Arteta questions team after defeat: “we did a lot of strange things today”
The Arsenal manager spoke in the wake of his side’s damaging defeat to Bournemouth.
Arsenal fell to a shock 1-2 defeat to AFC Bournemouth on Saturday, blowing the Premier League wide open.
After the game, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta tried his best to see the bright side of things, but even he struggled, calling the loss “extremely disappointing,” admitting that it was “a big punch in the face.”
“It’s about how we react now,” he added. “Credit to them for what they did - they haven’t lost in 11 games for a reason. But we did a lot of strange things today.”
Full-time at Emirates Stadium. pic.twitter.com/SwILWjTwyq
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 11, 2026
“There are no excuses” - Arteta
“We were very far from the level that we’re expecting, that’s for sure,” he continued, downbeat. “But again, I don’t want to criticise any players, especially here.”
“Anything that is said when you have a defeat at home, you have to accept that. There are no excuses. It’s about how we’re going to stand up, first of all, individually, and then as a team to change that immediately on Wednesday [against Sporting CP in the Champions League quarter-final second leg].
“So, we need everything. We need everybody fit and available. The ones that were not involved today are really big, important players, and we need them immediately with us because then we’re going to be much stronger. And then the other ones, they need to stand up. Me, being the first one, and embrace this challenge and go for it.”
The question now turns to Arsenal and their ability to react. But if Mikel Arteta’s press appearance is anything to go by, it will take a few days to shake off the feeling of disappointment in north London.
💬 ”Go through the pain today, and tomorrow is a new day.”
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 11, 2026
Mikel reflects on today’s result 👇
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