English Premier League title out of Arsenal’s control, says ‘angry’ Mikel Arteta

LONDON – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta blasted his players for failing to hit the standards demanded of English Premier League title winners in a crushing 1-0 loss to lowly West Ham United on Feb 22.

The Gunners’ hopes of a first league title in 21 years faded with their first home defeat of the season, as they remained eight points behind leaders Liverpool. It could be 11 by the end of Feb 23, as the Reds travel to Manchester City, with the result of that clash unavailable at press time.

At the Emirates Stadium, Jarrod Bowen scored the only goal of the game when he headed in just before half-time for his 50th Premier League goal.

Arsenal’s indiscipline also cost them when Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off with 17 minutes remaining – the fifth red card shown to Arteta’s men in the league this season.

League leaders Liverpool had shown signs of feeling the pressure of being title favourites in recent weeks, as they dropped points at Everton and Aston Villa. But Arne Slot’s men are now clearly in the driving seat, Arteta admitted.

“It’s not in our hands,” the Gunners boss said of the title race.

“I am really, really annoyed with the things that are in our hands – which is the performance and the result – and we didn’t do that as well as we possibly could.

“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 and the level that we needed. We have to be (angry), and I hope we are because we didn’t hit the levels today, and I am very much responsible for that, so I am very, very angry.”

It was Arsenal’s first loss in 16 league games.

After coming off the bench to score twice in the closing stages of last weekend’s 2-0 win at Leicester City, Spain midfielder Mikel Merino started for Arteta’s injury-hit side as a makeshift striker.

The team’s lack of cutting edge in attack was again exposed when they could not find the net, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s pinpoint cross was headed in by Bowen in the 44th minute.

Arsenal’s title challenge has been ravaged by injuries to almost their entire forward line.

Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka were sidelined, forcing Merino to deputise up front.

Arteta, though, refused to rely on that excuse as he demanded more from those who were available.

“I refuse that completely because I am talking about the standards of the players and the team that we played today, me included,” added the Spaniard.

“That was nowhere near the levels that we have to hit to have the opportunity to win a Premier League.

“We have to look in the mirror of ourselves of what we can do better. The will, the desire, the way we run and the way we want it, (there is) zero question about that. At this level, that is not enough. You have to deliver and it has to be with quality to break down a really good team, and today we didn’t do that.”

West Ham boss Graham Potter, meanwhile, said that he was “incredibly proud” of his players after the victory.

“The players gave everything and left everything out on the pitch, which is what we’ve been trying to instil and encourage,” said the Englishman, who was appointed in January.

“When you do that, you’ve got a chance to get results. Talent is one thing, but it’s about being a team and having a collective mentality. I think we showed that today in abundance, so I’m delighted.

“I think it’s about being consistent for the full 90 minutes and we were able to do that today.”
AFP, REUTERS