‘Not acceptable for our level’ – Arteta frustrated despite late win over Wolves

Mikel Arteta labelled Arsenal’s performance against Wolves as “not acceptable” after they won 2-1 courtesy of a 94th-minute own goal from Yerson Mosquera.

The Gunners took the lead through another own goal when Bukayo Saka’s corner hit the post and ricocheted in off the back of Sam Johnstone.

Tolu Arokodare thought he snatched a point at the Emirates Stadium when he headed past David Raya in the 90th minute, but the Gunners were let off when another Saka cross led to Mosquera's own goal.

Arsenal failed to register a shot on target in the first half of a Premier League game for the first time this season, and for the first time at the Emirates since December 2024 against Manchester United.

Their first attempt on target came through Declan Rice in the 67th minute, with Hwang Hee-chan the only player to hit the target before half-time.

Across interviews with TNT Sports and BBC Match of the Day, Arteta stated that he will quickly move on from a disappointing display.

“We knew it was going to be a tough match,” said Arteta.

“We had a lot of situations in the first half that were massive chances. Then we didn't generate that many clear chances in the second half.

“Then we had periods where we spent three minutes too deep, so passive. There were really poor defensive habits, which are not acceptable for our level. We need to improve that and in the end, you rely on an individual action to score the goal and win the game.

“We created lots of situations without picking the right players with the final pass. Regardless of how the game goes, you can always find a solution to win it.

“Now we are going to have a clean week. Then we go again for the Christmas period, we know what happens. But that's it, win the game and go on.”

Wolves have now scored two own goals in a single Premier League game on three occasions, with two of those coming against Arsenal (also in November 2009). No side has conceded multiple own goals in more games.

Mosquera putting through his own net was the 18th 90th-minute winning own goal in Premier League history. 33% of these have been for an Arsenal win (6/18), with two now against Wolves at the Emirates Stadium (also Jose Sa in February 2022).

Wolves boss Rob Edwards showed sympathy towards the travelling fans, who applauded their team from the field just five days on from holding a protest against the ownership of Fosun ahead of a 4-1 home defeat to Manchester United, after the gut-wrenching finish.

“The lads gave everything tonight. The bottom line is we have lost another game of football,” Edwards told BBC MOTD.

“The plan did work, the lads carried it out really well. We were very disciplined – we couldn't open up here as it would be asking for trouble.

“The lads worked hard on it, and they believed in it. We showed the courage to get back in it after being 1-0 down.

“I feel for the supporters and a big thank you to them for coming down. I feel for them as it will be hard for them at the moment.”