Arsenal latest: Bukayo Saka’s reaction slammed as Mikel Arteta replacement claim made

Arsenal fans endured a brutal hit with their club failing to protect a two-goal lead against Wolves

The atmosphere may have settled after Arsenal’s dramatic collapse against Wolves, but anxiety over their slimming advantage at the summit won’t be going anywhere.

The Gunners appeared destined for a straightforward win at Molineux on Wednesday evening following Piero Hincapie’s second-half strike that established a 2-0 cushion. Victory would have marked a return to form after their 1-1 draw with Brentford whilst extending their advantage over Manchester City to seven points. Yet the beautiful game seldom adheres to expectations.

Hugo Bueno’s magnificent goal was followed by Tom Edozie’s effort deflecting in off Riccardo Calafiori, securing a point for the struggling side. The painful loss of two crucial points saw Gabriel Jesus lose his composure, pushing Wolves defender Yerson Mosquera moments after the final whistle sounded.

The unexpected surrender was subsequently addressed by Bukayo Saka, who faced backlash from an English football icon, whilst Mikel Arteta’s position is the focus of more discussion. We examine the latest developments concerning the table-toppers.

Saka comments criticised

The outcome at Molineux undoubtedly dealt a significant blow to Arsenal’s title aspirations. The frustration was evident and was also expressed by Saka, who wore the armband in place of the sidelined Martin Odegaard.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, the England international revealed: “It’s very flat [in the dressing room]. I’m very disappointed with the result and especially how we played in the second half, it’s far from the level that we’ve set this season.”

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Whilst numerous observers applauded Saka’s candid assessment and window into his team-mates’ mindset, his remarks didn’t sit well with Tottenham Hotspur legend Glenn Hoddle. The 68-year-old felt Saka’s downbeat demeanour and post-match reflections weren’t befitting of someone wearing the armband following such a challenging outcome.

“That’s interesting, that, because he was the skipper tonight,” Hoddle observed. “For me, he was very honest, very honest there saying they need to do better… blah blah blah. But his demeanour for me wasn’t right. Your demeanour needs to be a little bit more up, he was very flat, very flat.”

Arteta successor claim

The Spaniard’s tenure at the Emirates Stadium is nearing seven years, with the remaining months of this campaign potentially proving decisive in shaping his legacy at the club.

Regarding his future prospects, former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit anticipates Arteta will eventually take charge of Barcelona, whilst predicting another ex-Gunners skipper in Cesc Fabregas will succeed him in north London. “Mikel Arteta will one day manage Barcelona, I think eventually we’ll see that,” Petit told BetBrothers.

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“Does he really want to experience football in different countries? To be honest, if he is to leave Arsenal, I see him more likely to go abroad than to another Premier League club. So, obviously, I’d say Barca would be his favourite next move if he were to leave Arsenal.”

Since taking charge of Como in 2024, Fabregas has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting managerial prospects. Petit suggested the former Barcelona midfielder’s public criticism of Alvaro Morata following his red card against Fiorentina demonstrated he has the character to command authority.

“I think it’s the first time he goes public about a player instead of, you know, going public as he probably did in the past,” Petit added.” So for me, that’s showing personality, showing, ‘I’m the boss,’ and that obviously is a sign of, ‘I’m going to be here for a whilst.’

“His former clubs will let managers go and obviously Chelsea, Arsenal, I mean really any club at the top, will be looking at him as an option because he’s doing an incredible job at Como.”

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