Arsenal's 2-2 draw with bottom-placed club Wolves on 18/2/2026 puts them at risk of Man City closing the gap to two points. With the two teams set to face each other directly at the Etihad Stadium on 18/4/2026, Man City would secure the title if they win all 12 remaining matches.

In their last seven Premier League matches, the "Gunners" have won only two, drawn four, and lost one, collecting 10 points and dropping 11. This form has led to renewed doubts about Arsenal's mental strength and consistency during this critical period, especially after finishing runners-up in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons.

Manager Mikel Arteta during Arsenal's training session on 20/2. Photo: Arsenal FC

Addressing criticism that Arsenal are "weak-willed, habitual bottlers", Arteta responded: "That is a personal opinion and must be respected. When you drop two points in such a manner, you have to accept it. But that word is not in my dictionary. I do not think anyone deliberately tries to do that".

The Spanish manager took full responsibility for the team's performance, emphasizing: "When we do not meet standards, I take full responsibility. I have never blamed any individual. If anyone is to blame, it is me".

Despite the Premier League setback, Arsenal remain active on multiple fronts. Beyond the domestic league, the London club has advanced to the Champions League round of 16, will face Mansfield Town in the FA Cup fifth round on 7/3/2026, and will clash with Man City in the League Cup final on 22/3/2026.

Arteta expressed satisfaction with their current standing and views the derby against Tottenham in matchweek 27 as an opportunity for his players to demonstrate their character. "What I care about is the next chapter. How will we react and how will we write our own destiny from here?", the 43-year-old manager stated. "We cannot change what has happened, but we can absolutely decide what comes next".

Arteta also highlighted that while demands on players are always very high, they must be accompanied by commensurate support. He affirmed: "If you want to demand a lot, you also have to support them at that same high level. I love them like my children. What they need is truth and trust".

Regarding team selection, Arteta indicated that Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are likely to return to action. Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka, who left the pitch early in the draw against Wolves, are both fit to start against Tottenham. The Spanish manager left open the possibility of deploying Saka and Havertz in the number 10 role, but stressed that managing their workload will depend on each player's specific physical condition.

Hong Duy (according to ESPN, Sky Sports)