Mikel Arteta expressed his disappointment with Arsenal’s “strange” display during their 2-1 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday, deeming the outcome a “big punch in the face.”
With this defeat, Arsenal missed the chance to extend their lead to 12 points atop the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium, leaving room for Manchester City to narrow the gap to six points with a match against Chelsea on Sunday.
“It’s incredibly disappointing. It’s a big blow,” Arteta stated on TNT Sports. “Now we need to focus on how we respond.”
“Credit to Bournemouth for their performance — they haven’t lost in 11 matches for a reason. However, we did a lot of things that were out of character today.”
Arsenal has struggled recently, losing three of their last four games across all competitions after suffering only three defeats in their previous 49 matches this season.
Viktor Gyökeres equalized after Junior Kroupi‘s initial goal, but Alex Scott netted the winner as Arteta’s side attempted to rally. Despite making multiple substitutions, Arsenal was unable to break through the Bournemouth defense.
The home crowd responded with boos at the final whistle.
“We were well below the level we expect, that’s for certain,” Arteta continued. “But I’m hesitant to criticize any players, especially in this context.”
– Arsenal booed off after Bournemouth loss, opening the door for Man City
– Arsenal’s title hopes take a hit with home defeat to Bournemouth
Arsenal will take on Sporting CP in a Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday, where they will strive to protect a one-goal lead, before they meet second-place City at the Etihad on April 19.
Having finished as runners-up for the last three seasons, Arsenal’s latest defeat not only hands the momentum to City but also raises concerns about their title-winning mentality.
However, Arteta, missing key players like Bukayo Saka, Jurriën Timber, Martin Ødegaard, and Riccardo Calafiori due to injuries, said: “We can’t control those factors. What we can influence is our performance over the last nine months.”
“Any feedback after a home defeat is something we have to accept. There are no excuses. It’s about how we respond, first individually, and then as a team, starting immediately with our next match on Wednesday [against Sporting in the second leg].
“We need everyone available and fit. The players who missed out today are crucial, and their return will make us significantly stronger.
“Moreover, those who played need to step up, myself included, and face this challenge head-on.”
Information from PA and ESPN Global Soccer Research contributed to this report.