According to PA Media, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged his squad and the fanbase to remain composed after a frustrating 2-2 draw against bottom-of-the-table Wolves. The result has narrowed the Gunners’ lead at the top of the Premier League, handing the momentum back to rivals Manchester City.
Speaking ahead of the crucial North London Derby against Tottenham this Sunday, Arteta dismissed claims that his team is “bottling” the league again. He emphasized that the “present is beautiful” and that the club is exactly where they want to be at this stage of the competition.
The draw at Molineux, where Arsenal surrendered a two-goal lead, has revived painful memories of the past three seasons where the Gunners finished as runners-up. With Manchester City breathing down their necks and holding a game in hand, the pressure on the young Arsenal squad is reaching a boiling point.
Arteta’s defiant stance is intended to shield his players from the intense media scrutiny. He noted that while the outside reaction is “tough,” his focus remains on keeping his ears and eyes open to the needs of the dressing room to ensure they finish the season strong.
* Fox Sports: “Arsenal somehow drop points to Wolves… leaving the door open for Manchester City to reclaim the top spot.”
* Associated Press: “Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to ‘keep calm’ in the face of fresh bottling accusations following midweek slip-up.”
Echotitbits Take
Arteta is playing the role of the “cool head,” but the cracks are showing. Drawing against a relegation-threatened Wolves side at this stage of the season is a massive psychological blow. The upcoming derby against Spurs isn’t just about three points; it’s about proving that this team has finally developed the “killer instinct” needed to actually lift the trophy.
Source: PA Media — https://pa.media/blogs/pa-editors-picks/mikel-arteta-urges-arsenal-to-keep-calm-in-battle-for-premier-league-title/ February 20, 2026
Photo Credit: PA Media
