Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 24.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Having failed to score in their last four matches in all competitions, Arsenal will do well to break their goal drought against a stubborn Wolves side on Thursday.
Bruno Lage's men boast the second-best defensive record in the Premier League, with just 16 goals conceded in 21 matches so far.
TV Info
Matches at Molineux have averaged only 1.6 goals, so Arsenal are likely to experience a tight and cagey encounter.
Unsung hero
Key to Wolves' defensive solidity have been the performances of Maximilian Kilman. The 24-year-old is a commanding and positionally intelligent centre-back who is comfortable on the ball.
Unlike last season, when he made just 14 starts, Lage has entrusted the left-footer with a regular berth on the right side of his back three.
The Wolves head coach has used Kilman for all but one minute of the campaign so far and been rewarded with a string of consistent performances.
Leading centre-backs 2021/22
| Player | Duels won | Player | Interceptions won |
| Pinnock | 156 | Salisu | 53 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarkowski | 141 | Keane | 43 |
| Salisu | 133 | Kilman | 37 |
| Kilman | 107 | Hanley | 37 |
| Matip | 103 | Bednarek | 34 |
Kilman uses his 6ft 4in frame to good effect, winning 66.5 per cent of his duels. Only three centre-backs have won more in 2021/22.
His reading of the game is another standout feature, with only two central defenders making more interceptions.
At Molineux on Thursday night Kilman may not always have a striker to mark, so he will be asked to step forward and engage with Arsenal's attacking midfielders in pockets of space.
He must balance that urge to be aggressive with an awareness that Gabriel Martinelli will also try to make diagonal runs in behind him.
His decision-making will once again be put to the test.
Progressive ball-carrier
Kilman has also impressed when in possession. His 7.5 progressive carries per 90 minutes demonstrate his assuredness and effectiveness in bringing the ball out from the back.
Outside the traditional top-six clubs, he ranks third in this department among central defenders, behind Diego Llorente (13.9 carries) and Marc Guehi (8.7).
If there is space in front of him, Kilman will inject impetus into Wolves' attacks by travelling with the ball at his feet.
Using his background as a former England futsal international to good effect, Kilman has completed 14 of 17 attempted dribbles.
Leading dribbling centre-backs
| Player | Completed dribbles |
| Kilman | 14 |
|---|---|
| Kabak | 14 |
| Webster | 10 |
| Salisu | 10 |
Kilman has not attracted too much attention this season, but since Lage made him a mainstay in the starting XI he has been quite outstanding.
He will not make it easy for Arsenal to get back on the scoresheet.
