FOOTBALL
Posted on February 20, 2026 11:30 pm | Updated on February 20, 2026 10:54 pm
Arsenal are top of the Premier League and fighting to win their first title since 2004. But after dropping points against bottom club Wolves, big questions are being asked. Experts like Jamie Carragher are warning manager Mikel Arteta about the dangers ahead.
Arsenal Blow Two-Goal Lead Against Wolves
On Wednesday night, Arsenal were 2-0 up against Wolves but only drew 2-2. Goals from Hugo Bueno and a deflection made it level. This was a big shock because Wolves are at the bottom of the table. Arsenal have now won just two of their last eight league games in 2026. They are still four points clear of Manchester City, but the gap is closing fast. Fans and players are feeling the pressure.
Mikel Arteta looked angry after the game. He knows every point matters in this tight title race. The team has strong defenders and a good midfield, but the attack is not finishing chances well enough.
The Big Warning to Arteta – Who Could Ruin the Title Charge?
Pundits have warned Arteta that one big problem could stop Arsenal from winning the league. That problem is a lack of superstar quality in the final third of the pitch. Jamie Carragher says this is more dangerous than any mentality issue. He believes Arsenal are the best team overall this season, but they do not have players who can change games like Erling Haaland or Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City.
Carragher told The Overlap podcast: “People talk about their mentality – I actually think Arsenal have a great mentality. But their problem could be a lack of quality in the final third. When I watch Arsenal, I don’t think they’ve got an absolute superstar in the front four or five players.”
Carragher’s Direct Dig at Bukayo Saka
Jamie Carragher specially mentioned Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Odegaard in his criticism. He said: “I thought Saka and Odegaard were going to get there a couple of years ago. I thought they were ready to almost become the best players in the Premier League. I still don’t think Arsenal have got one of them.”
Saka is Arsenal’s biggest star and just signed a new long-term contract until 2030. He is loved by fans for his speed, goals and big smile. But this season injuries have limited him to only four Premier League goals. Odegaard has just one. Carragher says both are brilliant but have not reached true “superstar” level like Mohamed Salah or Haaland, who carry their teams to titles.
Injuries and Caution – Extra Problems for Arteta
Arteta has had to deal with many injuries this season. Key players like Ødegaard, Kai Havertz and others have missed games. Bukayo Saka himself has had stop-start form. The manager has been careful with team selection and tactics, but Carragher thinks this caution might be hurting them too.
Arsenal have four top full-backs and three excellent centre-backs, but the forwards need to score more. In the Wolves game, they could not hold the lead. Arteta has warned his players that they must stay calm and keep working hard. “We have to learn from these moments,” he said after the draw.
🗣️ Jamie Carragher: “Arsenal don’t have a genuine superstar at the top of the pitch. If you were picking the best Premier League team so far, you wouldn’t have one of their players in the front four. That is not normal. That would never happen.” ❌✨pic.twitter.com/OwKjL4RSiN
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) January 26, 2026
What Happens Next for Arsenal?
Jamie Carragher finished by saying Arsenal are the best team right now, but City have the experience to win when it matters. For Arteta, the warning is loud: fix the quality in attack or the title charge could be ruined.
The fans still believe in Saka and Arteta. The new contract for Saka gives everyone hope. But the next few weeks will decide if the warnings come true or if Arsenal finally lift the trophy.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add Six Sports as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Add as a preferred source on Google
Mentioned in this Article
Recommended for you