Arsenal's Title Race Nerves Exposed in Dramatic Wolves Draw
Arsenal have been branded as 'slow and lazy' and warned they risk being labelled 'bottle jobs' after a stunning collapse against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Gunners let a two-goal advantage slip to draw 2-2 with the Premier League's bottom team, opening the door for Manchester City in a tense title race.
Merson Blasts Former Side's Lacklustre Performance
Former Arsenal player Paul Merson did not hold back in his criticism, suggesting the result could severely impact Arsenal's championship ambitions. "If Man City win all their games now on, they win the league. It's disappointing," Merson stated. He emphasised that Arsenal failed to play with urgency until it was too late, describing their tempo as sluggish and error-prone.
Merson elaborated: "You've got to play at a high tempo. If Arsenal play at a high tempo, Wolves can't live with them. But to play the way they played, and it's slow and lazy, and they are giving the ball away, then Wolves are always going to be in the game. That could come back to bite them."
How the Match Unfolded at Molineux
Arsenal appeared in control early on, with goals from Bukayo Saka and Piero Hincapie giving them a comfortable 2-0 lead. However, the team could not capitalise on this strong position, allowing Wolves back into the game through Hugo Bueno's strike and a defensive mix-up.
The equaliser came from Tom Edozie, who scored on his debut after a miscommunication between defender Gabriel and goalkeeper David Raya. This error proved costly, reducing Arsenal's lead over Manchester City to just five points, with City holding a game in hand.
Ex-Players Highlight Pivotal Moment in Title Race
Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith echoed concerns, labelling the draw a potential turning point. "It feels like a pivotal moment," Smith said. "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."
Smith pointed to visible nerves within the Arsenal camp, citing instances like Leandro Trossard's time-wasting and David Raya's panicked decision-making. "There is clearly a lot of nerves within the camp, the whole situation seems to be getting the better of them," he added, questioning Arsenal's ability to handle pressure in the final stages of the season.
Implications for the Premier League Title Race
This result has intensified scrutiny on Arsenal's mental fortitude, with critics suggesting the team may be 'melting' under the pressure. The draw follows a previous away stalemate at Brentford, compounding fears about Arsenal's consistency in crucial matches.
As the Premier League season reaches its climax, Arsenal must address these issues to maintain their challenge. With Manchester City now in a stronger position, every game becomes a cup final for Mikel Arteta's side, who can ill afford further slip-ups if they are to secure the title.
