Rabat – Arsenal’s title hopes took another hit at Molineux. The chants of “second again, ole, ole” rang out from Wolverhampton Wanderers fans, mocking a team that has finished runners-up three years in a row.
By the end of the night, after a 94th‑minute equalizer, the song felt like a cruel prediction.
Arsenal had been in control. Bukayo Saka scored early, and Piero Hincapie doubled the lead soon after halftime.
But Wolves fought back. Hugo Bueno’s strike gave them belief, and Arsenal lost their rhythm. In stoppage time, Tom Edozie, a 19‑year‑old player, saw his shot deflect in off Riccardo Calafiori. The stadium erupted, Arsenal froze, and the title race was blown open.
The reaction told its own story. Gabriel Jesus clashed with opponents, Gabriel argued with goalkeeper David Raya, and frustration spread across the team.
Fans in the away end stood stunned, unable to believe what they had seen. Arsenal had thrown away a two‑goal lead against the league’s bottom club, a side that had collected only nine points all season.
For Mikel Arteta, it was one of his most critical post‑match assessments. “I’m extremely disappointed,” he said to the press. “We have to blame ourselves. In the second half, we didn’t show anything close to the standards required to win in this league.”
He urged his players to swallow the frustration and move on quickly, with a derby against Tottenham up next.
History repeats itself for Arsenal
History shows they have struggled to finish the job. In 2022‑23, they lost an eight‑point lead. Twice in recent years, Manchester City have overtaken them.
Now, despite leading the table since September, Arsenal’s five‑point cushion looks fragile. City have a game in hand, and the two sides meet at the Etihad in April. That match could decide the title.
Opposition fans sense weakness. The “Second again” chant has followed Arsenal everywhere, Brentford, Leeds, Nottingham Forest, and even Wigan in the FA Cup.
Last season, West Ham, Leicester, Palace, and Southampton joined in. The song has become a taunt Arsenal cannot escape.
Arteta insists his players must take criticism “on the chin.” He was seen urging them to keep the ball with composure, but instead, they rushed and panicked.
Wolves manager Rob Edwards said his team were the better side in the second half, and it was hard to argue. Arsenal looked complacent at 2‑0, expecting an easy win.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri summed it up after beating Arsenal in 2024: “It’s the mentality. Arsenal did an unbelievable season, but the difference was in here,” he said, pointing to his head.
That remains the question now: do Arsenal have the mindset to finish as champions, or will “second again” become the story of their season once more?
