Mikel Arteta has pointed the finger of blame at Arsenal's dismal second-half display following their baffling collapse against rock-bottom Wolves, admitting his side deserved to drop points in a dramatic Premier League clash at Molineux.
Arsenal's Lead Slips Away in Dramatic Fashion
The Gunners appeared to be cruising towards a straightforward victory in the Black Country after Bukayo Saka gave them the lead within the opening five minutes. Piero Hincapie then doubled Arsenal's advantage after the break, seemingly putting the game out of reach.
However, Hugo Bueno reduced the deficit just moments later, and Rob Edwards' men completed a stunning turnaround in stoppage time. Thomas Edozie capitalised on an error between David Raya and Gabriel, with his shot taking a touch off Riccardo Calafiori to secure a dramatic draw for Wolves.
Arteta's Frustration Over Second-Half Performance
Speaking after the game, Arsenal boss Arteta slammed his team for their lacklustre second-half performance. He said: "Very tough to accept it. In the second half we did not perform in the way we should and the way we require to win a Premier League match. It is better not to judge it, we are all too emotional about it. You have to take the hit because we deserve it."
Arteta emphasised the need for composure and improvement, adding: "It is very easy with emotion to say things that can damage the team. Everyone wants to do their best. You have to go through tough periods. Today at the last minute, we paid the price. We have to do basic things much better than we have done."
Title Race Implications and Consistency Concerns
The draw leaves Arsenal vulnerable in the Premier League title race, with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City now just five points behind and holding a game in hand. This result marks another instance where Arsenal have let leads slip in recent weeks, raising questions about their consistency.
When asked why this has become a recurring theme, Arteta responded: "Depends. Against Leeds, it didn't happen. Today we need to accept it. We need to be critical of ourselves because it was not good enough. In the league, it is the reality that we have not been consistent over the last few months. You have to stand up. When you have a moment of difficulty, we have to show how much we want it and how good we are. We have to stand up."
Upcoming Challenges for the Gunners
Arsenal are set to face North London rivals Tottenham away from home this weekend, a crucial match that could see their lead potentially cut to just two points if Manchester City defeat Newcastle. This adds pressure on Arteta's side to address their defensive frailties and maintain their title ambitions.
The collapse at Molineux serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead, with Arteta urging his players to learn from this experience and demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity.
