Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has insisted that the word “bottlers” has no place in his vocabulary, as criticism grows following his team’s latest slip in the Premier League title race.

The Gunners were held to a dramatic 2–2 draw by Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Molineux despite taking a two-goal lead, a result that has reignited debates about their ability to maintain composure under pressure.

With defending champions Manchester City set to face Newcastle United, the gap at the top could shrink significantly, increasing tension around Arsenal’s title ambitions and prompting pundits to question whether history might repeat itself.

Responding to the criticism, Arteta maintained a calm stance, emphasizing that dropped points are simply part of football’s unpredictable nature.

“That’s just someone’s opinion, and you have to respect that,” Arteta said.
“You lost two points to Wolves in the way the game went, and you just have to accept it. That’s part of what we do.”

Opinion: Pressure Is the Price of Progress

Arteta’s response reflects more than defensive rhetoric — it reveals a manager determined to change the psychological narrative around his team. The “bottlers” label has followed Arsenal since previous near-misses, but this season presents a different context: a more mature squad, stronger mentality, and sustained competitiveness against arguably the most dominant side in modern English football.

Drawing against Wolves is undoubtedly frustrating, especially after holding a commanding lead, but title races are rarely decided by one result. What truly defines champions is consistency over months, not perfection in isolated matches.

There is also an important reality often overlooked by critics: competing with Manchester City under Pep Guardiola sets an unusually high benchmark. Many excellent teams have fallen short against City’s relentless standards — not because they lacked quality, but because the margin for error is microscopic.

For Arsenal fans, the bigger picture remains encouraging. The club is no longer chasing relevance; it is competing for supremacy again. And sometimes, the loudest criticism is simply evidence that expectations have returned to elite levels.

If Arsenal ultimately lift the trophy, moments like the Wolves draw will be remembered not as signs of weakness, but as tests they survived on the road to glory.