Mikel Arteta admitted Arsenal had to take the blame for their damaging 2-2 draw against Aston Villa after sloppy defending cost them a chance to keep pace with Premier League leaders Liverpool.
After Liverpool’s 2-0 win at Brentford earlier on Saturday, the Gunners were left with no margin for error when they faced Villa at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta’s side were on course to move back within four points of Liverpool after Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz scored to build a two-goal lead by the 55th minute.
But Arsenal collapsed midway through the second half as Youri Tielemans reduced the deficit before boyhood Gunners fan Ollie Watkins bagged the equaliser eight minutes later.
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It was a hammer blow to Arsenal’s hopes of a first title since 2004, with Liverpool now six points clear and holding a game in hand over the second-placed north Londoners.
Arteta conceded Arsenal were culpable for the defensive mistakes that allowed Villa back into the game.
“Pride at the way the boys played and competed, the third time in six days. To deliver that dominance, that performance, they were outstanding. We deserved much more, that’s clear,” he said.
“But the way we defended, especially the second goal, can’t be part of our game.
“Conceding the two goals cannot be part of our game if you want to constantly win. It’s nowhere near the standards of what we demand.”
Arsenal have won only one of their last five games in all competitions in a dismal streak that includes an FA Cup third round exit against 10-man Manchester United and a 2-0 League Cup semi-final first leg loss to Newcastle.
Wednesday’s 2-1 win over north London rivals Tottenham looked to have revived Arsenal, but once again their inconsistent form this season reared its head at the worst possible time.
