Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has come forward with a candid admission in the wake of the club\u2019s devastating 2-1 Premier League defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage on New Year\u2019s Eve.<\/p>\n
The Fulham defeat came right after the Gunners\u2019 disappointing 2-0 loss to West Ham United earlier this week, despite having created five big chances in their clash with the Hammers but yet were unable to find the back of the net.<\/p>\n
However, it was a completely different story against the Cottagers as Arteta\u2019s men managed only three shots on target and were indeed fortunate to draw first blood.<\/p>\n
Immediately after the 2-1 defeat, Arteta opined that the team were lacking in efficiency, adding that there was insufficient ball speed, movement or threat and that they gave \u2018too many balls\u2019 away.<\/p>\n
The Spaniard was also candid in admitting the club didn\u2019t deserve to win based on the lackluster display in the derby.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cNo, we weren\u2019t efficient enough. We didn\u2019t have enough ball speed, enough movement, enough threat, and when we did that, we gave too many balls away. Not only when we were playing, but after regaining it straight away, which is the most dangerous moment to give away.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you do that, and you don\u2019t have consistent momentum, we never got set in the final third in the right moments, and you concede two goals like we\u2019ve done, then it becomes very difficult to win the game. Today we didn\u2019t deserve to win the game, and that\u2019s very clear and simple.\u201d<\/p>\n
December hasn\u2019t been too kind a month for the Gunners, losing 11 points in the Premier League, resulting in them having dropped from first to fourth in the league table. The gap to the top is currently five points after league leaders Liverpool\u2019s 4-2 victory over Newcastle United at Anfield earlier today.<\/p>\n
The Gunners will not be returning to league action until January 20 against Crystal Palace, which would be a great opportunity for the manager and the players to reset and prepare for another London derby.<\/p>\n
Arteta\u2019s men are still in line to face Liverpool in the FA Cup third round next weekend. They will be most anxious to avoid another early Cup exit and certainly need to crank up a gear to beat the Reds at home.<\/p>\n
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