Mikel Arteta stated that the term “bottlers” does not resonate with him as he refuted claims that Arsenal is squandering another opportunity to secure the Premier League title.
Arsenal let slip a two-goal lead against bottom-placed Wolves on Wednesday, allowing title challengers Manchester City to gain the upper hand.
If Pep Guardiola’s team wins all their remaining 12 fixtures—including a crucial matchup against Arsenal at the Etihad in April—they will be crowned champions.
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Despite the setback against Wolves, Arteta’s squad remains five points clear at the top, although they have played one more game than City.
As Arsenal prepares to face Tottenham on Sunday, they carry the weight of having finished as runners-up for the past three seasons. Following their 2-2 draw with Wolves, the club faces new accusations of being “bottlers.”
In response to these allegations, Arteta remarked: “That’s an individual perspective, and we must respect it.”
“You lose two points against Wolves in a match that played out in that way, and you have to accept it. It’s part of our role.”
“However, that term doesn’t exist in my vocabulary. I don’t perceive it that way, as nobody intends to perform poorly. I avoid using that term.”
Arsenal has advanced to the final of the upcoming Carabao Cup and is progressing in the Champions League, having won all eight of their group matches.
They are also strong favorites to reach the FA Cup quarterfinals with a fifth-round matchup against Mansfield set for March.
Despite this, with only two wins in their last seven league fixtures, Arteta’s squad is under increasing scrutiny regarding their form.
Arteta added: “When we haven’t met our standards, I take full responsibility for that. I’ve never singled out a player or the team.”
“I can address our standards; in the second half against Wolves, we fell short, which can happen given the volume of matches we are playing. But if anyone is accountable, it’s me.
“We have clear instructions. We must focus on the present, which is quite promising.”
“We are precisely where we want to be in every competition. Thus, it’s important to remain calm, attentive, and aware of what the players need to perform at their best.”
“What I’ve witnessed from the players is a remarkable reaction, and I’m not surprised at all.”
“I’m more interested in the next chapter, in understanding what we are made of, and how we will forge our own path moving forward.”
Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz missed the match at Molineux due to injury, but both may have a chance of playing against Spurs.
“We will wait until tomorrow, but there’s a strong possibility they could be available,” Arteta concluded.