Arteta Refuses Label of a Team That Failed in the Middle of Arsenal's Chance to Win the English League Title

JAKARTA - Mikel Arteta insists that the label of a team that always fails is not part of his vocabulary as he denies Arsenal wasting another chance to win the English League.

Arsenal lost a two-goal lead at home to bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday, February 19, 2026, early in the morning WIB, which brought their rivals Manchester City closer.

If Pep Guardiola's side win all 12 of their remaining games - including a crucial match against Arsenal at the Etihad in April 2026 - they will be crowned champions.

Despite losing two points at Molineux, Arteta's side are still five points clear at the top of the table, but have played one game more than Manchester City.

However, Arsenal, who will travel to Tottenham on Sunday, February 22, 2026, are still feeling the bad effects of finishing as runners-up for the last three seasons.

After the 2-2 draw against Wolves, the Gunners face a new label as a team that always fails.

"That is an individual opinion, and you have to respect it. You lose two points against Wolves the way the game went and you have to accept it. That's all. That's part of our role."

"However, it's not part of my vocabulary. I don't see it that way because I don't think anyone wants to do that on purpose. I wouldn't use that word," Arteta said.

Arsenal have qualified for next month's Carabao Cup final and the Champions League knockout stages after winning their eighth group game.

They are also strong favourites to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals with a Fifth Round tie at Mansfield in March 2026.

However, with just two wins in their last seven league games, Arteta's side are facing increasing scrutiny over their form.

"When we don't reach our standards, I take full responsibility for that. I never point to one player or team in particular (who has to be responsible)."

"I can speak about the standard, yes, and in the second half (against Wolves) we didn't reach our normal standard given the amount of games we played. If anyone is responsible, it's me."

"We have very clear instructions. We have to live in the present and the present is beautiful. We are exactly where we want to be in every competition."

"So, stay calm, stay alert, stay attentive, and understand what the players need to give their best."

"What I saw (from the players) was an incredible reaction. I'm not surprised at all. What I'm really interested in is the next chapter, what we are made of, and how we write our own destiny from here on out," said Arteta.

Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are absent at Molineux with injuries, but both have a small chance of facing Spurs.

"We have to wait until tomorrow, but there is a high probability that they can play," said Arteta.