Premier League hits and misses: Time for an Arsenal reset after damaging back-to-back defeats?

Plus: Fulham striker Raul Jimenez shows his worth in the 2-1 home win over Arsenal; Tottenham battle against injuries to sit in remarkable position heading into 2024 after 3-1 home victory against Bournemouth; Cherries' progress under boss Andoni Iraola clear to see despite loss

Sunday 31 December 2023 18:11, UK

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

You could feel Mikel Arteta's anger as he spoke to the media at his post-match press conference.

On Thursday, he had seen his side miss a host of chances as they lost 2-0 to West Ham. Sometimes that can happen and is just one of those things, said Arteta, but the defeat to Fulham was much more «worrying» for the Spaniard.

Having only lost two of their opening 18 Premier League games this season (Winning 12 and drawing four), Arsenal have since lost both of their last two, just the second time since the start of last season that they have suffered back-to-back league defeats.

«We had the chance to be top of the table after 20 games. Three days ago, we lost a game that we deserved to win, today was a different story. We weren't good enough. We need to look at ourselves in the mirror.»

The Gunners now have a break from league action. They face Liverpool in the FA Cup next Sunday but after that, their next league engagement is not until January 20 when Crystal Palace visit the Emirates.

It could be a break that is coming just at the right time for Arteta and his side as they look to find the fluency and attacking threat that has eluded them so far this season and was so evident in their second-placed finish last season.

Live Premier League table

Get Sky Sports

Download the Sky Sports App

Get NOW to stream big moments

It's been a miserable end to 2023