Mikel Arteta delivered a blunt assessment of Arsenal’s performance after his side edged past Wolverhampton Wanderers in a tense Premier League encounter, admitting the display fell well short of the standards he expects. Despite securing all three points with a late goal, the Arsenal manager was visibly frustrated by what he described as passive defending and a lack of cohesion throughout large periods of the match.
Arsenal struggled to impose control and were repeatedly exposed by Wolves, who applied sustained pressure and capitalised on defensive lapses. The Gunners looked disjointed at times, with players failing to track runners and leaving space in dangerous areas. Arteta acknowledged that his team appeared uncomfortable without the ball and allowed Wolves too much freedom, particularly in transition.
The late winner ultimately spared Arsenal from a damaging result, but it did little to mask the underlying issues. Arteta stressed that the manner of the performance was “not acceptable”, emphasising that winning alone cannot be the benchmark if the team is to compete consistently at the top end of the table. He highlighted the need for sharper organisation, stronger communication and a more aggressive defensive mindset.
Former players and analysts echoed those concerns, noting that Arsenal lacked fluency and at times looked unfamiliar with one another’s roles. The match served as a reminder of the fine margins in the Premier League, where lapses in concentration can quickly undo attacking quality.
While the victory keeps Arsenal firmly in the title conversation, the reaction from the manager underlined a broader message: improvement is non-negotiable. Arteta will expect a swift response as the season progresses, with performances needing to match ambition if Arsenal are to maintain momentum at the top of the league.
