Arteta considers Arsenal’s title hopes over after West Ham defeat

Mikel Arteta has conceded that Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes are over after their 1-0 defeat to West Ham at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners’ first home loss of the 2024/25 season leaves them eight points behind leaders Liverpool, reducing their chances of securing a first Premier League title in 21 years.

Jarrod Bowen scored the only goal of the match just before halftime, heading in his 50th Premier League goal to seal a crucial victory for West Ham.

Arsenal’s struggles were compounded by Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card in the 72nd minute—marking the club’s fifth dismissal this season.

Liverpool, despite recent stumbles against Everton and Aston Villa, can now extend their lead to a massive 11 points with a win against Manchester City on Sunday.

“It’s not in our hands,” Arteta said regarding the title race. “I am really, really annoyed with the things that are in our hands – which is the performance and the result – and we didn’t do that as well as we possibly could.”

Arteta expressed his disappointment and anger, stating, “Even though we had 20 shots, I never felt that we were at the standard and the level that we needed.”

Arsenal’s title challenge has been hampered by injuries to key attacking players. However, Arteta refused to use this as an excuse. “I refuse that completely because I am talking about the standards of the players and the team that we played today, me included,” he said.

“That was nowhere near the levels that we have to hit to have the opportunity to win a Premier League.”
He further emphasised the need for self-reflection and improved performance.”