Arteta: The crucial three-pointer was hard-won; efficiency and defensive discipline still need improvement.
2025-12-14 03:10

After Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory over Wolves with an own goal in stoppage time, manager Mikel Arteta stated that it was an extremely important three points, but the team's overall performance still had many areas for improvement.
In his post-match review, Arteta pointed out: "This was a very important three points. Although we frequently pushed the ball into dangerous areas in the first half, we failed to convert them into real scoring opportunities. We created many threatening offensive situations, but we didn't do well enough in the final pass and finishing."
"The movement and support in the penalty area were there the whole time, but we didn't capitalize on our chances." Arteta specifically mentioned that Gabriel missed a golden opportunity from close range, which should have helped the team secure the victory earlier.
In the second half, Arsenal improved their attacking efficiency through adjustments and took the lead. However, Arteta admitted: "For about two minutes, we were forced to drop back to defend, the opponent committed a lot of players, and our defensive habits were very poor during that period."
“In that situation, even if we don’t allow the opponent a single shot throughout the entire match, they only need one action to score, which will instantly make the game complicated and difficult.”
Fortunately, the team responded quickly after conceding the goal. Bukayo Saka's cross caused chaos and ultimately forced the opponent to score an own goal, helping Arsenal secure three points at a crucial moment.
Arteta praised the team's response to adversity, but also made it clear that he would prefer to see players show sufficient focus and resilience when they are in the lead.
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