‘Your demeanour needs to be more up’ – Hoddle criticizes Bukayo Saka as Arsenal drop points against Wolves

Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle has criticized Arsenal captain Bukayo Saka following the Gunners’ disappointing draw against Wolves on Wednesday night, a result that leaves the North London side feeling the pressure in the Premier League title race.

Arsenal have now dropped seven points from winning positions this season, a tally only worse than Crystal Palace and West Ham, both of whom have let slip eight.

With Manchester City closing the gap, trailing by just five points with a game in hand, the Gunners cannot afford further slip-ups.

Hoddle, speaking to Premier League Productions, said Arsenal appear to be losing confidence. “I look at Arsenal against Brentford and Wolves and I just feel they’re starting to doubt themselves… a few months ago they weren’t doing that… but they’re doubting themselves, and now they’re under pressure, and it’s all about the mentality.”

He reserved particular criticism for Saka’s post-match interview, questioning the England international’s energy and composure after the final whistle.

“That’s interesting, that, because he was the skipper tonight. For me, he was very honest, very honest there saying they need to do better… blah blah blah. But his demeanour for me wasn’t right. Your demeanour needs to be a little bit more up, he was very flat, very flat.”

The Gunners now face a critical North London Derby against Tottenham on Sunday, a match that could define their momentum as City travel to Newcastle a day earlier.

Manchester City are in an advantageous position, as Newcastle will be without captain Bruno Guimaraes, who has missed 10 league games since his debut in 2022 – and in all those games, Newcastle have failed to win.

With pressure mounting on both Arsenal and Saka, Hoddle’s remarks underline the importance of mentality and leadership in the closing stages of the title race. Arsenal must respond quickly if they are to maintain their advantage and fend off a resurgent Manchester City.

The stage is now set for a tense weekend, with the Gunners’ response in the derby likely to shape the trajectory of the Premier League race.