Arteta Slams Arsenal's "Unacceptable" Defensive Lapses

Mikel Arteta did not mince words following Arsenal's narrow 2-1 victory over Wolves, criticizing his team's late performance as "unacceptable." He specifically called out "horrible defensive habits" and a "passive" approach that allowed the league's bottom club to snatch an equalizer in the 90th minute. Despite the eventual win, secured by a second Wolves own goal, Arteta focused on the defensive lapses rather than his side's resilience.

The Arsenal manager was particularly dismayed by a two-to-three-minute period where his team displayed a lack of defensive intensity, despite Wolves committing players forward. Arteta stressed that the activity within their defensive block needed to be far more robust. He also lamented missed chances in the first half, including a significant opportunity for Gabriel Martinelli, and a general struggle to create clear-cut chances in dangerous areas.

Compounding Arsenal's concerns, defender Ben White sustained a hamstring injury, adding to an already stretched squad. Arteta highlighted the precariousness of their situation, noting that William Saliba had to play a full 90 minutes despite fitness concerns due to a lack of available defenders. This injury assessment will be crucial as Arsenal aims to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League.