWAY: Jarvis' corner is well cleared by the Frenchman and Arsenal can build again. Both sides have made bright starts to the half.
47
SONG WASTEFUL: After the productive season he's had you can't really have too much of a pop for trying to pass. But the Cameroon international looked well placed for a shot on goal there.
Top Comments:
@Movie_Review_it on Twitter says:
Surely goal difference is important enough for us to be pushing forward more often?
46
WE'RE BACK UNDERWAY: Arsenal resume proceedings in the second half with the boss's words of wisdom lodged in their brains. How do they approach this half now?
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
I'd really like to see Arsenal go for the jugular.They really enjoyed themselves in those first few minutes and tore Wolves apart. Then they seemed to lack a bit of urgency. If Arsenal go out for the second half they way they ended the first, Wolves could nick one and then it could get tricky.
Half Time HALF TIME AT MOLINEUX: Van Persie's outrageous penalty and Walcott's delightful finish give Arsenal a comfortable lead at the break. All to do for Wolves.
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
I think goal difference matters. Arsenal could score as many as they wish in the second half if they play with pace. They are playing at half-pace and are not really stretching the opposition.
@naveenroy on Twitter says:
And I will not be satisfied unless #Arsenal score 3 more goals and concede NONE!
45
TWO ADDED MINUTES: Arsenal sitting pretty with a two-goal cushion as we head into the interval.
Top Comments:
@Gooner_Kevin on Twitter says:
Those boos directed at Lil' Theo, has made him to rise his game higher and higher. Keep 'em coming, Wolves' fans.
45
ZUBAR FLASHES ACROSS: The right back storms forward and sends an inviting ball across the box - but there's nobody on the end of it.
44
CLOSING IN ON THE BREAK: It's been relatively plain sailing for Arsenal after a blistering start. Not long until half time now.
Top Comments:
@IAM_Banks on Twitter says:
The boys are barely in gear two and thumping Wolves...Reserving some energy for Chelsea
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
In the last few seasons we lost a lot of games in March, April May. We have turned it around this season despite the fact that we aren't playing for the title
42
#ARSENALLIVE: That's the hashtag to use if you want to have your say on Twitter. We'll publish some of your comments on here.
42
E-MAIL US: Send us your thoughts at studio@arsenal.co.uk, where Dan Roebuck and Richard Clarke will be there to intercept your e-mails on air.
40
Yellow Card DOYLE IN THE BOOK: The striker slides in on Arteta and picks up a yellow. The Wolves players are furious but have no right to be. A blatant foul.
39
OVERHIT CROSS: A promising move breaks down as Sagna whips over a poor ball past everybody. A rare one for the French right back.
37
COMFORTABLE FOR ARSENAL: It looks like the Gunners aren't too sure whether or not to push for a third or try and contain their two-goal lead. Wolves are working hard but quite how much longer they can keep it up remains to be seen.
Top Comments:
@Brian_alhwayek on Twitter says:
Shame now. Doesn't like like we'll be hitting the double figures bracket today. 5 will do though
34
HOME CROWD APPRECIATIVE: When not taunting Walcott, the Wolves faithful are trying to lift their side. The front men are closing down and making life difficult for Arsenal, who are still in second gear.
31
PANTOMIME VILLAIN: Walcott's taking a lot of abuse from the home faithful behind Hennessey's goal tonight. You'd have thought he might have done enough to silence them so far, wouldn't you?
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
The Wolves fans are 'ole'-ing and cheering. It is gallows humour. But they are enjoying themselves
28
ALL A BIT QUIET: Arsenal seem content to preserve this lead for now. "Boring!" cry the Wolves fans. Santos has just dragged a shot wide.
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
That's one thing Santos gives you: a bit of a goal threat from left back
26
DROP THE HANDBAGS CHAPS: Song and Stearman square up but it's just a squabble and referee Neil Swarbrick gives them a brief lecture. Now, now boys.
25
RAMSEY LOOKING TO PUSH: The Welsh midfielder seems eager to get forward tonight, and you can't really blame him. He's already admitted he could be sharper in attack - and he's trying to do something about it. Just needs a break.
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
You have to remember how young Aaron Ramsey is. He's only 21 years old and as Arsene says, this is really his first full season.
23
SO CLOSE FOR WOLVES: Berra leaps highest to head a corner towards goal but the shoulder of Djourou diverts the ball just wide. Arsenal need to be a little careful in those situations.
22
HISTORY LESSON: Wolves last beat Arsenal on October 14, 1978. Plenty of work to do if they want to turn that one around.
21
ARSENAL ENJOYING POSSESSION: They're already trying to frustrate the hosts with long spells of keep-ball. It's working too, with Doyle furiously scampering around trying to win back possession.
Top Comments:
@tonenefifty on Twitter says:
Keep up the Tempo guys, we should get couple of goals here, no pity for the opponent
19
BOOS FOR WALCOTT: I'm not too sure if they are for his celebration or not, but the Wolves crowd are not amused. They can't have any complaints with the penalty though, Bassong was clumsy.
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
Arsene Wenger has said he expects Theo Walcott to hit double figures every season and I agree. especially if he wants to play a more central role. I think Theo has gotten more clinical and has become more consistent on the right side.
18
#ARSENALLIVE: That's the hashtag to use if you want to have your say on Twitter. We'll publish some of your comments on here.
18
E-MAIL US: Drop us your thoughts at studio@arsenal.co.uk, where Dan Roebuck and Richard Clarke will be there to intercept your e-mails on air.
16
UPHILL FOR WOLVES: It doesn't look it's going to get much better for Terry Connor and his side. They're down to 10 men, two goals down and we're only 15 minutes through this game.
Top Comments:
@CapableOfFLight on Twitter says:
1 more goal, make subs. Ox on, RVP rest. Go on Arsene
15
BENAYOUN GOES CLOSE: Bullish work from Santos wins the ball for Arsenal down the left. His cross isn't quite accurate but Benayoun sweeps up and crashes his shot off Van Persie for a goal-kick.
13
WHAT AN OPENING: The home crowd are furious - but with who? Arsenal have been scintillating and will surely be going for more. It's in the palm of their hands if they want it now.
Top Comments:
@SomeAnyJamaican on Twitter says:
I think this revival for Theo has been due to Sagna. Having a good full back behind him means he can do what he does best!
11
GOAL! - Theo Walcott 0 : 2 AND ANOTHER! Walcott with Arsenal's second! Van Persie slides in the England man with a fine ball, before the 23-year-old takes it in his stride and slots home. A delightful move, what a start.
Top Comments:
@Webmeister5000 on Twitter says:
Great goal by Theo!! I just have this feeling that we're gon run up a cricket score on them!!
10
Substitution DAVIS MAKES WAY: That's unfortunate for the young midfielder, who was only on loan at Chesterfield earlier in the season. It's Cristophe Berra coming on to shore up the Wolves backline.
9
GOAL! - Robin van Persie 0 : 1 SO, SO CHEEKY: Who steps up? Of course, it's Robin. The Dutchman saunters forward and dinks his penalty over Hennessey. Classy.
Top Comments:
@Mr_DYD_Gooner says:
The penalty from RVP is an exhibition of Artistic vision...best penalty I've ever seen.
8
Red Card PENALTY TO ARSENAL! Bassong brings down Walcott through on goal - and gets a red card for his troubles. A terrible start for the hosts. Replays show he doesn't have too much cause for complaint.
7
USEFUL CROSS: Matt Jarvis whips in a searching ball to the back post for Doyle, who makes little attempt to make contact with Santos breathing down his neck.
6
'HE SCORES WHEN HE WANTS': Does he want it tonight? You bet. It's four without a goal for Van Persie. He's not gone five league starts without a goal since August 2006.
4
HENNESSEY SAVES LOW: The corner is nodded away but only as far as Van Persie, who calls the Welsh international into action with a comfortable stop. Encouraging start for Arsene Wenger's side.
3
BASSONG HEADS CLEAR: That was a neat Arsenal move. Benayoun found Sagna out wide with a searching ball and the right back's cross had to be headed away for a corner.
2
AS EXPECTED: It's Benayoun who will be pushing out wide, as he did against Manchester City at the weekend. Ramsey will occupy a more familiar central role this time around.
Kick Off AND THEY'RE OFF: It's Wolves getting us underway this evening. The Arsenal fans have taken over the slender away strip in the stand opposite us.
AND HERE THEY COME: The teams are heading out onto the pitch and we'll be off in just a few minutes. Come on Arsenal, make this count.
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
Tomas Rosicky started his last eight games. Ramsey didn't have his best game against QPR, but you are in a period of the season that they call the Red Zone. It wouldn't surprise me if this was a rotation. Rosicky has played a lot of games and Arsene Wenger might be using this as a chance to give him a rest.
TEN MINUTES TO KICK-OFF: We're not far away from getting underway here in the West Midlands. Send your predictions to #ArsenalLive.
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
I expect us to score some goals and will go with 3-1 for the Gunners
STAT ATTACK: Courtesy of @InfrostradaLive - "Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 15 #EPL visits to the West Midlands stretching back seven years, since a 2-1 defeat at #WBA in 2005."
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
Wolves are destined to go down in my opinion and it's hard to argue that. They are devoid of confidence at the moment.
E-MAIL US: Drop us your thoughts at studio@arsenal.co.uk, where Dan Roebuck and Richard Clarke will be there to intercept your e-mails on air.
#ARSENALLIVE: That's the hashtag to use if you want to have your say on Twitter. We'll publish some of your comments on here. I'm @Joe_Brewin and you can tweet me your thoughts throughout the game.
SUBSTITUTES: De Vries, Johnson, Berra, Milijas, Forde, Fletcher, Ebanks-Blake.
WOLVES: Hennessey, Stearman, Zubar, Bassong, Ward, Davis, Henry, Edwards, Kightly, Jarvis, Doyle.
Top Comments:
@TorkelSkaug on Twitter says:
Yossi Benayoun is underrated. Think he can make a difference against a weak Wolves defence
WOLVES NEWS: The hosts are yet to win under Terry Connor - but their Premier League lives are at stake tonight. Just the one change for them - young midfielder David Davis (go on, let it out) in for Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.
SUBSTITUTES: Fabianski, Jenkinson, Squillaci, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Chamakh, Park.
ARSENAL: Szczesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Djourou, Andre Santos, Song, Arteta, Ramsey, Benayoun, Walcott, Van Persie.
Top Comments:
@EINinoBonito on Twitter says:
Time for RVP to get back in the goals tonight. 3-0 professional performance please get the job done!
TEAM NEWS: It's three changes made by Arsene Wenger for this one. Maybe a surprise as Aaron Ramsey replaces Tomas Rosicky in midfield. Elsewhere, it's Andre Santos and Johan Djourou in at the back - although you probably knew that would happen already. Laurent Koscielny is suspended, while Kieran Gibbs is nursing a mild groin issue.
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
I think it's a big night for Andre Santos. Kieran Gibbs has been in good form and the back four has been set of late. It's a big test for Santos going up against Michael Kightly, who is in decent form.
@hin101 on Twitter says:
Three points is a must tonight, very strong team tonight! Ramsey must take his chance tonight and prove the doubters wrong
WHAT TO EXPECT? Well, the odds appear to be stacked right against the relegation-threatened hosts. But lessons should have been learned from that disappointing defeat at QPR just over a week ago. Which Arsenal side will turn up? Hopefully the one seeking their ninth win in 10 league matches.
WHAT AN OPPORTUNITY: With Tottenham falling short at Norwich and Chelsea being held to a draw at Fulham, this really is Arsenal's golden opportunity to shine tonight. They might not get a better chance to tighten their grip on third.
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
Norwich City did Arsenal a favour. No one expected them to go to White Hart Lane and get a win, and now it's up to Arsenal to do their part
GOOD EVENING: Welcome to Molineux, where Arsenal will be looking to extend their advantage in third place to five points.
Wolverhampton W.
01 HENNESSEY, Wayne
05 STEARMAN, Richard
23 ZUBAR, Ronald
05 BASSONG, Sebastien
11 WARD, Stephen
26 DAVIS, David
16 BERRA, Christophe (10)
08 HENRY, Karl
21 KIGHTLY, Michael
JARVIS, Matt
04 EDWARDS, David
20 MILIJAS, Nenad (53)
29 DOYLE, Kevin
26 FLETCHER, Steven (78)
31 DE VRIES, DORUS
16 BERRA, CHRISTOPHE
14 JOHNSON, ROGER
20 MILIJAS, NENAD
27 FORDE, ANTHONY
26 FLETCHER, STEVEN
09 EBANKS-BLAKE, SYLVAN
Arsenal
01 SZCZESNY, Wojciech
03 SAGNA, Bacary
25 JENKINSON, Carl (84)
05 VERMAELEN, Thomas
20 DJOUROU, Johan
11 SANTOS, Andre
25 SONG, Alex
08 ARTETA, Mikel
16 RAMSEY, Aaron
30 BENAYOUN, Yossi
14 WALCOTT, Theo
15 OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN, Alex (76)
20 VAN PERSIE, Robin
21 FABIANSKI, LUKASZ
25 JENKINSON, CARL
18 SQUILLACI, SEBASTIEN
07 ROSICKY, TOMAS
15 OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN, ALEX
30 PARK, JU-YOUNG
29 CHAMAKH, MAROUANE
Top Comments:
@Gooner123Chris on Twitter says:
Great performance from Arsenal got sloppy towards the end but we won. 3points 5points ahead of spurs Szczesny quality