Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted that Saturday’s defeat to Bournemouth felt like “a big punch to the face” as their Premier League title hopes were dealt a blow.
Junior Kroupi gave the Cherries a shock lead after just 17 minutes at the Emirates Stadium, but the hosts were able to level matters before the break.
The Gunners were awarded a penalty when Gabriel’s shot struck Ryan Christie’s outstretched arm and Viktor Gyokeres converted from the spot with conviction.
Arsenal were less convincing in almost every other area of the match as they failed to break down Bournemouth, who retook the lead in the second half through a brilliant finish from Alex Scott.
The north London outfit remain nine points clear at the top of the table, but nearest rivals Manchester City have two games in hand and the two teams meet next week.
Arsenal take ‘big punch in the face’ with Bournemouth defeat
“Disappointing,” Arteta told TNT Sports after the final whistle. “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.”
Arteta admitted that his players, who were booed at the end of the match, are hurting “a lot” after falling to their fourth Premier League defeat of the season.
“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.”
