Arteta reveals the big mistake Arsenal did in their 2-2 draw with West Ham United

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted that his team made a huge mistake in their recent 2-2 draw with West Ham United. The Gunners had started the game incredibly well, dominating the first 30 or 35 minutes and scoring two beautiful goals. However, they then made the mistake of thinking they could play around their opponents, which ultimately cost them the victory.

After going two goals up early on, Arsenal failed to maintain their attacking momentum and protect their lead by keeping possession of the ball. This allowed West Ham to come back into the game and eventually level the scores. Jarrod Bowen scored for the Hammers in the 54th minute after sneaking in behind Arsenal’s defence to lash home from Thilo Kehrer’s lobbed pass.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Granit Xhaka and Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal talk following the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on April 16, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“The result is very disappointing, as well as the performance, especially after the first 30 or 35 minutes.” Mikel Arteta told Arsenal media.

“We started the game incredibly well, dominating it with real purpose, scored two beautiful goals. After that we made a huge mistake, just to think we could play around them.”

“We didn’t have the same purpose to attack the opponent’s goal, and protect that result by having the ball. We gave them hope – instead of killing them in this moment, we gave them hope.”

Despite being awarded a penalty for a handball by Michail Antonio, Bukayo Saka missed his chance to extend Arsenal’s lead when he sent his penalty high and wide of the West Ham goal. The Gunners were still leading 2-1 at this point, but Said Benrahma’s penalty lifted London Stadium before half-time.

Benrahma sent Aaron Ramsdale the wrong way to pull a goal back for West Ham in the 33rd minute after referee David Coote awarded a penalty for a foul by Gabriel on Lucas Paqueta. Martin Odegaard had earlier doubled Arsenal’s lead in quick fashion through a volley from Gabriel Martinelli’s cross in the 10th minute. Gabriel Jesus had opened the scoring just three minutes earlier with a stunning team goal that saw Arsenal work their way into the penalty area before Ben White squared for Jesus to finish.

Despite dropping two points against West Ham, Arsenal remain top of the Premier League table with 74 points after 31 games. However, they are closely followed by second-placed Manchester City who have 70 points plus a game in hand.

Arteta will be hoping that his team can learn from their mistakes and bounce back in their next game. The Gunners face a tough test against Southampton at the Emirates Stadium on Friday. With just seven games remaining in the season, every point counts as Arsenal look to secure their first Premier League title since 2004.