Mikel Arteta points finger of blame for Arsenal's dramatic collapse vs Wolves

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Mikel Arteta blamed Arsenal's dismal second-half display for their baffling collapse against bottom-club Wolves and says they deserved' to drop points at Molineux.

Arsenal looked to be on the way to a straight-forward victory in the Black Country after Bukayo Saka had given his side the lead within the opening five minutes. Piero Hincapie then doubled the Gunners' victory after the break.

Hugo Bueno reduced the deficit just moments later, with Rob Edwards' men completing the turnaround in stoppage time as Thomas Edozie took advantage of an error between David Raya and Gabriel. His shot took a touch off of Riccardo Calafiori.

The draw leaves Arsenal vulnerable, with Pep Guardiola 's Manchester City now just five points behind with a game in hand.

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Speaking after the game, Arsenal boss Arteta has slammed his side for their second-half performance in the Midlands. He said: "Very tough to accept it. In the second half we did not perform in the way we should and the way we require to win a Premier League match. It is better not to judge it, we are all too emotional about it. You have to take the hit because we deserve it.

"It is very easy with emotion to say things that can damage the team. Everyone wants to do their best. You have to go through tough periods. Today at the last minute, we paid the price. We have to do basic things much better than we have done."

Arsenal's draw at Molineux was the latest game where they have let leads slip. Asked why that has become a theme for his side over recent weeks, he added: "Depends. Against Leeds, it didn't happen.

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"Today we need to accept it. We need to be critical of ourselves because it was not good enough. In the league, it is the reality that we have not been consistent over the last few months. You have to stand up. When you have a moment of difficulty, we have to show how much we want it and how good we are. We have to stand up."

Arsenal are back in action this weekend as they take on North London rivals Tottenham away from home. Their lead could potentially be cut to just two points, with Man City set to take on Newcastle .

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