Mikel Arteta described defeat to Bournemouth as a “big punch in the face” as Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes have been dealt a major blow following a determined 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth on the Emirates.
The Gunners produced a worryingly torpid show as Bournemouth left north London with all three factors at hand Manchester Metropolis the prospect to cut back the hole on the high to 6 once they face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
It was a 3rd consecutive home defeat for Arteta’s facet – following their Carabao Cup last loss towards Metropolis and FA Cup exit to Southampton – and it locations main doubt over whether or not they’ll safe their first title in 22 years, having completed runner-up for the previous three seasons.
“It’s extremely disappointing,” Arteta mentioned. “It’s a big punch in the face, but it’s about how we react now.
“That is what I mentioned to the boys.
“There are not any gray areas. Right this moment there have been some very basic items that we did extraordinarily badly. While you try this, they’ll capitalise, and it turns into very chaotic and really troublesome to regulate.
“We have to look at ourselves. We have to suffer. It’s painful. It’s a terrible feeling. But tomorrow is a different day. And if somebody would have said to me in August, we are in this position right now in April, I’m sure we would all have taken it.”
‘We have to embrace the title problem’
Arteta referred to as on his gamers to indicate battle as they appear to cease their Premier League title bid from collapsing
Arsenal have completed runners-up for the previous three seasons, and their newest defeat not solely arms the championship momentum to Metropolis, however once more raises critical questions on their title-winning mentality.
The 2 rivals meet on the Etihad Stadium subsequent Sunday, and will Pep Guardiola’s facet triumph in that match, see off Chelsea on Sunday, and likewise beat Burnley on April 22 they might be degree on factors with the Gunners with 5 video games remaining.
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Paul Merson suggests Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat at residence to Bournemouth may shatter their confidence within the title and expressed how ‘sloppy’ their efficiency was
However Arteta, who was with out Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori via damage on Saturday, mentioned: “We won’t management that. What we are able to management is our performances over the past 9 months.
“Anything that is said when you have a defeat at home, you have to accept that. There are no excuses. It’s about how we’re going to stand up, first of all, individually, and then as a team to change that immediately on Wednesday (against Sporting in the second leg).
“So, we’d like every thing. We’d like all people match and obtainable. Those that weren’t concerned at the moment are actually huge, vital gamers, and we’d like them instantly with us as a result of then we will be a lot stronger.
“And then the other ones, they need to stand up. Me, being the first one, and embrace this challenge and go for it.”
Arteta wants to seek out answer to Arsenal’s attacking struggles
Sky Sports activities Oliver Yew at Emirates Stadium:
“Mikel Arteta called on the Arsenal fans to be ready for the lunchtime kick-off against Bournemouth.
“There have been instances this season the place they’ve been edgy and nervous, however that can’t be labelled at them now. They have been prepared however sadly for them, the gamers weren’t.
“They lacked tempo, intensity, rhythm and so much more against a superb Bournemouth team.
“Three or 4 instances within the first half Ben White took an age to take a throw-in, with the followers urging him to get the ball shifting faster. The ball saved going again to David Raya as Arsenal have been ponderous in possession as they racked up an open play xG of simply 0.19.
“It’s not new for Arsenal in recent weeks. It was similar in the Carabao Cup final against Man City and also against Southampton as the Gunners exited the FA Cup. Without a threat going forward, the Gunners hold no fear for the opposition.
“There was speak this week of talks over a brand new deal for Arteta. He is now received to indicate he is price it, discovering a strategy to get Arsenal’s mis-firing assault going once more. In any other case, they’ll blow yet one more likelihood of securing a primary Premier League title in 22 years.”
Arsenal’s remaining Premier League fixtures…
- April 19: Man Metropolis (a) – dwell on Sky Sports activities
- April 25: Newcastle (h) – dwell on Sky Sports activities
- Might 2: Fulham (h) – dwell on Sky Sports activities
- Might 10: West Ham (a) – dwell on Sky Sports activities
- Might 17: Burnley (h)
- Might 24: Crystal Palace (a)
