Arsenal punished for lack of urgency
Paul Merson accused Arsenal of being “slow and lazy” after they threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at Wolves. Piero Hincapie added to Bukayo Saka’s opener, but Hugo Bueno pulled one back spectacularly before a late mix-up between Gabriel and David Raya allowed debutant Tom Edozie to equalise in the 94th minute.
Merson told Sky Sports: “You can’t play in second gear. When Wolves went to 2-2, there was urgency. They didn’t have that before. Every game is a cup final. If Arsenal play at high tempo, Wolves can’t live with them. But they were slow, lazy, giving the ball away.”
He predicts “bottle jobs” and “melting” accusations will ramp up: “It’s full-on now after drawing at Brentford and being two up against the worst team in the league.”
Arteta admits Arsenal ‘deserved the hit’
Mikel Arteta was blunt post-match: “In the second half we didn’t perform at any level in any aspect. We deserved the hit. Too many things went wrong. We’re all too emotional now.”
Merson was shocked by Arteta’s negative tone: “First time I’ve seen him not majorly positive. He says ‘we deserved the hit’ instead of ‘we’re five points clear’. Even he is thinking now. Something’s missing.”
Smith: Arsenal struggling with pressure
Alan Smith agreed: “It’s a pivotal moment. Two up against rock-bottom Wolves and it unravels. David Raya panicking doesn’t bode well. Nerves are getting to them. Man City will feel our breath on the shoulder and fancy it now with their experience.”
Tough run ahead for Arsenal
Man City can cut the gap to two points by beating Newcastle on Saturday. Arsenal face Tottenham live on Sky Sports Sunday (4.30pm), then Chelsea soon after. Merson warns: “Momentum swings completely if City win. North London derbies are levellers. New manager at Spurs will have them running through walls. Arsenal aren’t playing well enough to blow them away.”
