By Scott Cooper
January 29 2005

FA CUP REPORT: Arsenal 2-0 Wolves | Brave Wolves went down 2-0 at Arsenal on Saturday as the Premiership Champions enter the fifth round draw of the FA Cup.

FA CUP REPORT: Arsenal 2-0 Wolves | Brave Wolves went down 2-0 at Arsenal on Saturday as the Premiership Champions enter the fifth round draw of the FA Cup.

A stunning performance from Wolves goalkeeper Michael Oakes ensured Wolves left Highbury with their heads held high after what was a determined performance at the home of the English Champions.

Wolves boss Glenn Hoddle had made a couple of surprise changes to the squad. Joachim Bjorklund replaced the suspended Mark Clyde and Kenny Miller was replaced by Shaun Newton as Glenn Hoddle moved away from the famous diamond formation. Carl Cort acted as a loan striker meaning talented South Korean International Seol Ki-Hyeon played in a wide-left position.

Wolves were never going to win this game. Teams such as Arsenal simply don't slip up against weaker opposition, but it was important that Wolves didn't disgrace themselves against the likes of Henry and Reyes.

For 50 minutes Wolves game-plan paid off. Wolves enjoyed a spell - albeit a short one - of domination towards the end of the half as Arsenal started to get frustrated. Towards the end of the half Thierry Henry decided he'd give the referee and his assistant referee a lecture as frustration set in. It's usually the other way around, but in the Premiership it's the big names who lecture the referee's.

Wolves had a shout for a penalty turned down just before half time, but after Olofinjana had missed a golden opportunity to take the lead shortly after the interval, Mike Riley pointed to the spot for Arsenal.

The foul the referee punished Oakes for (he supposedly took down Henry) looked harsh, but in fairness Riley could have pointed to the spot moments earlier as Reyes was hauled back as he was set to shoot by Craddock.

Freddy Ljungberg put the game beyond Wolves' reach in the 82nd minute with an excellent strike from six yards.

Wolves played well, but it could have still been 5-0 to Arsenal such was the quality. The FA Cup is over for another year at Molineux, but if this good run of form continues, Wolves may still find a way to a Cardiff final.