Saka rejects talk of Arsenal wilting but scars of title near-misses run deep

Guardian Sport

by Ed Aarons

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Arsenal’s recent performance has raised concerns as they continue their pursuit of the Premier League title. Despite a strong start against Wolves, with Bukayo Saka scoring his first goal in 15 games—a significant milestone given his lengthy drought—the team ultimately conceded a late equalizer, marking their seventh dropped point from winning positions this season. This outcome highlights the recurring issue of Arsenal’s inability to maintain momentum and secure victories when leading, a pattern that has haunted them in recent title near-misses. The match against Wolves saw Saka named as captain in the absence of Martin Ødegaard, a role he embraced with a display of leadership both on and off the pitch. His goal, a well-taken header, initially seemed to set Arsenal on course for an easy win, especially after restoring their seven-point lead over Manchester City. However, Saka’s celebration, which included mimicking the signing of his lucrative contract extension announced earlier in the week, turned into disappointment as the game progressed. The team’s flat performance and eventual draw underscored deeper issues that have plagued Arsenal this season. Manager Mikel Arteta has repeatedly emphasized the need for consistency, but the recurring pattern of dropping points from winning positions continues to undermine their title challenge. The late equalizer by Wolves, a side fighting relegation, further highlighted Arsenal’s defensive vulnerabilities and lack of composure in crucial moments. This latest setback not only dented Arsenal’s momentum but also handed Manchester City an opportunity to close the gap. With the title race tightening, Arsenal’s inability to hold onto leads has become a critical issue that fans and analysts are closely monitoring. The recurring pattern of dropped points raises questions about their mental resilience and

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/19/2026