Alan Smith accuses Arsenal star of 'panicking' in Wolves draw

Alan Smith after Arsenal’s draw with Wolves (Picture: Sky Sports)

Alan Smith says Arsenal ’s shocking draw with Wolves could not only be a ‘pivotal moment’ but the ‘turning point’ in the Premier League title race.

Arsenal looked set to open up a seven-point gap on second-placed Manchester City as they led Wolves 2-0 at Molineux.

Bukayo Saka celebrated signing a new deal with the Gunners by heading home Arsenal’s opener inside five minutes.

The league leaders were not at their best against the worst team in the division but the three points looked secured when Piero Hincapie doubled Arsenal’s lead after half-time.

But Hugo Bueno gave Wolves hope with a goal on the hour mark before Tom Edozie scored a dramatic injury-time equaliser.

The 2-2 draw means Arsenal are five points ahead of Man City, who now have a game in hand and play host to Mikel Arteta ’s side in April.

Arsenal legend Smith said the draw could be the ‘turning point’ in the title race and accused goalkeeper David Raya of ‘panicking’ for Wolves’ equaliser.

Tom Edozie scored an injury-time equaliser for Wolves (Picture: Getty)

Raya collided with Arsenal centre-back Gabriel in what turned out to be a hugely costly mix-up before Edozie scored Wolves’ late equaliser.

‘It feels like a pivotal moment, a vital one, and maybe a turning point,’ Smith told Sky Sports . ‘We’ll wait and see.

‘Obviously, it’s in Manchester City’s hands now but having been two goals up against the team that’s rock bottom on nine points, it’s not good enough for a team trying to win the title.

Wolves have EQUALISED in the 94th minute! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/O7TbC5nKtZ — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 18, 2026

‘And the way things unravelled at the end with Trossard just trying to waste time and then David Raya panicking, he came out when he didn’t need to come out it doesn’t bode well for Arsenal being able to handle the pressure.

“There is clearly a lot of nerves within the camp, the whole situation seems to be getting the better of them. It did tonight and going forward but it doesn’t bode well.

‘It’s a big job for Mikel Arteta now to calm things down, he’s got a big job on his hands. They’ve got to settle down.

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya (Picture: Getty)

‘We’ve spoken often about them being the best team or squad in the league but that word “bottle” will be used quite a bit over the next few days.

‘Man City will be thinking they can feel our breath on the shoulder and with their experience, with Guardiola’s experience, they’ll be really fancying it now.