Paul Merson ‘Half-Scared’ Arsenal Could Bottle Title After Wolves Draw

Arsenal legend Paul Merson has admitted he is “half-scared” that the Gunners could miss out on the Premier League title following their 2-2 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday evening.

Arsenal surrendered a two-goal advantage at the Emirates Stadium after appearing to be in full control. Goals from Bukayo Saka and Piero Hincapié had put Mikel Arteta’s side in a commanding position with just over half an hour remaining.

However, Wolves responded emphatically. Hugo Bueno reduced the deficit with a superb curling strike — his first Premier League goal — before a defensive mix-up between David Raya and Gabriel Magalhães allowed Tom Edozie to direct the ball towards goal, with Riccardo Calafiori inadvertently turning it into his own net.

The result leaves the title race finely poised. Manchester City now have the opportunity to cut Arsenal’s lead at the summit to just two points should they defeat Newcastle United on Saturday. Pep Guardiola’s side also still host Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in April, meaning the reigning champions effectively hold their fate in their own hands.

Merson Concerned by Arteta’s Demeanour

Reacting to the setback, Merson revealed his growing anxiety about Arsenal’s title credentials and admitted he was surprised by Arteta’s post-match interview.

“Manchester City now have Newcastle and Leeds and you’d take that over Tottenham and Chelsea,” Merson said.

“I wouldn’t want to be in Arsenal’s shoes if it happens again.

“I was quite shocked by Mikel Arteta’s post-match interview. It’s the first time I’ve seen him not majorly positive.

“Usually he comes out and says, ‘We’ve done this, we’ve done that’, and talks about what they deserved. Instead of saying, ‘We’re five points clear — as long as we don’t get beaten by Manchester City, we win the league’, it wasn’t like that.

“I was a bit worried watching that interview. You can only do so much to the team and when you’re watching, it feels like there’s something missing. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but something is missing.

“I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes if they don’t win the league this year.”

‘Now or Never’ Warning Resurfaces

Merson also recalled comments made by former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira ahead of last month’s defeat to Manchester United, suggesting this campaign represents a crucial opportunity for the north London club.

“If they don’t win the league this year, I remember Patrick Vieira saying before the Manchester United game — when he was on with Roy Keane — that it was now or never,” Merson added.

“I’m starting to think that too. I was very bullish about Arsenal winning the league. That’s half-scared me tonight.”

Saka: ‘We’re Very Disappointed’

Reflecting on the performance, Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka admitted the squad were deflated by the manner of the draw.

“Yeah, it’s very flat,” Saka said.

“We’re very disappointed with the result and especially with the way we played in the second half. It was far from the standards we’ve set this season.

“It’s time for us to reflect on the last few performances and fix the issues immediately so we can get back to winning games, go on a run and build momentum because we’ve lost that a bit right now.”

With the title race entering a decisive phase, Arsenal face mounting pressure to respond swiftly and reassert their authority at the top of the table.