New Delhi: Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes suffered a serious setback after a frustrating 1-0 home defeat to West Ham. The loss, their first at the Emirates this season, left them trailing league leaders Liverpool by eight points. Jarrod Bowen’s first-half header proved decisive, while Arsenal’s problems worsened when Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off in the second half.
Mikel Arteta cut an angry figure on the touchline as his side struggled to create clear chances despite having 20 shots on goal. With Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli all injured, Arsenal lacked cutting edge in attack, forcing midfielder Mikel Merino to lead the line. However, Arteta refused to blame injuries, instead criticising his team for not meeting the required standards.
Mikel Arteta slams Arsenal’s poor display as title hopes fade
Mikel Arteta with Arsenal players after Everton match.
(Photo: Getty)
Speaking after the game, Mikel Arteta did not hide his frustration. “It’s not in our hands,” he said about the title race. “But I am very disappointed and obviously very angry as well. Even though we had 20 shots, I never felt that we were at the standard we needed.”
Arsenal’s lack of sharpness in the final third proved costly. West Ham defended deep, frustrating the hosts and limiting them to half-chances. The frustration boiled over when Lewis-Skelly received a red card in the 72nd minute, making an already difficult task nearly impossible. It was Arsenal’s fifth red card of the season, highlighting their ongoing disciplinary problems.
Arteta admitted his side lacked the quality needed to break down a well-organised defence. He said that the team has to look at the mirror and find motivation. “The desire and effort were there, but at this level, that’s not enough. We didn’t do what was needed to win.”
Liverpool, who have also dropped points recently, now have a chance to open up an 11-point lead when they face Manchester City. For Arsenal, the defeat raises questions about whether they have the depth and mentality to sustain a title challenge. Arteta’s men will need a strong response in their next match to keep their fading hopes alive.
Arsenal’s title hopes took a major hit after a 1-0 home loss to West Ham. Mikel Arteta was furious, admitting his side fell short of Premier League-winning standards. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
