‘A big punch in the face’: Mikel Arteta apologises after defeat by Bournemouth
Arsenal manager says players must show character
Iraola hails statement victory after run of draws
Mikel Arteta admitted https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/11/arsenal-bournemouth-premier-league-match-report">Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat by Bournemouth was “a big punch in the face” and said his players must show more character if they are going to end their 22-year wait to be crowned Premier League champions.
Alex Scott struck the winning goal 16 minutes from time after Viktor Gyökeres had equalised from the spot for a nervy Arsenal after Eli Junior Kroupi’s opener.
It means Manchester City now have a chance to cut Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table to six points with a game still in hand when they face Chelsea on Sunday, with Arsenal travelling to the Etihad Stadium next Sunday.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/11/a-big-punch-in-the-face-mikel-arteta-downhearted-after-bournemouth-defeat">Continue reading...- Arsenal hit choppy waters as title remains agonisingly on horizon The Straits Times —
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