Mikel Arteta has backed Viktor Gyokeres following his performance against Wolves, instead pointing to the failures of other Arsenal players. The Gunners secured a dramatic 2-1 victory, with all three goals arriving in the closing stages and the winner coming deep into stoppage time.
A fortuitous own goal from Sam Johnstone, following a Bukayo Saka corner, gave Arsenal the lead before Tolu Arokodare equalised in the dying moments of regulation time. However, Yerson Mosquera inadvertently headed into his own net four minutes into added time to secure the points for Arsenal.
Despite facing the Premier League’s bottom club, Arsenal were well below their usual standards, something Arteta readily admitted whilst explaining the challenges they encountered.
Speaking in a press conference, he said: « Yeah, [winning] at the end of the day but we knew it was gonna be a tough match, especially if we didn’t manage to score early in the game. We had a lot of situations in the first half, one massive big chance for Martinelli, two yards out, totally free and we don’t score.
« But we struggled once we arrived into those danger zones to pick a red shirt in the box. We had many situations and then we didn’t generate many clear chances. »
« In the second half, we did that a bit better, we scored the goal. But then we had periods of three minutes in deep, so passive, really poor defensive habits. Not acceptable for our level because we haven’t conceded a single shot until that point. The first time they do it, they score a goal. That’s the Premier League.
« We are very much aware of that and have to improve that because at the very end we rely on one individual action, a very chaotic action to score the goal and win the game, and the margin should have been bigger. »
Wolves effectively employed a low block at the Emirates, which left Gyokeres struggling for involvement. He registered just 15 touches across his 81 minutes on the pitch, though Arteta suggested his team-mates could offer more support.
When asked about Gyokeres needing to contribute more whilst also receiving better service, Arteta explained: « It’s a collaboration between the two. He was in a lot of really good positions and the ball didn’t get into the area quick enough, sharp enough or just with the precision that is required for a No.9 to score the goal.
« But his work rate and intentions were there and we need to keep insisting. »
The sole significant concern from the match was Ben White’s injury, with Arteta providing an update afterwards.
He confessed: « Looks like a hamstring, so we don’t know the extent of that, but probably tomorrow or the day after we’ll know more. »
Injury woes have marred Arsenal’s 2025/26 campaign, with Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard and William Saliba all uncertain for the upcoming weekend match. Arteta even admitted that playing Saliba was a gamble after his recent absence.
« We had to even risk today Willy because probably it wasn’t their best goal to play 90 minutes because we were buying tickets for another injury, but we don’t have anybody else, » Arteta added.
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