After surrendering a 2-0 advantage at Wolves, Arsenal face scrutiny as Manchester City move to exert control of the title race with a game in hand
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The facts
Arsenal drew 2-2 with Wolves at Molineux in the latest round of Premier League fixtures after a second-half collapse shifted momentum in the title race. Arsenal led 2-0 through first-half Bukayo Saka and an early second-half Piero Hincapié goal.
Wolves recovered late through a spectacular strike from Hugo Bueno and a debut goal from substitute Tom Edozie. The result leaves Arsenal five points clear of Manchester City, with City holding a game in hand.
FLASH – Our reporters on scene confirm the match turned only after the interval, when Arsenal’s control slipped and Wolves grew in confidence.
The draw continues a run in which Arsenal have won only two of their last seven league games and dropped points in successive away draws at Brentford and Wolves.
Managerial reaction and immediate consequences
Manager Mikel Arteta accepted responsibility for the second-half performance.
He said tactical and situational lapses allowed Wolves to seize momentum. Arteta described the mood as frustrated but insisted the players’ attitude was not at fault. He urged the squad to respond on the pitch ahead of the north London derby at Tottenham on February 22.
From Wolves’ perspective, manager Rob Edwards praised his players’ resilience. He highlighted Edozie’s equaliser on debut as evidence of the team’s capacity to influence matches late. For Arsenal, the immediate cost is not only the dropped points but increased psychological pressure as the title run-in tightens.
The implications for the title race and what’s next
The outcome elevates the importance of remaining fixtures. Manchester City sit five points behind but retain a valuable game in hand. The two clubs meet in the Carabao Cup final on March 22 and again at the Etihad in April, fixtures that now carry amplified significance.
Arsenal’s near-term schedule includes the north London derby at Tottenham on February 22, an FA Cup tie at Mansfield Town on March 17, the Carabao Cup final versus Manchester City on March 22, and a home league game against Bournemouth on April 11. Manchester City’s immediate fixtures include Newcastle United at home on February 21, Nottingham Forest on March 4, and an FA Cup trip to Newcastle on March 7.
AGGIORNAMENTO ORE: The situation is rapidly evolving. A City win in their game in hand would narrow the gap and shift the psychological balance of the title race. Arsenal must tighten defensive concentration in transitions, assert midfield control, and maintain composure late in matches to protect leads.
