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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted that Saturday\u2019s defeat to Bournemouth felt like \u201ca big punch to the face\u201d as their Premier League title hopes were dealt a blow. <\/strong><\/p>\n Junior Kroupi gave the Cherries a shock lead after just 17 minutes at the Emirates Stadium, but the hosts were able to level matters before the break.<\/p>\n The Gunners were awarded a penalty when Gabriel\u2019s shot struck Ryan Christie\u2019s outstretched arm and Viktor Gyokeres converted from the spot with conviction.<\/p>\n Arsenal were less convincing in almost every other area of the match as they failed to break down Bournemouth, who retook the lead in the second half through a brilliant finish from Alex Scott.<\/p>\n The north London outfit remain nine points clear at the top of the table, but nearest rivals Manchester City have two games in hand and the two teams meet next week.<\/p>\n \u201cDisappointing,\u201d Arteta told TNT Sports after the final whistle. \u201cIt\u2019s a big punch in the face and it\u2019s about how we react now. They are a team who haven\u2019t lost for 11 games for a reason, they did a lot right.<\/p>\n \u201cWe were far from efficient. The first chance they had to attack the box, it\u2019s a deflection, a bad defending action and it\u2019s a goal. That\u2019s something we have to recover from.<\/p>\n \u201cThe second half you expect a different game. We did a lot of strange things today.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have been very consistent. This can happen, this is football.\u201d<\/p>\n Arteta admitted that his players are hurting \u201ca lot\u201d after falling to their fourth Premier League defeat of the season.<\/p>\n \u201cIt has to hurt. They have to take it on the chin. You stand up and go for the fight or you\u2019re out.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a big week. A lot at stake. We\u2019re still in a good position in both competitions.\u201d<\/p>\n Read \u2013\u00a0Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd set for \u00a3100m transfer battle<\/strong><\/p>\n See Also\u00a0\u2013 Power Rankings: PSG on the march, Arsenal on the slide?<\/strong><\/p>\n Facebook<\/a> | Instagram<\/a> | Twitter<\/a> | YouTube<\/a> | TikTok<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nArsenal take \u2018big punch in the face\u2019 with Bournemouth defeat<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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