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Mikel Arteta rues Arsenal’s mistakes in 2-2 draw with West Ham

Mikel Arteta rues Arsenal’s mistakes in 2-2 draw with West Ham

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says his side made a ‘huge mistake’ in their thrilling 2-2 derby draw against West Ham United at the London Stadium today.

The Gunners raced into a two-goal lead inside the first ten minutes courtesy of some Brazilian magic, with Gabriel Jesus opening the scoring.

Compatriot Gabriel Martinelli then set up captain Martin Odegaard who rifled home with a close-range volley.

However, similar to last weekend’s 2-2 stalemate against Liverpool, Arsenal once again relinquished their comfortable lead as West Ham fought back through Said Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen.

Bukayo Saka had a chance to extend Arsenal’s lead before Bowen’s equaliser, but the England international failed to hit the target from the penalty spot.

In his post-match conference, Arteta claimed his side lost their way after starting the game well before crediting West Ham for fighting back.

“It started extremely well again,” Arteta said (via the Mirror). “We dominated the game and the pitch and then scored two beautiful goals. 

“After that, we made a huge mistake to stop playing with the same purpose to score the third and fourth one and just think that we can play around them and maintain the result.


“It just looked too easy, and at that moment, we gave them hope. Credit to West Ham because they took it and did what they did really well.

“There is another moment when you can go 3-1 up after 50 minutes, and probably the game is over, and two minutes later, you concede a goal. But that is part of football.”

Having drawn consecutive games, Arsenal may be left to rue missing out on their chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Only four points separates them from reigning champions Manchester City with both sides set to clash in a title decider in two weeks.

The Gunners will first welcome Southampton to the Emirates Stadium next weekend.

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