Mikel Arteta has slammed Arsenal’s performance in their 1-0 loss to West Ham, admitting his side fell below standard to challenge for the Premier League title.
Jarrod Bowen’s first-half strike proved decisive as the Gunners suffered their third league defeat of the season, ending a 15-game unbeaten run.
Arsenal struggled to break down a disciplined West Ham side, managing just two shots on target despite taking 20 attempts.
Their task was made harder when Myles Lewis-Skelly saw red in the 73rd minute after a VAR review.
A furious Arteta took responsibility for the lackluster display but made it clear the entire squad must take accountability.
“Very disappointed, obviously very angry as well,” he said.
“We didn’t hit the levels today, and I am very much responsible for that, so I am very, very angry.”
Despite Arsenal missing several key attackers, Arteta refused to use injuries as an excuse.
Mikel Merino, a midfielder, was deployed as a makeshift striker, but the team lacked creativity and cutting edge.
“I refuse that completely… That was nowhere near the levels that we have to hit to have the opportunity to win a Premier League,” he added.
The defeat leaves Arsenal eight points behind leaders Liverpool with just 12 games remaining.
With a tough trip to Nottingham Forest up next, Arteta will be demanding an immediate response from his side.
