Mikel Arteta described Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat at home to Bournemouth as a ‘punch in the face’, with the Gunners once again left looking over their shoulder in the title race. Arsenal’s destiny remains in their own hands, but it ramps up the pressure ahead of next week’s showdown against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Arteta asked for the Arsenal fans to bring the noise before the lunchtime kick-off, and, in fairness, they did. Instead, it was a chorus of boos that met the full-time whistle at the Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal’s title pursuit having taken an almighty blow.
Speaking to TNT Sports, the Gunners boss 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 efficient. 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.”
On whether the players are hurting: “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.”
In reflection, it doesn’t exactly come as a surprise. The title-hopefuls started poorly, found themselves behind after 17 minutes and were perhaps fortunate to be gifted a penalty midway through the first half. Having dragged themselves to the half-time break, Arsenal continued to huff and puff after the restart, and it was no surprise the third goal of the game came at the end Bournemouth were attacking.
Evanilson linked up nicely with Alex Scott, who tucked home the goal that has the Arsenal nerves jangling. The gap at the top remains nine points, but crucially, City have two matches in hand, with Arsenal travelling to the Etihad next weekend.
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