On the evening of 18/2 at Molineux Stadium, Arsenal controlled the match and led two-zero with goals from Bukayo Saka and Piero Hincapie. However, the "Gunners" then dropped deep, ceding control to Wolves, and paid a heavy price. In the 61st minute, Hugo Bueno scored a spectacular left-footed curling shot to narrow the gap for Wolves. In stoppage time, Tom Edozie's shot led to an own goal by Riccardo Calafiori, sealing the 2-2 draw.

"We have only ourselves to blame. Every question, every criticism today is justified," Arteta stated after the match. "We did not meet the standards required to win in this league. If you are strong, you must show it on the pitch, not just with words."

Manager Mikel Arteta reacted during Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Wolves in an early match of Premier League matchday 31 at Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, England on 18/2/2026. Photo: *Football365*

The Spanish coach admitted Arsenal showed nothing in the second half and failed to control the game even after taking a two-goal lead. He emphasized that the entire team needs to accept this shock and react strongly in upcoming matches.

Regarding the ability to control emotions during the match, Arteta said: "If you ask the players what they need to do right now, they all know. But we were unable to execute that throughout the match, repeating it at many points. That is something we must improve, and it is the reality."

In their seven recent Premier League matches, the "Gunners" have won two, drawn four, and lost one, collecting 10 points and dropping 11. This run of results puts them at risk of Man City narrowing the gap to two points, with the two teams still set for a major clash at the Etihad Stadium on 18/4.

Arteta believes pressure is inevitable for a leading team, and he wants his players to quickly overcome this setback to focus on the derby at Tottenham on 22/2.

Meanwhile, Saka admitted Arsenal paid the price for their declining performance after halftime. "The atmosphere in the dressing room is very somber. We are truly disappointed, that's the only way to describe it," the England international said. "This was a game of two halves. We started very well in the first half, but in the second half, we dropped our level and were punished."

Nevertheless, Saka emphasized that the title race remains in Arsenal's hands as the season enters its decisive phase. "The derby was already huge, and now it's even more important. We need to win all our remaining matches. Everything is still within our control, so the whole team must focus on fixing the current issues and returning to a winning streak," the 24-year-old player affirmed.

Hong Duy (according to ESPN, Arsenal.com)