Wolves manager Gary O’Neil criticized Mikel Arteta’s tactics in Arsenal’s 2-1 win, calling them illegal and expressing his belief that the club didn’t deserve the victory. O’Neil raised concerns about intentional time-wasting by Arsenal in the later stages of the match at the Emirates Stadium, particularly during restarts, leading to his frustration with the minimal added time provided by the officials.
Despite Arsenal’s explosive start and securing a 2-0 lead within the first 15 minutes through goals from Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, a late goal by Wolves’ Cunha caused anxiety for the Gunners. O’Neil highlighted a defensive lapse from Oleksandr Zinchenko that allowed Wolves to narrow the deficit in the 84th minute.
Odegaard, who displayed his goal-scoring ability in successive matches after returning from injury, expressed disappointment with Arsenal’s second-half performance. He stressed the importance of learning from such scenarios in the competitive Premier League, where brief lapses can allow opponents back into the game.
Despite the win, Odegaard acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in holding onto a 2-0 lead. He highlighted the challenges in the Premier League schedule, emphasizing the necessity for smart recovery and rest ahead of their next match against Luton.
Overall, Arsenal’s win against Wolves, combined with allegations of time-wasting, offers valuable lessons for the team. Odegaard’s focus on continual improvement and resilience echoes the demands of the fiercely competitive Premier League environment.
