Mikel Arteta Cautions Arsenal After Narrow Last-Minute Victory Over Wolves
Mikel Arteta expressed concerns regarding Arsenal’s defensive performance following a tense last-minute victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Although the Gunners secured a vital win, they faced unsettling moments that nearly jeopardized their lead in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s Warning to Arsenal
After the match at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta highlighted the team’s “horrible defensive habits.” Arsenal, currently leading the Premier League by five points, struggled against the league’s bottom team, showcasing defensive vulnerabilities.
Key Events of the Match
- 70th minute: Bukayo Saka’s corner deflected off Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone into the net, giving Arsenal the lead.
- 90th minute: Substitute Tolu Arokodare equalized for Wolves, capitalizing on Arsenal’s passive defense.
- 94th minute: Yerson Mosquera unfortunately scored anown goal, allowing Arsenal to clinch the win.
Despite the late triumph, Arteta pointed out the near disaster of losing their grip on the match. He stated, “We had a period of deep, totally passive play, which is nowhere near the level required.” This defensive lapse could prove costly against more competitive teams.
Injury Concerns for Arsenal
Adding to the distress, defender Ben White departed the match early due to a hamstring injury, marking another setback for the squad. Arteta noted, “He hasn’t played many minutes due to previous issues, and now he might be sidelined again.”
- Ben White: Injured in the 31st minute.
- Impact: This was his fourth consecutive start, a significant milestone for his recovery.
With this victory, Arsenal must assess their defensive strategies moving forward. Arteta’s call for improvement is clear as they look to maintain their lead in the league.
