Top Headlines

Feeds

Arsenal’s Late Collapse Against Wolves Leaves Title Hopes Hanging on City

Updated (5 articles)

Arsenal Lose Two‑Goal Lead, Settle for 2‑2 Draw Arsenal took an early advantage when Bukayo Saka scored in the 5th minute, and Gabriel Hincapie doubled the lead at 56′, but Wolves responded through Hugo Bueno and debutant Tom Edozie to level the match 2‑2, marking the first time a Premier League table‑topping side avoided defeat after trailing by two goals[1]. The comeback forced Arsenal to settle for a point despite dominating large portions of the game[1]. Both sides exchanged chances in the second half, but neither could find a winner before the final whistle[1].

Wolves Capitalise Under Pressure to Secure Point Rob Edwards praised his players for handling massive pressure and executing their game plan to earn the draw[1]. Wolves, sitting at the bottom of the table, showed resilience by equalising twice, demonstrating that even struggling clubs can influence the title race[1]. The result gave Wolves a morale boost while highlighting Arsenal’s defensive frailties in the latter stages[1].

Arsenal’s Recent Form Dips Amid Title Race Pressure The draw adds to a sequence where Arsenal have dropped four points in consecutive draws against Brentford and Wolves, winning only two of their last seven league matches[1]. After a strong start to the 2026 season, the Gunners’ inconsistency has raised concerns among supporters and pundits alike[1]. Former forward Alan Smith warned that the word “bottle” will dominate discussions surrounding the team’s performance[1].

Title Race Now Hinges on Manchester City’s Remaining Fixtures Manchester City sit five points behind Arsenal in second place, and can clinch the championship by winning all twelve of their remaining games, including a direct clash at the Etihad Stadium[1]. Arsenal’s fate is therefore increasingly tied to City’s results, shifting the pressure onto the defending champions[1]. The upcoming north‑London derby against Tottenham will be a crucial test for Arteta’s side to regain momentum[1].

Arteta Calls for Reflection Ahead of Tottenham Derby Manager Mikel Arteta admitted his squad performed below basic standards and urged players to focus on the upcoming Tottenham Hotspur match[1]. He emphasized the need for collective reflection and improvement before the decisive derby[1]. Saka expressed disappointment after ending his goal drought, noting a “big difference” in the second half that contributed to the collapse[1].

Sources

Related Tickers

Timeline

Dec 31, 2025 – Arsenal beat Aston Villa 4‑1 to stretch their lead to five points, while Pep Guardiola questions a “two‑horse” title race and says the situation could still change, noting City can still cut the gap at Sunderland; City also target forward Antoine Semenyo for a £65 m deal and discuss a loan for Oscar Bobb, though Guardiola declines to comment further[5].

Jan 1, 2026 – Manchester City hold Sunderland to a goalless draw despite 67 % possession and 14 shots, leaving Arsenal four points clear at the top; Rodri returns from a hamstring injury in the second half, while Guardiola worries about Savinho’s injury and Nico Gonzalez’s fitness, and Sunderland boss Régis Le Bris praises his side’s “character” and defensive resolve[4].

Jan 18, 2026 – Arsenal draw 0‑0 with Nottingham Forest, extending their league lead to seven points as rivals stumble; Manchester City lose the derby to United, marking a fourth straight winless game, Aston Villa fall to Everton and Liverpool are held by Burnley, while Arteta stresses the defence as the foundation of their title bid[3].

Feb 1, 2026 – Arsenal crush Leeds United 4‑0 to keep a six‑point cushion, while Manchester City squander a 2‑0 halftime lead against Tottenham, drawing 2‑2—the first time since April 2018 that City fail to win after leading by two at halftime, ending a 115‑match streak; City also fall 3‑1 to Bodo Glimt in the Champions League and Aston Villa lose at home to Brentford, prompting Arteta to urge fans to stay calm as the Gunners remain the most consistent side[2].

Feb 19, 2026 – Arsenal surrender a two‑goal lead to draw 2‑2 with Wolves, becoming the first league‑top side to avoid defeat after trailing by two, and Arteta admits the performance falls below basic standards while looking ahead to the north‑London derby against Tottenham; former striker Alan Smith predicts “bottle” will dominate discussion, Saka describes a “big difference” in the second half and expresses disappointment, and Wolves manager Rob Edwards says his side felt massive pressure but capitalised[1].

Later in Feb 2026 (upcoming) – Arsenal’s title hopes now hinge on Manchester City’s remaining 12 fixtures, including a direct clash at the Etihad, while Arteta emphasizes the need for focus ahead of the Tottenham derby to maintain the lead[1].

All related articles (5 articles)