Bukayo Saka wore the captain's armband during the draw with Wolves
Bukayo Saka wore the captain's armband during the draw with Wolves (Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Tensions may have eased following Arsenal's capitulation against Wolves but anxiety surrounding their advantage will undoubtedly persist. The Gunners were cruising towards a straightforward triumph at Molineux on Wednesday after Piero Hincapie's second-half strike gave them a two-goal lead. However, football seldom goes according to plan.
Hugo Bueno's spectacular goal was complemented by Tom Edozie's attempt deflecting in off Riccardo Calafiori to secure the Premier League's bottom side a point. The unexpected collapse was subsequently addressed by Bukayo Saka, who faced criticism from an English football legend as Mikel Arteta's position came under scrutiny.
Here's a round-up of the latest Arsenal news ahead of this weekend's north London derby...
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Saka reaction slammed
The outcome at Molineux was unquestionably a detrimental one to Arsenal's championship ambitions. The frustration was evident and was also expressed by Saka, who wore the armband in the absence of the injured Martin Odegaard.
Speaking to Sky Sports following the final whistle, he said: "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."
Whilst many applauded Saka's refreshing candour and insight into the mindset of his team-mates, his admission didn't sit particularly well with Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle.
He argued that Saka's downbeat body language and remarks were unbecoming of a captain following a tough defeat.
"That's interesting, that, because he was the skipper tonight," Hoddle said. "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."
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Mikel Arteta has been tipped to manage Barcelona one day
Mikel Arteta has been tipped to manage Barcelona one day (Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Arteta 'will manage Barcelona'
The Spaniard's tenure at the Emirates Stadium is nearing seven years, and the coming months could prove pivotal in shaping his lasting legacy at the club.
Regarding his future aspirations, former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes Arteta is destined to manage Barcelona and suggests it will be fellow ex-Gunners skipper Cesc Fabregas who steps in to succeed him in north London.
"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."
Since taking charge of Como in 2024, Fabregas has emerged as one of the continent's most exciting managerial prospects
Petit reckons the former Barcelona midfielder's public criticism of Alvaro Morata following his dismissal against Fiorentina demonstrated he has the character to command authority.
"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 continued.
"His former clubs will let managers go and obviously Chelsea, Arsenal, I mean really any club at the top, will be looking at him as an option because he's doing an incredible job at Como."
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