- Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta labels the 2-1 defeat to Fulham as the team’s “worst performance of the season”
- Arteta expresses disappointment with Arsenal’s lackluster display, highlighting defensive concerns and the need for improvement to sustain their title challenge
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta voiced his disappointment, labeling Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat to Fulham as their “worst performance of the season.” The setback dealt a blow to Arsenal’s Premier League title aspirations, leaving them two points behind leaders Liverpool.
Arteta, acknowledging his team’s recent struggles, particularly in the league, expressed discontent with their display at Craven Cottage. Despite winning just one of their last five league games, Arteta had previously found positives even in defeats. However, he made no excuses for the lackluster performance against Fulham.
“We weren’t good enough,” admitted Arteta. “The other day we lost a game (against West Ham) we fully deserved to win, and today we were nowhere near the level.”
The manager highlighted the significance of isolating this performance, emphasizing its distinction as the worst of the season. Arsenal’s defensive concerns and a lack of clinical finishing have been areas of critique, potentially hindering their title aspirations.
While Arteta rejected the notion of reinforcing the squad in the January transfer window, he issued a warning to his players, stating that repeating such performances could jeopardize their title challenge.
“If we play like we played in the other 19 games, we will be up there,” Arteta asserted. “If we play like today, we will be nowhere near. Today was a really difficult day to swallow.”
Arsenal, currently in fourth place, faces the risk of dropping out of the Champions League places if their form does not improve. Fulham, on the other hand, ended a three-game winless streak with Raul Jimenez’s return, securing a crucial victory with goals from Jimenez and Bobby De Cordova-Reid. Arsenal’s struggles persist, leaving Arteta with concerns as they navigate a challenging period in the league.