Arteta apologises for Brighton defeat

Mikel Arteta apologised to all our supporters following our disappointing 3-0 loss to Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Seagulls netted three times in the second half without reply to virtually end our title aspirations this season, and the boss was upset with the display in the second half at Emirates Stadium.

He was also unhappy that we didn’t find a way to come back from conceding the first goal, as we have so often when required this campaign, which now looks to see us finish in second spot.

Speaking post-match, he said: “First of all we have to apologise. Last week we were really proud and we stood with our chest out after the performance against Newcastle, and today we have to apologise for what happened in that second half. That is nowhere near the level that we have to show as a team and as a club.

“At first, it was extremely competitive and we expected that, there were a lot of interruptions in the game and we were a little thrown. We had some big opportunities after regaining the ball very high up the pitch, and then the second half was a different story. 

“We started to lose a lot of duels, and obviously the way we conceded the goals is just unacceptable that this level, and after that we had no answers to get back into the game.

“We have to live with the emotion that we have right now that we fell short and it wasn’t good enough. We’re going to have to use that to play the next game at a very different pace and quality.”

Mikel also gave a quick update on Gabriel Martinelli who was forced off injured in the first half, saying: “Obviously he was in pain and was struggling to walk. He is in a boot at the moment so we’re going to have to scan him and see the extent of that injury.”