Soccer-Arteta laments 'worst game of the season' as Arsenal miss out on top spot
Soccer Football – Premier League – Fulham v Arsenal – Craven Cottage, London, Britain – December 31, 2023 Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looks dejected after the match Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
LONDON (Reuters) – Arsenal cannot afford to repeat the performance that led to Sunday’s 2-1 loss at Fulham if they want to fight for the Premier League title, manager Mikel Arteta said.
Soccer Football – Premier League – Fulham v Arsenal – Craven Cottage, London, Britain – December 31, 2023 Arsenal’s Gabriel and William Saliba look dejected after the match Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Arteta called it their “worst game of the season” after Arsenal failed to capitalise on an early lead and lost their second straight game, ending the year fourth after being top of the table at Christmas.
Soccer Football – Premier League – Fulham v Arsenal – Craven Cottage, London, Britain – December 31, 2023 Fulham’s Timothy Castagne, Raul Jimenez and Harry Wilson celebrate after the match REUTERS/Tony Obrien
“Painful and sad day, that’s how I would sum it up… we simply weren’t good enough,” he told reporters.
“We could not control the direct play. It was so easy for (Fulham) to win that first, second ball and have opportunity to run, and we conceded (two goals that way).
“What happened today cannot happen again. Because if you do that you will never have the chance to be where we want to be.”
The North London side have 40 points after 20 matches, two behind leaders Liverpool who play their game in hand on Monday against Newcastle United.
“It could have been a beautiful way to end the year and finish top of the league, but these are the margins,” Arteta added.
The Spaniard said the team needed to focus on improving going forward.
“We want to win games,” he said.
“We have a chance to be the best in the best in the league with these players. So, they are really good and we are going to continue to work with them.”
Arsenal resume their league campaign on Jan. 20 against Crystal Palace.
(Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru; Editing by Nick Macfie)