Arsenal: Arteta brands Fulham defeat as “worst performance of season”

The Gunners ended 2023 with back-to-back defeats against West Ham and Fulham.

Mikel Arteta admitted Arsenal’s display in their 2-1 defeat against Fulham was unacceptable.

The Gunners went ahead through Bukayo Saka only five minutes into the game but allowed the hosts to find their feet in the game as the first half went on. Raul Jimenez brought Fulham back into the game in the 29th minute before the Cottagers completed their comeback later in the second half.

Speaking after the game, Arteta told reporters: “We weren’t good enough, simple as that. We lost a game a few days ago that we deserved to win, but today we were nowhere near the level.”

He added: “We had a great performance against Liverpool and West Ham, but we didn’t win. Today is the one you have to isolate as it was the worst of the season.”

Arsenal ended the game with only three shots on target as they lacked enough attacking edge to keep Fulham under pressure. The Gunners are expected to look for attacking reinforcements this January, with Brentford’s Ivan Toney being their main transfer target. However, Arteta insisted the club might end up continuing with “the same players” after the winter transfer window.

Arsenal will host Liverpool in an FA Cup clash on January 7 before restarting their Premier League campaign with a match against Crystal Palace 13 days later.