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Arteta slams ‘unacceptable’ first half display in West Ham draw

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Mikel Arteta was furious with his side’s shambolic showing in defense against West Ham, while claiming that game would give him nightmares.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was critical of his side after conceding two “unacceptable” goals against West Ham on Sunday afternoon.

The Gunners produced a stunning comeback of epic proportions by securing a point at the London Stadium after going three goals down.

A woeful three-minute spell saw West Ham take a two-goal lead before Tomas Soucek added a third.

David Moyes’ men remained dangerous on the break, but it was Arsenal who would trouble the score-sheet for the remainder of the game.

Alexandre Lacazette played a starring role, forcing an own goal from Soucek before heading home the equalizer in the 82nd minute. The game ended in a pulsating 3-3 draw, as both sides settled for a point apiece.

Mikel Arteta has often labeled Arsenal as their “own enemy” on many occasions this season. Once again, the Gunners boss did no spare his side after an error-filled showing at the back.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Arteta said: “Hard to explain, we knew the game we would face against West Ham, they can create problems for any team.”

“The first goal is something they do really well – the second and third goal, and the chance at the end, is unacceptable. We didn’t look at the races.

“That is the level we can show, the other is top-level and probably the best we play all season – we could have scored six or seven goals and won the game, but we cannot have two faces.

“We stuck to the plan we had because we were getting further away from that, we started to play much better and I have faith in the boys they are not going to give the game away. We had the belief we could do something.

“This game is going to give me a few nightmares because it is really difficult to stop some of the things we have been doing to hurt ourselves.”

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