'Angry and annoyed' - Mikel Arteta says Arsenal 'deserve' to feel pain after West Ham defeat and admits Premier League title race not in Gunners' hands

After Liverpool dropped points against Aston Villa in the midweek, Arsenal had the golden opportunity to reduce their gap with the leaders as they took on a struggling West Ham side at home on Saturday. However, Jarrod Bowen's goal at the stroke of half-time stunned the hosts as it proved to be the match-winning goal for the Hammers.

After the loss at home, a disappointed Arteta told Sky Sports: "It is painful but this is sport. We need to feel the pain today, I think we deserve that."

In his post-match press conference, the Spanish coach further blasted his players as he told reporters: "It's not in our hands. I'm really really annoyed of the things that were in our hands. Very disappointed. Obviously very angry as well. You have to congratulate West Ham for the victory. For as well a lot on our side. It didn't allow us to get enough momentum."

Arsenal's afternoon got worse when Myles Lewis-Skelly was shown a straight red card in the second half for a foul on Mohammed Kudus. They now sit eight points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who can extend their lead at the top by picking up a positive result against Manchester City on Sunday.

Arsenal will be back in action on Wednesday as they take on third-placed Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.