Arsenal Are Exactly Where We Want To Be In Every Competition, Says Arteta

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta insisted the team remain on track in every competition, despite criticism after the 2-2 draw with Wolves. The Premier League leaders missed a chance to move seven points clear, yet still hold a five-point advantage over Manchester City, who have a game in hand before a key period in the season.

The late setback at Molineux has led to claims that Arsenal are repeating past title slips, with rival fans chanting "second again" after Wolves scored in stoppage time. Arteta, however, pointed to Arsenal’s position across the Premier League, EFL Cup, FA Cup and Champions League as evidence that the campaign is still firmly under control.

Arsenal remain active on four fronts. In the Premier League, the side lead City by five points, though that margin could shrink before Arsenal travel to Tottenham for Sunday’s north London derby. Arsenal will also meet Pep Guardiola’s side in next month’s EFL Cup final and face Mansfield Town in the FA Cup fifth round.

In Europe, Arsenal already secured Champions League last-16 qualification. Arteta’s side finished top of the new league-phase table, which gives a favourable draw compared with clubs ranked lower. That European progress adds to the pressure of managing the domestic schedule, yet also underlines how consistent Arsenal have been over seven or eight months.

The match at Molineux carried another historical note. Arsenal’s draw marked the first time in Premier League history that a team starting the day bottom of the table avoided defeat to the side starting top, despite trailing by at least two goals. The result also ended one of Arsenal’s most reliable away patterns.

Arsenal had previously won 18 consecutive Premier League away fixtures when leading by two goals. That run stretched back to April 2023, when West Ham came from behind to draw. Against Wolves, a misunderstanding between Gabriel Magalhaes and David Raya from a late cross allowed Tom Edozie to score a 94th-minute equaliser for Rob Edwards’ side.

The timing of the goal increased scrutiny on Arsenal’s mentality. City host Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium 24 hours before the north London derby, and Arsenal’s lead could be cut to two points before kick-off against Tottenham. The pressure around the title race therefore intensifies, especially after points lost from a dominant position.

Arsenal Premier League focus and Arteta’s perspective

Arteta was asked whether outside observers needed more perspective on Arsenal’s season. The manager stressed that opinions from elsewhere do not change the group’s internal focus. Arteta highlighted the importance of living in the present, rather than dwelling on past progress or recent frustration, as the schedule builds towards decisive matches.

"No, because I think everybody has their own opinion, and their perspective is the right one," Arteta told reporters when asked if those on the outside needed perspective. "We have ourselves a very clear instruction. We have to live in the present. What we did in the past is great, but we have to live the present, and the present is beautiful. We are exactly where we want to be in every competition, but there is still lots to play, and we need to earn it like we have done in the last seven or eight months."

Arsenal Premier League reaction and mentality

Arteta said the internal response from the squad after Wolves was strong. The late goal, coming from an expected goals figure of just 0.02, underlined how little Wolves created before scoring. Arteta admitted the impact felt severe, yet described how players quickly turned from shock towards planning their response.

"What I've seen [from the players] is a tremendous reaction. And I'm not surprised at all," the Arsenal boss added. "When you lose points in the last kick of the game in a very unpredictable manner, because to predict a team with a 0.02 xG is going to score, nobody can really understand that. But this is football, that's the beauty of it. The instant reaction is pain; it was a shock to the system, and after that, it's: 'Okay, what can I do about it?' That was chapter 27. And what I'm very interested in is the next chapter, what we are made of, and how we write our own destiny from here going forward."

Arsenal Premier League schedule and key fixtures

Arsenal’s coming fixtures across competitions highlight the need for that mindset. Crucial domestic games combine with knockout ties, leaving little room for further slips. The trip to Tottenham, followed by the EFL Cup final against City and FA Cup and Champions League commitments, will test the depth and resilience of Arteta’s squad.

Despite the frustration at Wolves and the unique statistical blow to their away record, Arsenal still sit ahead of their main rivals and remain involved deep in every competition. Arteta’s remarks show a belief that the response to recent setbacks, more than the setback itself, will define how Arsenal’s season develops from this point.