Arsenal squandered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with bottom-placed Wolves, leaving them just five points ahead of Manchester City and facing a captaincy crisis.
Bukayo Saka has faced sharp criticism for a “flat” post-match interview following Arsenal’s 2-2 draw at Wolves.
Despite Saka and Piero Hincapie putting the Gunners in control, a stoppage-time collapse allowed Tom Edozie to level for the hosts.
Former England manager Glenn Hoddle questioned Saka’s leadership demeanor, remarking, “Your demeanour needs to be a little bit more up… he was very flat.”
The draw marks a worrying trend for Mikel Arteta’s side, who have won just twice in their last seven league outings.
Manchester City now trail by five points with a game in hand, meaning the gap could shrink to two points by Saturday night.
The result has reignited fears of a late-season crumble, with pundits suggesting “doubt is creeping into the minds” of the squad.
Arsenal must now travel to 16th-placed Tottenham on Sunday for a high-stakes North London Derby.
Spurs will be led by new interim manager Igor Tudor, who replaced Thomas Frank following their slide toward the relegation zone.
With Saka and Leandro Trossard both nursing knocks from Molineux, the Gunners’ depth and mental fortitude face their most rigorous test of the campaign.