Mikel Arteta admitted Arsenal F.C. deserve criticism for the self-inflicted mistakes that could derail their Premier League title bid after the leaders squandered a two-goal advantage in Wednesday’s 2-2 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C..

Goals from Bukayo Saka and Piero Hincapie had put Arsenal in control and seemingly on course for a result that would have moved them seven points clear at the summit.

But Arteta’s side faltered late on at Molineux, allowing second-placed Manchester City F.C. fresh hope in the title race.

Hugo Bueno sparked the comeback with a superb strike before teenage debutant Tom Edozie capitalised on a mix-up between goalkeeper David Raya and centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes to level deep into stoppage time.

It marked the second successive league game in which the Gunners failed to protect a lead, following last week’s 1-1 draw at Brentford. City now sit five points behind with a game in hand and a crucial trip to north London still to come in April.

“Incredibly disappointed. We need to accept it. We need to be critical of ourselves because it was not good enough,” Arteta said.

“In the league, it is the reality that we have not been consistent over the last few months.”

Having previously let commanding positions slip in title battles with City, Arsenal risk being haunted by past failures once again. The north London club have now dropped 11 points in eight league matches in 2026.

‘We paid the price’

Clearly angered by his team’s inability to finish off a Wolves side with just one win in 27 league games this season, Arteta struggled to hide his frustration.

“Very tough to accept it. In the second half we did not perform in the way we should and the way we require to win a Premier League match,” he said.

“Certain basics we have to do, we did them so poorly one after the other. And then you have no dominance, no control in the game.

“It is better not to judge it. We are all too emotional about it. You have to take the hit because we deserve it.

“It is very easy with emotion to say things that can damage the team. Everyone wants to do their best.”

Arsenal appeared increasingly anxious as the clock ticked down, a sign of the mounting pressure in their pursuit of a first English title since 2004.

They must now regroup quickly ahead of Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham, followed by a pivotal home clash with Chelsea on March 1.

“You have to go through tough periods. Today at the last minute, we paid the price. We have to do basic things much better than we have done,” Arteta added.

Tempers flared at the final whistle, with Raya and Gabriel exchanging heated words before striker Gabriel Jesus pushed Wolves defender Yerson Mosquera to the ground.

Asked how he would prevent his players from buckling under pressure, Arteta said: “By staying very close to them and reminding them how good they are.

“You have to stand up. When you have a moment of difficulty, we have to show how much we want it and how good we are.”