Arsenal: Mikel Arteta says side 'exactly where we want to be' despite criticism after Wolves draw
BBC World
February 20, 2026
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains confident that his team is on track despite a recent draw against Wolves, which has sparked criticism and speculation about their title chances. Speaking ahead of the crucial north London derby against Tottenham, Arteta emphasized that Arsenal are "exactly where we want to be" in every competition, including the Premier League, Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and Champions League. Despite trailing Manchester City by just two points, Arteta reiterated that Arsenal's destiny is in their own hands, with a remaining schedule that could see them secure their first Premier League title since 2004.
The draw against Wolves opened the door for Manchester City to close the gap, but Arteta remains focused on the present. He acknowledged外界的批评but dismissed claims that Arsenal are "bottling" their chances, stating that the team's performance speaks for itself. With a 100% record in the Champions League and strong progress in domestic competitions, Arteta believes the外界's perspective is irrelevant as long as the team remains united and performs on the pitch.
The upcoming clash with Tottenham is a pivotal moment in Arsenal's season. Arteta hinted that the emotional rivalry and disappointment from the Wolves draw could fuel their performance at the weekend. He urged the team to channel their frustration into motivation, emphasizing that words and reactions must translate into action on the field. With the title race heating up and a potential two-point lead for Manchester City by kickoff, Arsenal's ability to bounce back will be crucial.
Meanwhile, Arteta downplayed distractions like social media criticism, focusing instead on the opinions of their rivals, such as Wolves manager Rob Edwards, who acknowledged Arsenal's dominance in the league. Arteta's focus remains firmly on the task at hand, with a clear instruction to perform and earn success through hard
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/20/2026