On the evening of 18/2 at Molineux, Bukayo Saka opened the scoring with a header in the 5th minute. Early in the second half, Arsenal's advantage doubled when defender Piero Hincapie scored from an attacking run.

However, for the remainder of the match, the "Gunners" dropped deep, ceding control to Wolves and paying the price. In the 61st minute, Hugo Bueno reduced the deficit with a curling shot. Then, in stoppage time, a defensive mix-up between Gabriel and goalkeeper David Raya allowed Tom Edozie to shoot, leading to an own goal by Riccardo Calafiori, securing a 2-2 draw.

Arsenal players are disappointed after Wolves equalized 2-2 in premier league round 31 at Molineux, Wolverhampton, England on 18/2/2026. *Photo: Reuters*

On Sky Sports, former midfielder Paul Merson stated that Arsenal paid the price for performing below par. "If they played at high speed, Wolves could not keep up. But when you play slowly, lack energy, and make many misplaced passes, you always give the opponent a chance," he commented. "You cannot play at such a low tempo. When Wolves equalized 2-2, Arsenal showed urgency, but not before. From now until the end of the season, every match is a final".

Two consecutive draws against Brentford and Wolves put Arsenal at risk of having their lead over Man City reduced to two points. They still have an away trip to the Etihad stadium on 18/4 – a potentially pivotal match for the championship.

"If Man City win all their remaining matches, they will be champions," Merson said, predicting Arsenal would face intense criticism in the coming days. "Everything will erupt. Words like 'fading' will be mentioned frequently. Drawing at Brentford and then leading by two goals against the bottom-placed team without winning, the pressure will be immense".

In the post-match press conference, coach Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration, admitting Arsenal failed to meet professional demands in the second half and needed significant improvement.

Merson, a former midfielder who played for Arsenal from 1985-1997, said he was surprised by Arteta's stern tone. "This is one of the rare times I have seen him not optimistic. That shows there is concern even within the team," the former English player shared.

Expert Alan Smith also noted that Arsenal is under significant psychological pressure. According to him, squandering a two-goal lead against the bottom-placed club reflects a lack of stability at crucial moments. "You can have a good squad, but if you cannot remain calm under pressure, all advantages can disappear," Smith analyzed.

In premier league round 27 this weekend, Man City will face Newcastle before Arsenal visits Tottenham. According to Merson, if Man City secure all three points in the upcoming round, the psychological momentum could shift entirely in favor of Pep Guardiola's side.

Hong Duy (via Sky Sports)