Arsenal were beaten 2-1 by Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium in a huge Premier League title blow
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal’s defeat to Bournemouth was ‘a big punch in the face’ with the Gunners missing the opportunity to move 12 points clear of Manchester City in the Premier League title race.
Pep Guardiola’s side head to Chelsea tomorrow looking to close the gap and now have two games in hand on the Gunners.
Arsenal were nine points clear ahead of kick-off this afternoon, but their recent poor run of form has raised eyebrows. Junior Kroupi opened the scoring for Bournemouth after 17 minutes, before Viktor Gyokeres equalised from the spot.
The Gunners have had a month or so to forget; in contention for a historic quadruple, to crashing out of the FA Cup and defeat to Man City in the Carabao Cup Final.
They responded with a win over Sporting in the Champions League in midweek, but Alex Scott’s strike in the 74th minute meant Bournemouth would leave north London with all three points.
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Speaking to TNT Sports at full-time, Arteta said: “Disappointing. It’s a big punch in the face and it’s about how we react now. They are a team who haven’t lost for 11 games for a reason, they did a lot right.
“We were far from efficent. The first chance they had to attack the box, it’s a deflection, a bad defending action and it’s a goal. That’s something we have to recover from.
“The second half you expect a different game. We did a lot of strange things today. We have been very consistent. This can happen, this is football.”
When asked if the players were hurting after the defeat, the Gunners boss said: “A lot. It has to hurt. They have to take it on the chin. You stand up and go for the fight or you’re out.
“It’s a big week. A lot at stake. We’re still in a good position in both competitions.”
City can close the gap to Arsenal with a win over Chelsea tomorrow afternoon, before the two sides meet at the Etihad Stadium next weekend in a huge clash at the top.
If results go against the Gunners, they could be second in the Premier League table by the time they next take to the field at the Emirates, with City set to play Burnley in their game in hand after the clash at the Etihad.
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