Mikel Arteta gently pushes back after the phrase “failing at crucial moments” resurfaces to haunt Arsenal again.
On 21 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, responded to criticism labeling his team as “bottlers” after they allowed bottom-table Wolverhampton to come back from two goals down to draw 2-2. He firmly stated that such a term does not exist in his dictionary.
This draw reopened the title race, giving rivals Manchester City renewed hope. If City wins all their remaining 12 matches, including the key game against Arsenal at the Etihad, they could overtake Arsenal to claim the championship.
Arteta addressed the term “bottlers” used by some fans and media to mock his team, which had performed strongly but faltered near the end, finishing as runners-up three seasons in a row. In the latest season, Arsenal led the table for over 100 days but their form dipped, bringing the term back into use.
“That is a personal opinion, which we must respect,” the Spanish coach said.
“You lose 2 points in a game like that, you have to accept it. That’s part of our responsibility. But the word ‘bottlers’ is not in my vocabulary, and I don’t see it that way, because I don’t believe anyone does that intentionally. I will not use that term.”
“We are in a position we want in all competitions. The important thing is to stay calm, be alert, and understand what the players need to perform their best. What I see is an excellent reaction, and I’m not surprised at all.”
Arsenal have reached the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, won all 8 matches in the UEFA Champions League group stage, and are favorites to advance in the FA Cup, with an upcoming fifth-round match against Mansfield Town.
However, recent league form—winning only 2 of the last 7 games—has raised questions again. Arteta fully accepts responsibility: “When we don’t meet our standards, I take full responsibility. I never blame any player or the whole team. In the second half against Wolves, we were indeed below our standard, which is normal given such a congested schedule. But if anyone must be accountable, it’s me.”
The 43-year-old coach joked about how he supports his players to reduce pressure: “I write love letters to them,” he said with a smile.
“The way I communicate and support them lets them know I’m here. We’re all here together. It’s impossible not to love them—I love them like my own children.”