Arsenal boss insists title race far from over despite West Ham defeat

Mikel Arteta insists there is still a long way to go in the Premier League title race despite his Arsenal side squandering the chance to close the gap on leaders Liverpool after falling to defeat against West Ham. 

Jarrod Bowen scored the only goal of the game at the Emirates as the Gunners suffered a first league defeat since early November to miss the opportunity to reduce the Reds lead to five points. 

Teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off in the second-half to compound what was a frustrating afternoon for Arteta’s men. 

Full-time at Emirates Stadium. pic.twitter.com/NcvjSVXo2B

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 22, 2025

Arne Slot’s side have the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table to 11 points if they overcome Manchester City on Sunday.

But while the Gunners boss admits the result hurts, he believes the title race is far from over.  

“It is painful but tomorrow is another day,” Arteta said. “We have to be very disappointed with what happened today and especially how it happened. We need to feel the pain. 

“But it is a long way, still games to go. There’s a lot to play for. 

“We’re still in February and what happened today can happen to any team and we can only control what we do.” 

Next up for Arsenal is a trip to high-flying Nottingham Forest on Wednesday evening.