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Posted on February 19, 2026 6:00 pm | Updated on February 19, 2026 5:56 pm
On 18 February 2026, Arsenal dealt a heavy blow in the Premier League. The Gunners had gone 2 goals up against Wolves but lost control of the victory. Mikel Arteta told his players that they had to rise up in such hard times, after the game.
The Shocking Draw at Molineux
Arsenal entered Wolves as open leader of the leagues. Wolves are struggling to prevent the relegation and are in the table of shame. The majority of the fans anticipated three points effortlessly by the Gunners. Rather, Arsenal lost a two-goal lead in the second league match of a row. The previous week they had made a draw with Brentford after being in front there, as well. This time the late equalizer was made in the 94th minute. Arteta and players were very unhappy about it. Arsenal have been narrowed by five points over Manchester City who have a game in hand.
What Happened on the Pitch
Arsenal began the game on a good note. Bukayo Saka put his team ahead after 5 minutes with a simple cross given by Declan Rice. It was the fifth league goal of this season. Piero Hincapié (equalizer) scored in the 56th minute after the break, to make it 2-0. It was the first goal of the defender for the club. Arsenal had a full command.
But Wolves fought back hard. Only 5 minutes after that Hugo Bueno added to it a beautiful curling goal from the edge of the box, making it 2-1. The home fans went wild. Arsenal was unable to seal off the game. During the stoppage time, 19 years old Tom Edozie scored on a shot which went in off Riccardo Calafiori. It was 2-2. Arsenal had been controlling the early part but was committed easy errors and became disfigured.
🗣️ Mikel Arteta: “I think any question, any criticism, any opinion, you have to take it on the chin. Any bullet, take it. We didn’t perform at the level required, so anything that anybody says can be right.” ❌💬
pic.twitter.com/6FKxAQ1bBd
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) February 19, 2026
Arteta’s Honest Reaction
Mikel Arteta was extremely frank with the press after the match. He told him that it was his team that only had itself to blame. Arteta confessed that Arsenal failed to play sufficiently once they scored a goal. He claimed that they paid the price due to failure to do basic things right. He also was open to the fact that fans and critics could say whatever they wished.
❤️🤍 Arteta: “You have to stand up when they have a moment of difficulty”.
“You have the perfect game against Spurs away to go and show how much we want it and how good we are. That's it. That's what we have to do. Talk on the pitch”. pic.twitter.com/cQuTg1bS5J
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 19, 2026
A Call to ‘Stand Up’ in Difficulty
The point made by Arteta was remarkable and powerful. He challenged his players to demonstrate what they are about. He informed the team that they need to go and see the mirror, embrace the pain of this outturn, and to return in a stronger way. Arteta feels that whilst such difficult times challenge the determination of a team to win the title. He wants his players to demonstrate that they can have a fight and good character to recover.
Impact on the Title Race
This setback is a true blow to Arsenal. They got an opportunity to be seven points ahead but lost it. Manchester City now has a chance to catch up to only two points in case they win their next match. Arsenal have lost out of winning positions in this season on a number of occasions. The analysts indicate that this marks the third year of the row that they have topped the table only to be shaky in the later years. The title race is now again an open one and each point counts.
Looking Ahead to the Big Test
This is ultimately a wake-up call. Arsenal remain on top of the league, although they have to play a lot better to remain there. The words spoken by Mikel Arteta are not complicated: get on your feet, demonstrate your willingness, and demonstrate that you are worthy. The following weeks will reveal whether they will be able to do it.
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