Paul Merson criticises Arsenal for playing in second gear as they squander two-goal lead and draw with Wolves at Molineux in Premier League title race

Arsenal’s trip to Molineux on Wednesday ended in a 2-2 draw against Wolves, leaving fans and pundits questioning whether the Gunners’ Premier League title challenge might be slipping through their fingers.

Despite taking a two-goal lead, Mikel Arteta’s side were pegged back, and Arsenal legend Paul Merson didn’t hold back in his criticism of the performance.

A Two-Goal Lead Squandered

The game started brightly for Arsenal.

Bukayo Saka put the visitors ahead within the opening five minutes, and Piero Hincapie doubled the lead 11 minutes into the second half.

For a brief moment, it seemed as though Arsenal would leave Molineux with three points and a comfortable lead over Manchester City.

However, Wolves had other plans.

Hugo Bueno curled a superb effort into the net on 61 minutes, and then, in dramatic fashion, Tom Edozie — making his debut — scored a 94th-minute goal, which ricocheted off Riccardo Calafiori to secure a late draw for the Midlands side.

Merson Slams “Second Gear” Arsenal

Speaking on Sky Sports, Paul Merson, a two-time league winner with Arsenal, described the Gunners’ performance as lackadaisical.

“You can’t play in second gear,” he said. “When it went 2-2 there was urgency.

Everyone was running. Every game is a cup final until the end.”

Merson argued that Arsenal’s slow tempo and careless passing allowed Wolves to remain in the game.

“I can’t believe how many times they gave the ball away so cheaply.

Wolves aren’t a great team — nine points before tonight — yet they came back from 2-0 down. That shouldn’t happen.”

He also praised Edozie for his composure in scoring the late equaliser, joking that the young debutant could even become a “Man City hero” if they go on to win the title.

Arteta Admits Arsenal Fell Short

Arteta was candid after the match, admitting that the second half was below the level required for Premier League victory.

“It is better not to judge it, we are all too emotional about it.

You have to take the hit because we deserve it,” he said.

The Arsenal boss acknowledged that discipline and patience were lacking and emphasised that periods of difficulty are an inevitable part of a title race.

“When you do that and you want to be at this level you have to take the hit.

Today at the last minute, we paid the price. We have to do basic things much better than we have done.”

Pressure Mounts in the Title Race

The draw leaves Arsenal just two points clear of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

With both sides competing for the Premier League crown, every slip-up matters.

Merson warned that continuing to play slowly and without urgency could “come back to bite them.”

Looking Ahead to Spurs

Arsenal now turn their attention to a high-stakes north London derby at Tottenham on Sunday.

Arteta urged his team to respond positively, describing it as a chance to “stand up” and demonstrate their determination.

“When they have a moment of difficulty, and we feel frustrated, you have the perfect game against Spurs away to show how much you want it and show how good we are,” he said. “Talk on the pitch.”

What’s Next?

• Arsenal must find consistency and maintain intensity to keep their title challenge alive.

• Manchester City will look to capitalise on Arsenal’s dropped points with their game in hand.

• Tactical adjustments and sharper decision-making will be crucial in the upcoming north London derby against Tottenham.

• Arsenal will need to recover mentally from the disappointment of conceding a late equaliser while ensuring players maintain focus and avoid complacency.

Summary

Arsenal dropped two points against Wolves in a 2-2 draw at Molineux after squandering a two-goal lead.

Paul Merson criticised the Gunners for playing in “second gear,” while manager Mikel Arteta admitted the team fell short in the second half.

The draw leaves Arsenal just two points ahead of Manchester City, intensifying the Premier League title race.

Attention now turns to the crucial north London derby against Tottenham, where Arsenal must respond to maintain momentum.