Mikel Arteta expressed his disappointment, stating that Arsenal failed to meet the high standards expected of the team after falling to a disappointing defeat against West Ham United.
Jarrod Bowen found the net just moments before half-time, dealing a decisive blow to Arsenal’s hopes of moving five (5) points league leaders Liverpool — a task that became even more difficult when Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Arsenal launched a late rally in a determined attempt to rescue something from the afternoon, but despite their efforts, the Gunners’ unbeaten home league record was ultimately brought to an end by the Hammers.
“First of all, congratulations to West Ham for the victory. We’re very disappointed with the result and as well the performance for the last period of the game because we really wanted it and showed that we really wanted it, and it becomes really difficult with 10 men”.
“Today, we were not at the levels and standards that we have to hit to be much better than the opposition.”
One of the great things about football is the quick chance for redemption, and Arsenal won’t have to wait long — next up is a trip to Nottingham Forest, with another valuable three points up for grabs.
Mikel Arteta acknowledged that there’s much for him and his coaching staff to assess ahead of the clash with Nottingham Forest, as they focus on getting Arsenal back to winning ways against a side just below them in the table.
“We have to go through the pain of defeat and a big part of the performance as well,” the boss added. “That’s what we’re going to need on Wednesday, to put in a different performance and win the game”.
“Let’s go through the pain; let’s analyse, look at ourselves in the mirror and on Monday we go again.”
