How Arsenal's subs bench has ignited their title push

The last-gasp Premier League win against Wolves was the latest example of an Arsenal substitute making an impact when it truly mattered.

Gabriel Jesus' introduction with nine minutes left – the 28-year-old's first league appearance of the season – ultimately led to the winning goal, with Jesus pressuring Wolves defender Yerson Mosquera into heading Bukayo Saka's cross into his own net during injury time.

Such has been Arsenal's excellence so far this season, substitutions have often been made more to manage games rather than to force a result.

But in the tightest matches, Mikel Arteta has made several key changes that have gone on to contribute towards a positive result.

Arsenal's replacements have been directly involved in seven goals this season, and while the substitutes of Aston Villa and Brighton have had more of an impact, the timing of goal contributions by the Gunners' substitutes has been crucial.

In September, Arsenal were 1-0 down against Manchester City when Gabriel Martinelli was brought on in the 80th minute. He then scored a 93rd-minute equaliser to earn a point.

A week later, Arsenal were losing at Newcastle United before Mikel Merino equalised after 84 minutes and then fellow substitute Martin Odegaard, who came on with just nine minutes left, then assisted Gabriel's 96th-minute winner.

More recently, substitute Bukayo Saka scored during injury time to seal the 2-0 win at home to Brentford earlier this month, before Jesus' indirect intervention on Saturday.

Jesus' return from injury is a welcome boost to Arsenal's options from the bench – and their chances of winning more matches thanks to contributions from substitutes.