Arsenal FC manager Mikel Arteta has expressed disappointment following his side’s 2-1 loss to AFC Bournemouth in a Premier League clash on Saturday, admitting that his team was “far from efficient.”
The Gunners fell behind after Kroupi Junior handed Bournemouth the lead, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. Arsenal responded with an equalizer as Viktor Gyokeres converted from the penalty spot, bringing the visitors back into the contest.
Despite dominating much of the second half, Arsenal failed to make their pressure count. Bournemouth snatched a late winner through Alex Scott, sealing a crucial victory for the hosts.
Reacting after the match, Arteta described the defeat as a significant setback.
“Disappointing. It’s a big punch in the face and it’s about how we react now,” he said.
He acknowledged Bournemouth’s strong form, noting that their unbeaten run did not come by chance.
“They are a team who haven’t lost for 11 games for a reason, they did a lot right,” Arteta added.
The Arsenal boss, however, was critical of his team’s overall performance, particularly in key moments.
“We were far from efficient. The first chance they had to attack the box, it’s a deflection, a bad defending action and it’s a goal. That’s something we have to recover from.
“The second half you expect a different game. We did a lot of strange things today.”
Despite the loss, Arteta remained optimistic, emphasizing that such results are part of the game.
“We have been very consistent. This can happen, this is football,” he concluded.
