Arsenal had one hand on the Premier League title just a few weeks ago - but after another meek surrender, this time to doomed Wolves, Man City will now be smelling blood
Arsenal surrendered a two-goal lead against doomed Wolves
Arsenal surrendered a two-goal lead against doomed Wolves
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Even Arsenal fans with the most red tinted spectacles will feel like giving up on the title now. This was an implosion at Molineux, an utter shambles and an embarrassment of a performance.
Arsenal look a million miles away from being potential champions and they certainly do not have the mentality our the stomach for the fight.
They surrendered a two-goal lead at Molineux to bottom-of-the-table Wolves who are still in danger of becoming the worst team in Premier League history with a record low points tally.
And it left the Wolves fans chanting: “Second again, second again, ole, ole” as they taunted Arsenal’s players who lost their heads amid the meltdown and mayhem.
The 92nd minute equaliser summed it up because it was a mix-up between keeper David Raya and defender Gabriel and then Wolves debutant Tom Edozie hit a shot which Arsenal substitute Riccardo Calafiori could not keep out.
Arsenal looked utterly broken by the end because they blew the chance of going seven points clear and more dropped points have opened the door for Manchester City.
City are still five points behind with a game in hand but they will be feasting on Arsenal’s frailties and weaknesses. They were there for all to see. And the biggest issue is a lack of mentality. They looked shot to bits after the final whistle and manager Mikel Arteta looked a broken man on TV interviews.
Frankly, they have finished second in the last three seasons and this was supposed to be their year - but they look further away than ever.
They blew a 1-0 lead at Brentford last week and yet this was far worse because it felt like a collapse which will cut to the heart of Arsenal’s challenge. This felt like Arsenal’s worst performance of the season because they went 1-0 up through Bukayo Saka after five minutes but, rather than build on it, they let Wolves back in.
Arsenal have failed to secure a Premier League title boost in the race against Manchester City
Arsenal have lost control of the Premier League title race(Image: (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images))
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Now it feels as if Arsenal’s season is on the brink because of a performance like this was inexcusable and they just do not look strong enough to win major trophies. You also have to wonder whether Arteta will ever get the job done if he does not do it this year - and that looks pretty unlikely right now.
And the problem is that Arsenal have been here before. They have surrendered leads at the top to City and they looked like rabbits in the headlights at Molineux. They looked scared and unable to handle the pressure. The door is wide open for City.
It should have been a breeze after Saka scored to celebrate his new five-year contract. Declan Rice curled in a cross, Saka’s glancing header went through keeper Jose Sa’s legs.
Rather than hammer it home, Arsenal let it slip. The front three of Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli were so poor. Gyokeres has been such a poor signing.
Arsenal and Wolves players brawled at full-time as the Premier League title race was blown wide open
Arsenal lost their heads after a dismal collapse vs Wolves at Molineux(Image: (Jacob King/PA Wire.))
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The whole team are far from convincing right now. But they did get a second when Gabriel put Hincapie through and he drove home for his first goal for the club.
It should have been job done. But Arsenal got sloppy. Gabriel conceded possession. It allowed Hugo Bueno to cut inside from the right, switched onto his left foot and curled a sensational shot into the top corner.
Worse was to follow after a calamitous mix-up in Arsenal’s defence. Arsenal keeper David Raya spilled the ball after colliding with Gabriel and Edozie’s shot went in off Calafiori on the line.
When Liverpool led City 1-0 at Anfield ten days ago, Arsenal were briefly nine points ahead. It feels like they lost their focus after City came back to win and reduce the gap. And now they are in serious danger of seeing their whole season crumble into dust.
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