Mikel Merino made his feelings clear about Arsenal's performance in their dramatic victory against Wolves
12:42, 14 Dec 2025
Mikel Merino of Arsenal celebrates victory after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on December 13, 2025 in London, England
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The floodgates opened after Mikel Merino replaced Martin Zubimendi on Saturday night(Image: Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Merino cut a frustrated figure following Arsenal's 2-1 win over Wolves on Saturday night. Shortly after the 29-year-old midfielder replaced Martin Zubimendi in the second half, the floodgates opened at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners finally broke the deadlock when Sam Johnstone accidentally scored an own goal. Bukayo Saka struck the inside of the far post directly from a corner, which rebounded onto the Wolves goalkeeper and back into the net.
Tolu Arokodare equalised in the opening minutes of stoppage time, leaving David Raya rooted to the spot with a ferocious header. Then, a few moments later, Saka forced another error from the visitors.
In a desperate effort to deny Gabriel Jesus, Yerson Mosquera glanced the ball past Johnstone from close range. After the game, fans danced to 'Move On Up' by Curtis Mayfield, celebrating what could prove to be a crucial win in the wider context of the title race.
The Gunners clawed back a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League, but Merino was far from pleased with his side's performance. The Spain international pumped his fists, then beelined for the tunnel at full-time, and as he was approached by Albert Stuivenberg, he began shaking his head.
He and the Arsenal assistant manager shared a few words, gesticulating with their arms, before leaving the field. Meanwhile, the likes of Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Zubimendi applauded the supporters, and David Raya had a chat with one of the other coaching staff members.
Bukayo Saka of Arsenal during the Premier League match against Wolves
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Bukayo Saka's corner was turned into the net by Sam Johnstone for Arsenal's opening goal against Wolves(Image: Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images)
Speaking to reporters after the game, Arteta shared Merino's sentiment, expressing his disappointment in the performance. The Spaniard said: "It was a relief, but a very clear understanding that the margin should have been bigger.
"After not being precise enough in the first half with the amount of situations that we generated inside the opposition box and we didn't pick the right colour of shirt on so many occasions, we had an overload to do that.
"We had to improve in the second half in relation to that, I think we did it. We generated more chances, scored a goal, but after we had a period of two or three minutes in deep, totally passive, with horrible defensive habits, that is nowhere near the level that is required against a team that hasn't had a single shot.
Viktor Gyokeres struggled to make an impact in Arsenal's Premier League win over Wolves
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Viktor Gyokeres struggled to make an impact in Arsenal's Premier League win over Wolves(Image: (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images))
"The first time that they had the opportunity to do it, they scored the goal and this is the Premier League. Unfortunately, we are relieved because we managed to score a goal at the end and go and win it, but we need to improve in that sense for sure."
On the grit and determination to turn things around, Arteta added: "That's something very positive, but I don't put it down sometimes to, yeah, resilience and goal. No, it's what happened before.
"We should have stopped the source before and that's on us. You have to give credit to Wolves and what they've done. I watched a game when they played Stamford Bridge, when they played against Villa and how unlucky they were not to get a result.
"I knew that wasn't going to be an easy game at all, but we made it even harder with what we did in the manner that we conceded the goal and that's unacceptable."
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