A Bitter Day for Arsenal
Mikel Arteta’s demeanor after Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to West Ham on Saturday was a stark reflection of the emotional toll the defeat had taken. The match, which saw Jarrod Bowen scoring the decisive goal just before half-time, left Arsenal’s manager "very, very angry." The Gunners, already facing a tough battle, were further hampered when Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off in the 73rd minute, leaving them to battle with just 10 men. Arteta’s post-match comments underscored his frustration, emphasizing that the team’s performance was far from the standard required to challenge for the Premier League title.
A Performance Below Par
In his post-match press conference, Arteta was candid about the team’s shortcomings. "You have to congratulate West Ham for the victory and the way they played, but a lot from our side we never got right, and it didn’t allow us to get enough momentum in terms of playing with positive actions that could deliver into situations of threat," he said. Despite managing 20 shots, Arteta felt that the team’s quality and threat were insufficient. "Even though the ball that we had and 20 shots, I never thought we were at the standards and the level that we needed, first of all to have more threat and then not to allow them to run," he added. The manager was particularly critical of the team’s ball retention and defensive lapses, which allowed West Ham to counter effectively.
Blaming No One but Themselves
Arteta was quick to dispel any notion that the team’s attacking struggles, which include the absence of key players like Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, were to blame. "I refuse that completely," he stated. "I’m talking about the standards and the team that we played today, me included. That was nowhere near the levels we have to hit to have the opportunity to win a Premier League." Arteta acknowledged the team’s consistency but argued that it is today’s performance that truly matters. "Football is about what you do today, and today, nowhere near," he said. The manager emphasized the need for self-reflection and improvement, stating that the team’s desire and effort were not in question, but that these must be complemented with high-quality execution.
Looking Forward with Determination
Arsenal’s next challenge is a visit to Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, and Arteta outlined his expectations for the coming days. "First of all: suffer for 24, 48 hours and feel the pain and make sure that we come back on Monday with that bite and that anger, determined for Wednesday," he said. The manager stressed the importance of using this defeat as a catalyst for improvement, emphasizing the need for the team to play with more personality, quality, and interaction. "We have to play much better, it’s my responsibility," he added, taking full accountability for the team’s performance.
The Title Race Takes a Hit
The loss to West Ham has widened the gap between Arsenal and Premier League leaders Liverpool to eight points. Arteta was visibly frustrated when asked about the title race. "It’s not in our hands," he said. "I am really, really annoyed for the things that were in our hands and we didn’t do as well as we possibly could, and that’s the performance and result today." The manager’s disappointment was palpable, and he made it clear that the team must regroup and focus on the upcoming matches to stay competitive.
Moving Forward with TNT Sports and discovery+
For fans eager to follow Arsenal’s journey and the rest of the Premier League action, TNT Sports and discovery+ offer a comprehensive live streaming service. The platforms will provide coverage of the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, and more. As Arsenal prepares to face Nottingham Forest, fans can tune in to catch every moment of the action and witness the team’s response to this difficult defeat.
Conclusion
The loss to West Ham was a harsh reminder of the high standards required to compete at the top of the Premier League. Mikel Arteta’s anger and determination to improve offer a glimpse into the resilience and commitment of the Arsenal camp. With the title race now more challenging than ever, the focus must shift to the immediate task at hand: a strong performance against Nottingham Forest. The journey continues, and the Gunners will need to show the qualities that have made them a formidable force this season.
