LONDON: Arsenal FC manager Mikel Arteta described the 1-2 defeat to Bournemouth today as a ‘pretty big blow’ while urging his players to bounce back as their Premier League (EPL) title challenge begins to falter.
Junior Kroupi put the visitors ahead in the 17th minute before Viktor Gyokeres revived Arsenal with a penalty in a difficult match.
But Alex Scott put Bournemouth back in front in the 74th minute, and Arsenal failed to find an equalizer and lost at home for the second time this season.
The Gunners still hold a nine-point lead over second-placed Manchester City with six games remaining, but Pep Guardiola’s side are now back in the title race with two games in hand.
The two teams are scheduled to meet at the Etihad next week in a match that could potentially be a championship decider.
“This is a big slap in the face, that’s what I told the players. Now we have to see how we respond.
“We were far from the real performance we usually show, especially in some critical parts when facing a team like Bournemouth who are very clear with their game.”
“But I don’t want to criticize any player publicly,” Arteta said.
Arsenal, who were on course to win the quadruple just a few weeks ago, have now suffered three consecutive defeats in domestic competition.
They are still considered favourites to win their first league title since 2004, despite finishing second in three consecutive seasons.