After another heartbreaking mistake, the same sadistic one sing is repeated by Arsenal fans everywhere: Secondly, Ole, Ole. It’s a lot like a nightmare that won’t go away. The Gunners still lead the Premier League, but the question is whether they will finish second for the fourth year in a row.
The chant that hurts Arsenal
Wolves fans started chanting “Second again, ole, ole” after just eight minutes at Molineux. They kept getting louder and louder, especially after the final whistle. It’s not a new song. Rivals have used it all season – at Brentford, Leeds, even in the FA Cup against lower teams.
The chant mocks Arsenal for finishing second three times in a row. It says they always come close, but never win the big prize. Wolves, who are bottom of the table and battling relegation, celebrated as if they had won the league. It was a nightmare moment for Arsenal.
How Arsenal threw it away
The game looked easy at first. Bukayo Saka scored with a header in the fifth minute. After the break, defender Piero Hincapié made it 2-0 with a great goal. Arsenal were in control and many fans expected three easy points.
But everything changed. Hugo Bueno scored a beautiful goal to make it 2-1 for Wolves. Then, in the 94th minute, things went wrong. Tom Edozie was a young debutant who shot on goal from the edge of the penalty area. However, Riccardo Calafiori was hit by the ball and it went over goalkeeper David Raya. It became 2-2. Raya and Gabriel went so far as to argue with each other after a misunderstanding over just a cross.
Being at the top, but feeling the pressure
Arsenal has been number one since September 14 last year. They have 58 points from 27 games. Manchester City are five points behind, but have played one match less. If City win the drawn game, the gap will be just two points.
The title race is wide open again. Arsenal have won just two of their last seven league matches. They look shaky when pressure is applied. Many pundits say this is the same story as the last three seasons – brilliant for most of the year, but not quite good enough at the end.
Arteta’s honest message
Mikel Arteta was so angry with the game that was composed for the cameras. He said: I am very disappointed. “We have to blame ourselves. In the second half we did not show what we had to do to win this competition. He instructed his players to accept criticism and get over it quickly. Every hit, every bullet, take it,” he added. “We have to swallow the frustration, because we have a big game on Sunday.” Arteta knows his team must now show strong character.
The North London Derby is next
There is no time to feel sorry. Arsenal travel to Tottenham for the North London Derby on Sunday, February 22. It will be loud, passionate and full of pressure. Spurs fans will surely be singing the ‘Second again’ song.
Then there will be tough games against Chelsea and others. City also have a busy schedule, but are looking good. Any mistake now could cost you the title.
Can Arsenal finally break the curse?
Arsenal have finished second three years in a row. If they do it again it will be their tenth second-place finish of the Premier League era. The players are talented, the manager is smart and the fans are loyal. But do they have the mental strength to get the job done? The worst nightmare is close – but it’s not too late to wake up and win.
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