Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta 'very angry' and names who is to blame for West Ham upset
Mikel Arteta was not a happy man after Arsenal were beaten by West Ham at home.
Mikel Arteta admitted to being 'very angry' and blamed himself for not maintaining the required standards following Arsenal's surprise defeat to West Ham.
Jarrod Bowen secured all three points for the Hammers with a headed effort just before the break, with the hosts being made to pay for their shortcomings in a brutal blow to their Premier League title hopes.
They were unable to break through West Ham's disciplined defence and lacked a cutting edge in attack, while a lapse in concentration was to blame for allowing Bowen a free header to score.
Things went from bad to worse when Myles Lewis-Skelly, who had not long come off the bench, was sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity in the second half.
Speaking after the final whistle, Arteta fumed over his side's disjointed display and lamented their inability to conjure up some positive momentum. He also took responsibility for failing to ensure that his players met the standards expected of them.
"Very disappointed, obviously very angry as well," said the Spaniard. "You have to congratulate West Ham for the victory. For as well a lot on our side. It didn't allow us to get enough momentum.
"I never felt that we were at the level or the standard. It's my responsibility. We have to change that."
Mikel Merino was deployed as the lone striker but looked lost at times, with the 28-year-old struggling to make the right runs or lead the line effectively. His poor display raised further questions over Arsenal's failure to sign a striker in the January window.
When asked if the defeat was down to the lack of forward options at his disposal, Arteta replied: "No, I refuse that completely. I'm talking about the standards, me included. It was nowhere near the level that we need to win the Premier League