Arsenal F.C. threw away a two-goal advantage deep into stoppage time as Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. rescued a dramatic draw at Molineux, leaving manager Mikel Arteta to concede his side paid for a sloppy second-half display.
Early on, the guests seemed to be under control. Given a central role, Bukayo Saka ended his goal drought by heading in Declan Rice’s delivery. Piero Hincapie added a second after the break, and Arsenal looked ready to get three points.
Wolves reversed the tide, however. Hugo Bueno’s long-range shot sliced the gap before late-stage pressure built up. A Riccardo Calafiori own goal in the fourth minute of added time gave the home side the spoils and shocked the away audience.
Admitting his side fell short of the standard needed to conclude a Premier League match, Arteta did not hide his disappointment. He advised calm consideration rather than passionate responses, noting Arsenal’s need to find consistency through the basics.
Flat, Saka said the dressing room atmosphere was flat, admitting the performance following the intermission failed to meet the expectations set this season.
The News Chronicle noted that focus is now on a high-stakes north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur F.C., where Arsenal will be under pressure to react and bring back their title charge.
