Mikel Arteta was left frustrated by Arsenal’s defensive showing against Wolves on Saturday, describing it as both “unacceptable” and “passive.”
The Gunners recorded a hard-earned 2-1 win over the West Midlands Club on Saturday night, scoring the winner through an own goal in stoppage-time.
The North London Club has suffered multiple injury problems this season, with Arteta forced to try another makeshift backline in the clash.
“We had a period of two or three minutes in deep [block], totally passive with horrible defensive habits”, Arteta admitted after the match.
“That’s nowhere near the required level against a team that hasn’t had a single shot. The first time they had the opportunity to do it, they scored a goal. [Wolves’ goal was their third shot.]
“We’re relieved because we managed to score a goal at the end and go and win it but we need to improve in that sense, for sure.”
The Gunners dominated the encounter, as both sides missed goalscoring opportunities as the first half remained goalless.
Arsenal went in front in the second half as a brilliant corner kick from Bukayo Saka hit the post and struck Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on the way into the net.
The visitors equalized on 90th minute as Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare flicked in a cross.
However, the Gunners grabbed the winner in added time as Mosquera inadvertently guided a header into his own net under pressure from Gabriel Jesus.
“I don’t put it down to ‘yeah, the resilience [is good]’. We should have stopped the source before. That’s on us”, the Spaniard continued.
“You have to give credit to Wolves. I knew that wasn’t going to be an easy game but we made it even harder with the manner we conceded the goal. And that’s unacceptable.”
Arsenal extended their gap at the top to five points ahead of Manchester City’s clash against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
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