When time-wasting is a waste of time
Accusations that Arsenal are “bottling it” are far too simplistic. It’s a cheap headline term that’s offensive to elite competitors, makes no distinction of individual players’ strengths, and actually misses the point. Arsenal have mentally robust players, including Gabriel, William Saliba, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi. They have enough “winners”. Arsenal’s issue is more a flaw in their approach, namely the time-wasting which exudes caution rather than control. It’s not down to the players but to Mikel Arteta. Arsenal’s manager has to ensure momentum is maintained, attacking urgency kept up, rather than trying to see out games by running down the clock.
Of course, there’s the broader point that stooping to such tactics is against the spirit of the game even if all’s fair in love, war and professional sports. Time-wasting is often counter-productive. It truly is a waste of time. It sets a negative tone. It infuriates opposing players and supporters. Wolves were certainly stirred up by Arsenal time-wasting from 75 minutes on with the visitors leading 2-1 at Molineux on Wednesday night. Arsenal practised bouts of time-wasting against Brentford, trying to take the sting out the Bees after an hour, and now Wolves, and drawn both games. Arsenal lead, drop off, concede: rinsed and repeat.
With the clock showing 89 minutes at Molineux, and a chunky amount of injury time anticipated, Rice took 60 seconds to move across and take a corner from the right, having a debate with Gabriel Jesus and Eberechi Eze on the way. Arsenal led 2-1 and showed no real interest in adding a third.