Arsenal voach, Mikel Arteta said his side weren’t good enough to beat newly promoted side, Brentford on Friday’s league opener.
Arteta spoke after the Gunners suffered a 2-0 defeat at Brentford, saying “they didn’t do the basics.”
The former Manchester City assistant coach also assured he will review their mistakes and try to put it right as soon as possible for their next match.
In their first league match, Arsenal fans have been left with a traumatic start as the team suffered defeat at Brentford.
Arteta has called for “cool heads” in the aftermath from both team members and fans.
The Bees marked their return to top flight football after 27 years with an unforgettable 2-0 victory over the Gunners.
What has been the reaction
“New season, same old story,” said by renowned Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher in commentary. Arsenal have been known to suffer losses in matches that have become their new normal. It doesn’t get easier for Arsenal in the Premier League, as they host Chelsea in the next fixture, following an encounter at home to Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta, whose team had 22 shots in the game and managed just four on target, chastised his team for poor performance.
He said he did not want to blame the poor performance on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette’s absence due to illness, saying they didn’t envision the season to start in this manner; it wasn’t a good start.
“The team didn’t cope well with the second balls or long balls. It was just what the opponent needed to throw them off their game.
“The biggest worry was the threat in front of goal. The number of times a team member got around the box and got in great situations. Yet, it wasn’t enough to make a difference.”
He added that Brentford’s second goal shouldn’t have stood because someone held onto the keeper.
Reacting to the win, Brentford manager Thomas Frank couldn’t contain his happiness, saying the fans’ support left him speechless.
He added that his team was just a bus stop in Hounslow, and they were not supposed to be there and will celebrate every win, but want more.
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