Arteta: We need to make progress and bounce back.
2026-02-20 00:00

Arsenal, nicknamed "The Gunners," took the lead in the first match of the 31st round of the 2025/26 Premier League season with goals from Saka and Incapie, but conceded a goal and an own goal later in the game, ultimately drawing 2-2 with Wolverhampton Wanderers. Arteta stated that the team must continue to improve and regroup, and let their performances speak for themselves in future matches.
In the 5th minute, Rice received a pass back from Martinelli and chipped the ball into the penalty area, where Saka immediately headed it in, giving Arsenal a 1-0 lead. In the 56th minute of the second half, Gabriel played a through ball to Incapie, who then entered the penalty area and fired a shot past Wolves goalkeeper José Sá, extending Arsenal's lead to 2-0.
In the 61st minute, Santiago Bueno passed the ball to Hugo Bueno, who adjusted his position and fired a long-range shot into the net, pulling Wolves back to 2-1. In second-half stoppage time, Matthäus Mane's cross was deflected by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, and Tom Idozi volleyed the ball, which Calafiori then blocked, hitting the post and bouncing into the net to level the score at 2-2.
Arsenal were ultimately held to a 2-2 draw by Wolves at Molineux Stadium. Failing to secure all three points, Arsenal currently sit atop the table with 58 points, leading second-placed Manchester City by five points with a game in hand.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said, "We are very disappointed with the final result, but I think the responsibility lies with ourselves. I feel that the performance in the second half did not reflect the level and standard required to win in the Premier League, especially considering how well we played in the first half and should have won in that way."
"It's hard to accept, and we're frustrated because the problem lies with ourselves. Now it's time to let our performance on the field speak for itself, because anything said at this moment will be filled with anger, frustration, and disappointment, which won't do any good or help for the team's future development. It has nothing to do with attitude or fighting spirit. We made many mistakes in the second half, which made us unable to control the rhythm of the game. Even after we scored our second goal, we never really felt like we were in control of the game."
In addition, Arsenal will travel to Tottenham Hotspur for the North London derby in the 27th round of the Premier League.
Arteta said, "We need to improve and bounce back, and we need to get our energy back. The next game will be a great opportunity to prove that."
"Considering our performance in the second half of this game, I think we owe ourselves a win. We need some time to process this, and it will be a very painful experience, which we will then use to improve ourselves in the right way."
Image source: Internet
Related News