Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw by Wolves on Wednesday and Bukayo Saka's post-match demeanour has been slammed while a Mikel Arteta bombshell was dropped
08:03, 20 Feb 2026
Mikel Arteta
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Mikel Arteta's legacy is on the line
Tensions might have eased following Arsenal's capitulation against Wolves but anxiety regarding their advantage will certainly persist. The Gunners were cruising towards a straightforward triumph at Molineux on Wednesday after Piero Hincapie's second-half strike made it 2-0.
A win would have witnessed them bounce back to form following their 1-1 stalemate with Brentford whilst extending their gap over Manchester City to seven points. Yet, football seldom adheres to expectations.
The shocking surrender was subsequently addressed by Bukayo Saka, who faced condemnation from an English football icon as Mikel Arteta's position at Arsenal came under scrutiny. Daily Star Sport examines the latest developments surrounding the table-toppers
Bukayo Saka reaction slammed
A soccer player dressed in a red and white uniform is seated on the field, receiving attention from medical staff and teammates. The player is wearing gloves and sneakers. The background features other players in red and white kits.
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Bukayo Saka has been slammed(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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The outcome at Molineux was unquestionably detrimental to Arsenal's championship aspirations. The frustration was evident and was also expressed by Saka, who skippered the team in the absence of the injured Martin Odegaard, reports the Mirror.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the final whistle, the England ace stated: "It's very flat [in the dressing room]. I'm very disappointed with the result and especially how we played in the second half, it's far from the level that we've set this season."
And his confession didn't sit well with Tottenham Hotspur legend Glenn Hoddle. The 68-year-old felt Saka's downcast mood and remarks weren't what a captain should have conveyed following a challenging outcome: "That's interesting, that, because he was the skipper tonight.
"For me, he was very honest, very honest there saying they need to do better... blah blah blah. But his demeanour for me wasn't right. Your demeanour needs to be a little bit more up, he was very flat, very flat."
Mikel Arteta successor identified
Mikel Arteta
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Mikel Arteta's successor has been slammed(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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The Spaniard's tenure at the Emirates Stadium is nearing seven years and the coming months could determine his legacy. Regarding his future aspirations, former Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit reckons Arteta will one day take charge of Barcelona.
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"Mikel Arteta will one day manage Barcelona, I think eventually we'll see that," Petit told BetBrothers. "Does he really want to experience football in different countries? To be honest, if he is to leave Arsenal, I see him more likely to go abroad than to another Premier League club.
"So, obviously, I'd say Barca would be his favourite next move if he were to leave Arsenal. I think it's the first time he goes public about a player instead of, you know, going public as he probably did in the past," Petit added.
"So for me, that's showing personality, showing, 'I'm the boss,' and that obviously is a sign of, 'I'm going to be here for a while'. His previous clubs will let managers go and obviously Chelsea, Arsenal, I mean really any top club, will be eyeing him as an option because he's doing an incredible job at Como."