Mikel Arteta Praises Bukayo Saka After Nervy Arsenal Wolves Win

Mikel Arteta says Bukayo Saka carried Arsenal as the Wolves win exposed nerves at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta did not hide his frustration despite Arsenal securing a vital victory, as Bukayo Saka carried the Gunners through a tense night against Wolves. The 2-1 win over Wolves preserved top spot in the Premier League, but it arrived only after late drama and defensive lapses tested the home crowd’s nerves.

Arsenal controlled possession and territory throughout the contest but found clear chances difficult to come by. Wolves, rooted to the bottom of the table, defended deep and disrupted the Gunners’ rhythm for long spells.

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The match turned uncomfortable when Arsenal failed to convert sustained pressure into a second goal, allowing doubt to creep into their play as the minutes ticked away.

Bukayo Saka Delivers When Arsenal Need Him

The decisive moment arrived in the 70th minute. Saka’s whipped corner caused chaos in the Wolves box, deflecting off goalkeeper Sam Johnstone and into the net.

Arteta later admitted that Saka’s influence “carried” Arsenal through the match. When creativity stalled and frustration mounted, it was Saka’s quality from a dead-ball situation that finally broke the resistance.

Just as Arsenal looked set to see the game out, Wolves struck in the 90th minute. Tolu Arokodare’s equaliser silenced the Emirates and threatened to derail Arsenal’s title momentum.

The pressure intensified instantly, exposing nerves in Arsenal’s defensive shape and decision-making.

Arsenal’s persistence paid off deep into stoppage time. Under heavy pressure, Wolves defender Yerson Mosquera turned the ball into his own net, handing the hosts a dramatic 2-1 victory.

Relief swept around the stadium, but the performance left clear talking points for Arteta.

Speaking to the media after the match, Arteta labelled aspects of the display “unacceptable” and “horrible.” He pointed to passive defending and a lack of composure once Wolves grew in confidence.

Still, he singled out Saka’s decisive contribution, acknowledging that his match-winning influence proved decisive when standards dropped elsewhere.

Why Arsenal Win Matters

The victory keeps Arsenal top of the Premier League and maintains momentum in a crowded title race. However, the nervy nature of the win serves as a warning.

Arteta knows that sharper focus will be required, particularly against teams expected to be beaten comfortably.

Once again, Saka showed why he remains Arsenal’s most reliable difference-maker. His calm delivery under pressure rescued three points and reinforced his role as the player capable of carrying the team through difficult moments.

As the title race tightens, Arsenal’s hopes may continue to hinge on their talisman stepping up when margins are thin.

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