Mikel Arteta is demanding more from his Arsenal side after they blew a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with rock-bottom Wolves.
Goals from Bukayo Saka and Piero Hincapie had put Arsenal on course for a comfortable win, but Hugo Bueno’s superb strike and Tom Edozie’s late equalizer denied them the three points.
Arteta admitted his team deserved criticism for their self-inflicted wounds, saying, “Incredibly disappointed. We need to accept it. We need to be critical of ourselves because it was not good enough.” He emphasized that Arsenal’s inconsistency over the past few months has been a major concern.
The Gunners have now dropped 11 points in eight league games in 2026, and Arteta’s men are in danger of being haunted by their past failures.
It ends level at Molineux. pic.twitter.com/a4SJxOWxpr
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 18, 2026
Arteta expressed his frustration, stating, “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.”
The result gives Manchester City, who are five points behind Arsenal, renewed hope in the title race. City have a game in hand on their rivals and a home game against the Gunners in April.
Arteta urged his players to stand up and show their desire, saying, “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.” He emphasized the importance of basic things, stating, “We have to do basic things much better than we have done.”
Arsenal looked increasingly nervous as the minutes ticked down, and their frustration boiled over at the final whistle.
Arteta will be hoping his side can bounce back from this setback in time for Sunday’s north London derby at Tottenham.
The Gunners face a crucial home game against Chelsea on March 1, and Arteta will be looking to instill a sense of urgency in his team. “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,” Arteta said.
Arteta’s side will need to quickly put this disappointment behind them if they are to maintain their title challenge. With City closing in, the pressure is mounting on Arsenal.
