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provides an untold story behind Arsenal’s Premier League title triumph, a pivotal moment in the club’s season when the Gunners beat Wolves 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium in December
After a 10-match winning streak in all competitions, Arsenal began to struggle on their travels in the Premier League.
Brian Brobbey struck late to earn Sunderland a point in November before the 10-man Gunners drew at Chelsea despite Moises Caicedo’s 37th-minute dismissal.
Then came a sinking low at Aston Villa. Arsenal failed to clear their lines in stoppage time and Emi Buendia seemingly blew the title race wide open.
However, Arsenal’s response was professional. They thumped Club Brugge 3-0 in the Champions League before hosting 20th-place Wolves, who had not recorded a single win from their opening 15 Premier League matches.
Arsenal struggled and only broke the deadlock on 69 minutes when Bukayo Saka’s corner hit the post before deflecting in off Sam Johnstone’s back.
Even then, the game was not won. Tolu Arokodare levelled as the clock struck 90 and the Gunners had to find a way to rally again. Thankfully, they were gifted a winner when Yerson Mosquera headed past his own goalkeeper.
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The statistics pointed towards Arsenal domination but for those that watched the game, Wolves’ equaliser was not a major surprise. It was a nervy display, laced with worry against a team that were being dubbed one of the worst sides ever in Premier League history.
Still, as Arteta headed in for his post-match meeting with his coaching staff, well-placed sources insist he was adamant Arsenal had generally played well and he was relatively happy amid a tough schedule. Perhaps he was clouded by his team’s determination to win and dig out three points in the face of adversity.
The data did not read well and the analysts were also frustrated with certain aspects of the performance. The Gunners had lost possession 11 times in their own defensive third and 39 times in the centre of the pitch. It’s said there was a feeling amongst the backroom staff that Arsenal had got away with one.
Arteta very rarely criticises his players. It would always take a lot for him to do so. He will always defend them, even if flak is warranted.
In this instance, however, Arteta’s tune had changed upon arrival at his press conference. Within about 30 minutes, he became frustrated with his team despite the victory.
He labelled the performance “unacceptable” and lambasted Arsenal’s “horrible defensive habits,” which in his view were “nowhere near the level required against a team that did not have a single shot.”
It was a moment that underlined the importance of having trusted confidants and honest staff because what followed was a crucial run. It was a moment where Arteta’s powerful words and reflections ensured standards were not allowed to slip.
Arsenal ground out a win at Everton in an awkwardly re-arranged fixture, reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, saw off Brighton despite a late injury to Riccardo Calafiori, and then hammered Aston Villa and won at Bournemouth.
It might not have been as important as Arsenal’s recent winning streak but it proved to be a significant period in the club’s season.
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