Never before in Premier League history has the team at the top of the table lost a two-goal lead to the team at the bottom of the table. But Arsenal’s extraordinary collapse against Wolves showed why there are so many still questioning their title credentials.A hefty chunk of their own fans count themselves among the doubters and even Mikel Arteta, so often the passionate defender of his players, appeared bereft at what he had just witnessed. “We have to blame ourselves,” Arteta said after this dramatic 2-2 draw.
When Piero Hincapie put Arsenal two up, it should have been over. But Hugo Bueno’s goal altered the mood and they never did wrestle back the initiative. “I can’t believe how many times they gave the ball away cheaply,” said Paul Merson on Sky Sports.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Wolves’ match against Arsenal in the Premier League
Their game-management at Molineux was wretched. Wolves had more of the ball in the second half – completing 180 passes to Arsenal’s 163. And while Rob Edwards praised his team’s spirit, that statistic says more about Arsenal’s desperate decision-making.For long periods in that second half, Arteta could be seen shaking his head or turning back to the bench with arms outstretched. He was urging his team to stay calm, telling them to recirculate possession. When they tried to pass it, Wolves were pulled around.
But Arsenal allowed the pattern of the game to change and that is damning. It was only in stoppage time that they really tried to shut things down – stalling for time and delaying the restarts. Even that could be interpreted as a weak attempt to hang on.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Gabriel Jesus was booked as tempers flared at full-time between Arsenal and Wolves
Why did Raya keep going long?David Raya’s handling error for the equalising goal is what will be remembered of his…
2026-02-19 10:12:00
