Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has accused his players of falling short of the standards required to win the Premier League following their 1-0 defeat to West Ham on Saturday.

Jarrod Bowen’s header in the 44th minute proved to be the decisive moment of the match.

The Gunners managed only two shots on target as they struggled to break down the visitors.

The result leaves Arsenal eight points behind league leaders Liverpool, who could extend their advantage into double figures with a win against Manchester City on Sunday.

When asked whether the absence of a forward was to blame, Arteta responded: “No, no, and I refuse that completely because I am talking about the standards of the players and the team that we played today, me included.

“And that was nowhere near the levels that we have to hit to have the opportunity to win a Premier League. Today, no.

“We have been very consistent, yes, but football is about what you do today—and today, we were nowhere near.”