Mikel Arteta has rejected suggestions Arsenal buckled under the pressure of the Premier League title race after allowing a two-goal lead to slip in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at West Ham but said they must quickly develop a ruthless streak.
Arsenal went 2-0 up after just 10 minutes at London Stadium as Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard struck in a dominant start.
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However, Arsenal failed to build on that advantage and West Ham winger Said Benrahma converted a 33rd-minute penalty to halve their lead before Bukayo Saka missed a spot kick of his own seven minutes into the second period.
Just 140 seconds later, West Ham were level as Jarrod Bowen guided a volley inside Aaron Ramsdale‘s near post to leave Arsenal four points clear of Manchester City but, crucially, having played a game more and having to go to Etihad Stadium in 10 days.
This latest setback comes a week after losing a two-goal lead to draw at Liverpool. Asked if the pressure of the run-in was affecting his players, Arteta told his postmatch news conference: “I would say yes if I see a team from the beginning playing [makes choking noise]; when I see a team playing with that flow, no.
