Mikel Arteta admitted Arsenal’s shock home loss to AFC Bournemouth felt like a “big punch in the face” after the visitors snatched a 2-1 win at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday.
NOP NIGERIA reports that Arsenal fell behind to an early strike from Eli Junior Kroupi before Viktor Gyökeres levelled from the penalty spot. The hosts dominated much of the second half but were stunned late on when Alex Scott fired the winner.
Arteta did not hide his frustration after the final whistle, questioning his side’s efficiency and decision-making.
“Disappointing. It’s a big punch in the face and it’s about how we react now,” Arteta said.
“They are a team that hasn’t lost 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.”
While Arsenal were left to reflect on missed chances, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola praised his players for delivering a fearless performance away from home.
“We showed great personality to play in a big game and in a big stadium. We’ve been at the level of the game. I’m very happy for the players,” Iraola said.
“Defensively, apart from the penalty, we defended those [set-piece] situations. We were quite brave. A complete performance.
“It’s a matter of growing into the game. We had very good spells on the ball. We were finding good gaps in the middle.”
The result leaves Arsenal top of the Premier League table with 70 points in 32 games, 9 points ahead of second-placed Manchester City, who have two games in hand. The win pushed Bournemouth to the 10th spot on the league table with 45 points in 32 games.
