Mikel Arteta criticises Arsenal after draw with Wolves
Mikel Arteta has ripped into his Arsenal players after their 2-2 draw with Wolves, admitting that they shot themselves in the foot after throwing away a 2-0 lead, reports BritPanorama.
The Gunners were in cruise control after Bukayo Saka and Piero Hincapie struck in the first 56 minutes of the match. However, Wolves came roaring back, with Rob Edwards’ team ultimately securing a point via goals from Hugo Bueno and Tom Edozie.
This result means Arsenal squandered the chance to go seven points clear of Manchester City in the race for the Premier League title, with the Gunners now five ahead. Pep Guardiola’s men do have a game in hand, though.
Arteta did not hold back after the fixture, criticising his players as the title race took another huge twist. “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,” he said.
He elaborated on the emotional aspects of the match, stating, “It is better not to judge it, we are all too emotional about it. You have to take the hit because we deserve it. 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.”
While Arsenal have been outstanding this season, they have regularly blown the chance to move further clear at the summit. Stalemates have hampered Arteta’s men, with the north London titans drawing seven of their 27 league matches. When asked why this kept happening, the 43-year-old reflected, “Today we need to accept it. We need to be critical of ourselves because it was not good enough.”
He added, “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.” Bukayo Saka also shared his disappointment, criticising their display.
Speaking on Match of the Day, he said, “Disappointed. Not much else to say. There was a big difference in how we played in the first half and the second half. We dropped our standards and we got punished for it. Time to focus on ourselves, improve our standards and improve our performances and it is in our control.”
Arsenal are next in action against Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday, in another fixture that could have huge consequences. Before that, City will attempt to cut the Gunners’ lead at the top of the standings to two points when they face Eddie Howe’s Newcastle on Saturday.
As the pressure mounts, Arsenal’s ability to regain their composure will be crucial in the coming weeks — reflecting the high stakes and intense nature of the title race.
