Wolverhampton Wanderers' survival hopes have been dealt a blow after a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal at Molineux.
Wolves' evening got off to an awful start when Sebastien Bassong was sent off for his clumsy challenge on Theo Walcott in the penalty area. Robin van Persie converted the spot kick with the cheekiest of dinks as Wayne Hennessey dived to his right.
It was 2-0 in the 11th minute as Van Persie played in Walcott, who calmly slotted home.
The hosts had a rare opportunity midway through the half, but Christophe Berra's header was deflected wide by Johan Djourou from a corner.
The Gunners came inches away from doubling their lead after the break when Yossi Benayoun almost got a touch to Aaron Ramsey's cross.
However, Wolves nearly to pull one back as Kevin Doyle's header forced Wojciech Szczesny into a fine save.
Despite the threat of a comeback, Arsenal made it 3-0 when Benayoun collected Alex Song's pass before firing into the bottom corner.
Jack Prescott
