Arteta says Arsenal’s performance was below the mark needed to win the title | Arsenal

A “very, very angry” Mikel Arteta conceded that Arsenal’s performance as they slumped to defeat against West Ham had not been up to the standard required to win the Premier League and said his players must “feel the pain” before their trip to Nottingham Forest in midweek.

Jarrod Bowen’s 50th Premier League goal sealed three points for Graham Potter’s side as the substitute Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off in the second half. It leaves Arsenal still eight points behind Liverpool, with Arne Slot’s side having an opportunity to extend their lead when they face Manchester City on Sunday.

Arteta admitted that West Ham were worthy winners against his toothless side but refused to blame the number of injuries to attacking players that forced him to start with Mikel Merino as a makeshift centre‑forward.

“We are very disappointed and very, very angry as well,” he said. “I never felt that we were at the level that is required and I am very much responsible for that. We have to look in the mirror at ourselves of what we can do better, what we have done and the will and the desire and the way we run and the way we want it, zero question about that.”

Asked whether their poor performance was down to the lack of options in attack, he added: “No, I refuse that completely. We’re talking about the standards of the players and the team that played today, me included. And that was nowhere near the levels that we have to hit to have the opportunity to win the Premier League. Today no, we were very consistent, yes, but football is about what you do today and today, nowhere near.”

Lewis-Skelly was shown a red card in the second half for bringing down Mohammed Kudus after a review by the video assistant referee in a similar incident to when he was sent off against Wolves last month. That decision was overturned but another reprieve appears unlikely after VAR intervened, with the teenager now set to miss the trip to third‑placed Forest on Wednesday through suspension.

“First of all suffer, 24- 48 hours, suffer,” said Arteta when asked how his team will prepare for that game.”And feel the pain. And make sure that we come back on Monday with that bite and that anger still in the stomach for Wednesday.”

West Ham’s win was only their second since Graham Potter was appointed last month and he paid tribute to his side’s dogged approach.

“We’re delighted. The players have had a tough week but I’m delighted with the way they responded,” he said. “We had to suffer at times but I’m delighted for the players and the supporters. It’s a really positive day for us.”