ARSENAL slumped to a third consecutive Premier League home defeat on Sunday when they were roundly beaten by Wolverhampton Wanderers. The result leaves the Gunners on their worst ever points tally in this competition after 10 matches and head coach Milkel Arteta knows the form of his side must improve quickly. 

“It’s a frustrating night again — losing at home is painful,” Arteta explained ruefully. “It’s no-where near good enough for this football club and we have to change things dramatically.” 

The visitors struck first thanks to Pedro Neto’s 27th-minute opener. Adama Traore bulldozed his way to the by-line before crossing for Leander Dendoncker to head against the crossbar. On his toes, the Portuguese winger reacted quicker than any Arsenal defender, pouncing to score his third goal of the campaign. 

But their lead did not last long as minutes later centreback Gabriel Magalhaes rose highest to head his fellow Brazilian Willian’s perfectly floated cross, drawing the host's level. 

Wanderers’ lead was restored just before the interval when Daniel Podence seized on a rebounded shot which Bernd Leno had struggled to adequately deal with. The forward showed nimble footwork to bring the loose ball under control and slot calmy under the goalkeeper. 

There had been concerns from both sets of players early on after Raul Jimenez suffered a fractured skull following a nasty collision with David Luiz. The Wolves striker was given oxygen by medical staff and appeared unconscious as he was stretchered off and rushed to hospital where he underwent surgery. 

A club statement issued by Wolves said Jimenez was now “comfortable” and will remain in hospital for a few days for observations.

It added: “The club would like to thank the medical staff at Arsenal, the NHS paramedics, hospital staff and surgeons who, through their skill and early response, were of such help."

The result might have been even worse for Arteta’s side if referee Michael Oliver hadn’t taken such a cynical view of Traore’s penalty claim shortly after the restart. The forward was booked for simulation after going down under a challenge by Gabriel, but television replays showed that there was in fact some contact made.

Wolves then endured a nervy climax throughout the second half while Arsenal searched for an equaliser which never materialised.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should have capitalised on a mistake by Rui Patricio but the captain’s first touch was uncharacteristically poor, forcing him too wide and allowing the keeper to recover. Bukayo Saka’s scuffed volley from just a few yards out also underlined the Gunners’ offensive shortcomings this season. 

A year to the day since previous head coach, Unai Emery, was sacked, this result is a bitter pill to swallow for Arteta and the board. Meanwhile, for the fans, Sunday's trip to high-flying rivals Tottenham will only add to the sense of doom that currently engulfs their club.