Mikel Arteta's Arsenal took another backwards step in their quest to end their Premier League trophy drought.

The Gunners lost 1-0 to West Ham United thanks to a close-range header from Jarrod Bowen in the first half at the Emirates Stadium.

The visitors held on to beat Arsenal on their home turf for two consecutive seasons. A red card to Myles Lewis-Skelly added to Arteta's woes as his side was forced to play with 10 men for the 73rd minute.

Speaking after the game, the Spanish tactician took full responsibility for the result, stating his team had failed to reach their usual levels.

"Very disappointed, obviously very angry as well. We didn't hit the levels of today and I am very much responsible for that so I am very, very angry," he said as captured on Arsenal's website.

Arteta also lavished praise on his opposite number Graham Potter after they successfully hindered their build-up play.

"I think we have to congratulate West Ham for the victory and the game that they played but I think a lot on our side we never got right. It didn’t allow us to get enough momentum, enough sequence of play with positive action."

The former Manchester City assistant manager refused to put his team's defeat on his lack of forwards. Arsenal started the game with only Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling as the recognised forwards. Mikel Merino was forced to start in a false nine position.

"I refuse that completely because I am talking about the standards of the players and the team that we played today, me included 100%, were nowhere near the levels that we have to hit to have the opportunity to win a Premier League game today."

With only 12 games remaining, Arsenal's chances of winning a first title since 2004 grow bleaker and bleaker. They are eight points behind Liverpool who travel to the Etihad to play champions Manchester City on Sunday evening.

Arsenal play third-placed Nottingham Forest before taking a break due to their non-involvement in the FA Cup. They are yet to play Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

has also reported how many games Myles Lewis-Skelly will miss after his red card against West Ham.

The Arsenal teenager was sent off for a last-man challenge on Mohamed Kudus. The referee had initially given a yellow card but changed his mind after reviewing the incident on the pitchside VAR monitor.

Source: TUKO.co.ke