The LLM Podcast

February 20, 2026
Next podcast at 05:30 IST
Abhinav Ennazhiyil

Tom Edozie's Dream Debut Goal Stuns Arsenal and Rewrites Premier League Script

In one of the most dramatic nights in recent Premier League history, 19-year-old Tom Edozie etched his name into folklore with a last-gasp equaliser on his senior debut, helping Wolves snatch a 2-2 draw against league leaders Arsenal at Molineux. The result not only denied Arsenal the chance to open a seven-point gap at the top but also exposed worrying inconsistencies in Mikel Artetas title-chasing side.

Tom Edozie celebrates after scoring on his Premier League debut for Wolves

A Dream Debut for Edozie

Coming off the bench in the 84th minute, Edozie had just 10 minutes to make an impact. He did so in the most stunning fashion imaginable, pouncing during a goalmouth scramble after a weak punch from Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. The ball ricocheted off Gabriel, the post, and then Riccardo Calafiori before finding the back of the net.

Originally ruled an own goal, the strike was later awarded to Edozie after match review, a revelation that left the teenager in disbelief.

Playing football as a kid, you dream of things like this, Edozie said in a post-match interview with Sky Sports. Im just so thankful to Rob (Edwards) for even putting me on the pitch in the first place. Hopefully it is my goal, but, yeah, its just a dream come true.

He added: I trained hard as a kid, Ive been playing football my whole life, so to score, and to score on my Premier League debut, is just a feeling I cant describe. Its just amazing.

A Stunning Comeback

Arsenal had looked set for a commanding victory after early dominance. Bukayo Saka, captaining the side amid reports of a new contract, opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a header from Declan Rices cross. The Gunners doubled their lead in the 56th minute when Piero Hincapie fired past José Sá, though only after a VAR review confirmed Hugo Bueno hadnt played him onside.

Just five minutes later, Bueno atoned with a stunning curled finish into the top corner, giving Wolves a lifeline. The momentum shifted, and Arsenals inability to manage the game in the final stages proved costly.

Historic Stats and Title Implications

According to Opta, Edozie became only the seventh player to score on their Premier League debut against the team leading the table. He also joined Tolu Arokodare and Hugo Bueno as Wolves players to score their first top-flight goals against Arsenal this season.

The draw was historic: for the first time in Premier League history, the bottom club avoided defeat after going two goals down against the league leaders. It also ended Arsenals 18-game winning streak in away matches when two goals ahead, dating back to April 2023.

Mikel Arteta reacts on the touchline after Arsenal concede a late equaliser

Artetas Concerns

Mikel Arteta admitted his sides inconsistency is becoming a critical issue.

Its very tough to accept it. In the second half, we did not perform in the way we should... You have to be critical of yourselves because it was not good enough, Arteta told Sky Sports. We have not been consistent over the last few months.

Saka echoed those sentiments: Its very flat. Im very disappointed with the result and especially how we played in the second half. Weve lost that (momentum) a bit right now.

A Symbol of Hope

For Wolves, rooted to the bottom and 17 points from safety, survival remains a tall order. But Edozies heroics offer a glimmer of pride and a powerful message.

It also shows if youre a young lad or young girl and youve got dreams, dont give up, said manager Rob Edwards. Keep fighting. You never know when someone is watching.

Edozie, who joined Wolves academy from a grassroots London team in 2022, symbolizes the power of perseverance. His father was in attendance, but the young star could barely believe his moment had arrived until he was called into action.

I didnt think he said my name at first! Edozie recalled with a laugh. My heart just started beating, but I was just ready to get on the pitch.

From disbelief to ecstasy, Tom Edozies debut may not save Wolves from relegation, but it has unquestionably left a lasting mark on the 2025/26 Premier League season.

Sources: https://www.fotmob.com/news/1hvjgvwiclp7y1tqy6ojlarkcu-edozie-revels-dream-come-true-after-debut-goal-stuns-arsenal https://www.fotmob.com/news/b0xib07h4qqv1298o552oolga-wolves-2-2-arsenal-edozie-scores-dream-debut-goal-dent-visitors-title-hopes https://www.fotmob.com/news/wrauqkzqh56g1f0oplmypzo3j-arteta-admits-arsenal-lack-consistency-after-wolves-fightback-dents-title-hopes https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7056455/2026/02/18/tom-edozie-arsenal-wolves-premier-league