Wolves manager Gary O’Neil criticized Arsenal’s tactics in their 2-1 victory, accusing them of deliberate time-wasting during the closing stages of the match at the Emirates Stadium. Despite Arsenal’s early 2-0 lead through goals from Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, a late goal from Wolves’ Cunha added tension to the game.
O’Neil voiced his concerns about intentional time-wasting on beIN Sport, pointing out deliberate delays during restarts and suggesting that the added time should have been extended to address these tactics. Despite a minimum of six additional minutes being stipulated by officials, Arsenal successfully managed to navigate the closing moments.
Odegaard, who showcased goal-scoring prowess after recovering from injury, expressed disappointment with Arsenal’s second-half performance. Reflecting on the match, he emphasized the need to learn from such situations in the competitive Premier League, where momentary lapses can invite opponents back into the game.
While acknowledging the victory, Odegaard highlighted the team’s continuous need for improvement, especially when holding a 2-0 lead. He commented on the demanding Premier League schedule, emphasizing the challenges and the importance of intelligent recovery and rest ahead of their upcoming clash against Luton.
