Arsenal squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with bottom-of-the-table Wolves in the Premier League, prompting sharp criticism from Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle over captain Bukayo Saka’s post-match demeanor.
Arsenal’s Lead Slips Away
Saka, standing in as captain for the injured Martin Odegaard, opened the scoring with a glancing header from Declan Rice’s cross just five minutes in. Arsenal extended their advantage after halftime through Piero Hincapie, appearing set for a comfortable victory that would have opened a seven-point gap over second-placed Manchester City.
Wolves, with only nine points from 26 games prior, mounted a stunning comeback. Hugo Bueno struck on the hour mark, injecting hope into the relegation-threatened side. Tom Edozie then equalized in injury time, securing Wolves’ 10th point of the season.
Saka Addresses the Dressing Room Mood
Speaking to Sky Sports after the draw, Saka described the Arsenal dressing room as ‘very flat.’ ‘I’m very disappointed with the result and especially how we played in the second half, it’s far from the level that we’ve set this season,’ he said.
‘It’s time for us to reflect on the few performances and just fix the issues immediately so we can get back to winning games and going on a run and build momentum because we’ve lost that a bit right now.’
Addressing pressure in the title race—Arsenal’s first in 22 years—Saka insisted: ‘No, I don’t think about all of that. I just think we need to just get back to our level, just do the basics right. And we’ve got more than enough quality in this team to win games, especially the games where we’ve been dropping points recently.’
‘We just need to fix that and that’s all our focus is right now.’
Hoddle’s Strong Words on Leadership
Hoddle took issue with Saka’s interview tone. ‘That’s interesting, that, because he was the skipper tonight. For me, he was very honest… But his demeanour for me wasn’t right. Your demeanour needs to be a little bit more up, he was very flat, very flat,’ Hoddle stated.
Arsenal icon Martin Keown supported Saka’s words on Premier League Productions: ‘I can’t disagree with anything that he’s saying but what he’s also saying is they’re not giving up. I think he will be giving more in his next performances because they have to stand up.’
Hoddle highlighted Arsenal’s recent form against Brentford and Wolves: ‘I look at Arsenal against Brentford and Wolves and I just feel they’re starting to doubt themselves. A few months ago they weren’t doing that, they were authoritative… But they’re doubting themselves and now they’re under pressure and it’s all about the mentality.’
‘It’s not a crossroads for Arsenal but they need to start again… Unless they get a result at the weekend they will be in trouble.’
Arteta Demands Accountability
Manager Mikel Arteta expressed frustration: ‘Incredibly disappointed that we gave two points away. I think we need to fault ourselves and give credit to Wolves. But what we done in the second half was nowhere near our standards.’
‘There are certain things, certain basics that today we are very far from our level, and when you don’t perform you can get punished, and we got punished.’
Arsenal face Tottenham in the north London derby next, with the Spurs having recently parted ways with Thomas Frank after their previous match.
