7M - Arsenal 'shocked' by Paul Merson's 'bottle job' claim after Wolves draw

Arsenal came under fire for being Premier League "bottle jobs" after surrendering a two-goal advantage against Wolves, increasing concerns over their title challenge, according to ex-Gunners midfielder Paul Merson.

Mikel Arteta's team had earlier opened up a six-point lead over Manchester City, but that gap has now narrowed to just two points following back-to-back away draws with Brentford and the league's basement side.

On Wednesday, Arsenal took a two-goal lead before Hugo Bueno and Tom Edozie struck to salvage an unexpected draw. ESPN Global Research indicates that only Crystal Palace and West Ham (both with 8) have lost more points from winning situations in the Premier League in 2026 than Arsenal's total of 7.

"It's frustrating," Merson told Sky Sports. "You cannot afford to ease off. When Wolves leveled at 2-2, suddenly there was a sense of urgency. That was missing before. You can't perform like that. Every remaining match is like a cup final now.

"Now the criticism is going to intensify—talk of them bottling it, collapsing under pressure. It's serious now—drawing at Brentford and then throwing away a two-goal lead against the league's bottom team."

Merson went on to say he was "taken aback" by Arteta's remarks following the game, where the Arsenal manager claimed his side "merited" dropping points.

"There are moments when you underperform, and when you're competing at this level with these expectations, you have to accept the setback," Arteta said. "Because frankly, we earned it."

Merson commented: "I was genuinely surprised by Arteta's interview. It's probably the first time I've seen him not sound overwhelmingly optimistic. Normally he's out there saying, 'we achieved this, we achieved that.'

"Instead he's saying, 'we deserved the setback,' rather than coming out and reminding everyone, 'we're still five points clear. As long as we avoid defeat to Manchester City, the title is ours.'

"It wasn't the same. That interview left me slightly concerned. Even he seems uncertain now. You can only guide the team so far, and watching that, you sense something isn't quite right—I can't pinpoint it exactly, but something's off."

Arsenal now prepare for a pivotal north London derby against Tottenham on Sunday.