Arsenal: Are Gunners in danger of repeating history?

BBC World
February 19, 2026
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Arsenal's 2-2 draw at Wolves on February 22, 2023, raises unsettling parallels to a similar situation 18 years prior. Both matches saw Arsenal dominate for much of the game, leading 2-1 heading into stoppage time only to concede a late equalizer. While the scenarios differed slightly—one involving a penalty and the other a goalkeeping error—the emotional toll on Arsenal's players and fans was strikingly similar. This latest slip-up, combined with Manchester City's impending opportunity to close the gap at the top, has left supporters questioning whether history is doomed to repeat itself. In 2008, Arsenal were leading the Premier League table with 63 points, comfortably ahead of Manchester United. Their match against Birmingham City in the West Midlands was a defining moment. Despite an 18-year-old Theo Walcott scoring his first two Premier League goals, Arsenal's lead evaporated in the final minutes due to Gael Clichy's foul and James McFadden's late penalty. The frustration was palpable, with defender William G
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/19/2026