Arsenal dropped two points in a disappointing outing against Wolves – and Mikel Arteta was unable to defend his side’s performance as two players were targeted following the game
Mikel Arteta could not defend his team(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has taken aim at Leandro Trossard and David Raya for their role in the Gunners’ giving up their lead against Wolves on Wednesday night. Mikel Arteta’s side saw the Premier League title race blow wide open after slipping up against the division’s bottom team.
Goals from Bukayo Saka and Piero Hincapie gave Arsenal what looked to be a secure advantage at Molineux, but the north London side failed to claim three points. Hugo Bueno halved the deficit before Tom Edozie capitalised on a mix-up between David Raya and Gabriel Magalhaes in the 94th minute.
The result means that if both teams win in their other remaining matches, the clash between Arsenal and Manchester City will decide the title race. Smith is unsure whether Arsenal have the stomach to handle the tension following their actions against Wolves.
The Sky Sports pundit believes the Gunners unravelled in their draw and Trossard and Raya’s moves show that nerves are present in Arteta’s squad. “It feels like a pivotal moment,” he said.
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
“A vital one. Maybe a turning point. We’ll wait and see. Obviously, it’s in Manchester City’s hands now, but having been two goals up against the team that’s rock bottom on nine points, it’s not good enough.
“And the way things unravelled at the end with Trossard just trying to waste time and then David Raya panicking coming out when he didn’t need to come out it doesn’t bode well for Arsenal being able to handle the pressure.
“There is clearly a lot of nerves within the camp, the whole situation seems to be getting the better of them. It did tonight and going forward, but it doesn’t bode well.”
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Arsenal boss Arteta conceded his side must take any criticism aimed at them following the result, including questions about their mentality.
“I think any question, any criticism, any opinion, you have to take it on the chin today. I think that’s it,” he said.
“Any hit, any bullet, take it, because we didn’t perform at the level that is required. Anything that anybody says can be right because we didn’t do what we had to do.
“The way to do it is on that pitch on Sunday, in a great opportunity that we have. We’ve always done it, but you’re as strong if you show it the next time you do it. To talk and say it here, it’s simple, and we have to do it on the pitch.”
About Author
You may also like
-
Real Madrid eye Luka Vuskovic transfer from Tottenham
-
Man United update regarding Goretzka issued by Romano
-
Arne Slot on Alexander Isak injury return for Liverpool
-
Mikel Arteta’s deadline to win title with Arsenal as pressure mounts – ‘They must feel it’
-
Arsenal and Man City fixtures compared as Paul Merson picks out where points could be dropped