Mikel Arteta has blamed Arsenal’s second-half performance for their unexpected capitulation in a 2-2 draw against bottom-of-the-table Wolves, claiming they « deserved » to lose points at Molineux. Arsenal appeared to be cruising towards a comfortable victory after Bukayo Saka put them ahead within the first five minutes. Piero Hincapie then extended the Gunners’ lead after half-time.
However, Hugo Bueno quickly clawed one back, with Rob Edwards’ side completing a dramatic comeback in added time as Thomas Edozie capitalised on a blunder between David Raya and Gabriel. His shot was deflected off Riccardo Calafiori. The draw leaves Arsenal exposed, with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City now trailing by just five points with a game in hand.
After the match, Arsenal boss Arteta lambasted his team for their second-half display in the Midlands. 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.
« 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. »
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Arsenal’s draw at Molineux marked yet another occasion where they have let leads slip away. When questioned why this has emerged as a recurring pattern for his team in recent weeks, he added: « 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. »
Arsenal return to the pitch this weekend as they face North London rivals Tottenham on Spurs’ home turf. Their advantage could potentially be reduced to merely two points, with City facing Newcastle.
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