Arsenal's Title Hopes Dented by Wolves Draw as Dressing Room Panic Claimed
Arsenal were left stunned by a dramatic 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Wednesday night, a result that has thrown the Premier League title race wide open. Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has singled out two Gunners players for criticism and claimed there is palpable panic in the dressing room following the collapse.
Collapse Against the Bottom Side
Mikel Arteta's team appeared to be cruising to victory after strikes from Bukayo Saka and Piero Hincapie handed them a comfortable two-goal lead. However, the north London outfit failed to secure the three points, with Hugo Bueno pulling one back before Tom Edozie exploited a catastrophic blunder between goalkeeper David Raya and defender Gabriel Magalhaes in the 94th minute to snatch a draw.
The outcome means that if both Arsenal and Manchester City win their other remaining fixtures, their upcoming encounter could directly determine the title. Smith, a Sky Sports pundit, expressed uncertainty over whether Arsenal possess the mental resolve to cope with the mounting pressure, citing the team's unraveling performance.
Smith's Scathing Assessment
"It feels like a pivotal moment," Smith stated. "A vital one. Maybe a turning point. We'll wait and see. Obviously, it's in Manchester City's hands now, but having been two goals up against the team that's rock bottom on nine points, it's not good enough."
He specifically criticised the actions of Leandro Trossard and David Raya, suggesting their behaviour indicated deep-seated anxiety within the squad. "And the way things unravelled at the end with Trossard just trying to waste time and then David Raya panicking coming out when he didn't need to come out—it doesn't bode well for Arsenal being able to handle the pressure," Smith added. "There is clearly a lot of nerves within the camp; the whole situation seems to be getting the better of them."
Arteta's Response to Criticism
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted his team must accept any criticism directed at them, including questions about their mentality. "I think any question, any criticism, any opinion, you have to take it on the chin today. I think that's it," he said. "Any hit, any bullet, take it, because we didn't perform at the level that is required. Anything that anybody says can be right because we didn't do what we had to do."
Arteta emphasised that the response must come on the pitch, particularly in their next opportunity. "The way to do it is on that pitch on Sunday, in a great opportunity that we have. We've always done it, but you're as strong if you show it the next time you do it. To talk and say it here, it's simple, and we have to do it on the pitch."
The draw leaves Arsenal's title ambitions hanging in the balance, with scrutiny intensifying on their ability to maintain composure in high-stakes situations as the season reaches its climax.
