Second-half collapse proves costly
Mikel Arteta expressed deep disappointment after Arsenal threw away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 at Wolves. Goals from Bukayo Saka and Piero Hincapie gave the Gunners control, but Hugo Bueno’s stunning strike and a late equaliser from debutant Tom Edozie snatched two points away.
“We’re very disappointed with the end result, but we have to fault ourselves,” Arteta said. “The performance in the second half doesn’t show the level required to win in the Premier League, especially after how we played in the first half.”
He added: “It’s tough, we are frustrated because it’s down to us. It’s time to talk on the pitch because anything we say now comes from anger and disappointment. Nothing said right now will benefit the team.”
Arteta stressed attitude and desire were not the issue: “There were a lot of things that went wrong in the second half that didn’t allow us to dominate, even after the second goal. We never felt in control.”
Focus turns to north London derby
Attention now shifts to Sunday’s north London derby at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Arteta wants his side to bounce back: “We need to improve, pick ourselves up, bring the energy back. We have a great game on Sunday to show that.”
He urged reflection: “This one has to be really painful and we use it in the right way to improve. We owe ourselves that victory after today’s second half.”
