Keown Insists Arsenal Title Bid Hinged on Chaotic Wolves Victory

Martin Keown says Arsenal title bid hinged on Wolves win after dramatic late chaos at the Emirates.

Martin Keown made a striking assertion after Arsenal survived a dramatic test against Wolves, insisting their title bid hinged on the nervy Emirates victory. The former Gunners defender reacted after a chaotic Wolves win for Arsenal kept Mikel Arteta’s side top of the Premier League despite a performance riddled with tension.

Arsenal entered the match as overwhelming favourites against a Wolves side rooted to the bottom of the table. Early pressure eventually paid off when Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone turned the ball into his own net, handing Arsenal a deserved lead.

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However, complacency crept into Arsenal’s game. Control faded, urgency dropped, and the visitors grew in confidence as the second half wore on.

Late Wolves Equaliser Sparks Title Anxiety

Disaster struck in the 90th minute when Tolu Arokodare rose unchallenged to head Wolves level. The equaliser stunned the Emirates and threatened to derail Arsenal’s momentum in the title race.

The mood shifted instantly, with anxiety replacing confidence as memories of previous late-season collapses resurfaced among supporters.

Just as Arsenal appeared destined to drop crucial points, fortune intervened again. Under pressure in stoppage time, Yerson Mosquera bundled the ball into his own net, restoring Arsenal’s lead and sealing a dramatic 2–1 victory.

The result extended Arsenal’s advantage over Manchester City, though Pep Guardiola’s side still hold a game in hand.

Mikel Arteta described the contest as a “rollercoaster,” admitting his players became passive after scoring. He criticised the defensive lapse that led to Wolves’ equaliser but praised his side’s ability to find a way to win despite failing to create clear chances.

Arteta acknowledged improvements are required if Arsenal are to sustain a genuine title challenge.

Speaking on TNT Sports, Keown delivered a bold verdict, claiming Arsenal’s “whole title bid was on this game.” He suggested the pressure surrounding the fixture was immense, adding that many expected Arsenal to slip up against struggling opposition.

Keown warned that such performances cannot become routine. While relieved by the result, he stressed that champions cannot rely on fortune too often.

Praise for Wolves and a Reality Check for Arsenal

Keown also credited Wolves for their transformation under new manager Rob Edwards, highlighting their organisation and courage despite another defeat. He admitted Arsenal rode their luck, noting that fortune has recently returned after a run of misfortune.

Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves agreed, calling the victory “massive” but admitting Arsenal were not at their best.

Scrappy victories often define championship seasons. Arsenal showed resilience under pressure, but the performance exposed vulnerabilities that rivals will seek to exploit.

Keown’s dramatic claim underlines the fine margins at the top of the Premier League. Arsenal survived this test, but as the title race tightens, moments like these may ultimately determine whether Arteta’s side finish as champions—or fall short again.

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