Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta apologised to supporters after describing his team’s performance as poor in their defeat to Crystal Palace.
The Gunners suffered a disappointing result against Palace, with Arteta unhappy with the overall display from his players.
Arsenal had been expected to control the match and secure an important result, but they struggled to impose themselves on the contest.
The performance was particularly frustrating because of the importance of every remaining fixture as the club continued to compete for major honours.
Arteta acknowledged that the team had not performed at the required level and accepted responsibility for the disappointing showing.
Arsenal have developed a reputation for their structured style of play under the Spanish manager, but the performance against Palace lacked the intensity and consistency that had characterised some of their best displays.
The result also provided another reminder of the pressure surrounding the team during the closing stages of the campaign.
With Arsenal competing against strong opponents for important positions and trophies, dropping points could have significant consequences. Arteta will now have to ensure his players respond positively in their next fixture.
The Arsenal manager has consistently demanded high standards from his squad, and his criticism suggested that he expected a much better performance.
The defeat therefore served as a warning that Arsenal could not afford another display of the same quality as the season reached its decisive stages.
