Mikel Arteta's 'big punch in face' as Arsenal hand Man City golden opportunity

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Arsenal missed the opportunity to move 12 points clear of Manchester City after defeat to Bournemouth in a huge title boost for Pep Guardiola's side

Mikel Arteta has described Arsenal's defeat to Bournemouth as 'a big punch in the face', with the Gunners squandering the chance to move 12 points clear of Manchester City in the Premier League title race.

Pep Guardiola's side travel to Chelsea tomorrow looking to narrow the gap and now boast two games in hand over the north London outfit.

Arsenal held a nine-point advantage heading into this afternoon's clash, but their recent dip in form has handed City a golden opportunity to claw back some ground in the title race.

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Junior Kroupi broke the deadlock for Bournemouth after 17 minutes, before Viktor Gyokeres levelled from the penalty spot.

It has been a torrid month or so for the Gunners; having been in contention for a historic quadruple, they have since crashed out of the FA Cup and suffered defeat to Man City in the Carabao Cup Final.

A midweek victory over Sporting in the Champions League offered some respite, but Alex Scott's strike on 74 minutes ensured Bournemouth departed north London with all three points.

Speaking to TNT Sports at full-time, Arteta said: "Disappointing. It's a big punch in the face and it's about how we react now. They are a team who haven't lost for 11 games for a reason, they did a lot right.

"We were far from efficient. The first chance they had to attack the box, it's a deflection, a bad defending action and it's a goal. That's something we have to recover from.

"The second half you expect a different game. We did a lot of strange things today. We have been very consistent. This can happen, this is football."

When questioned whether the players were hurting following the loss, the Gunners manager replied: "A lot. It has to hurt. They have to take it on the chin. You stand up and go for the fight or you're out.

"It's a big week. A lot at stake. We're still in a good position in both competitions."

City can narrow the deficit to Arsenal with victory over Chelsea tomorrow afternoon, before the two teams face each other at the Etihad Stadium next weekend in a crucial encounter at the summit.

Should results not favour the Gunners, they could find themselves second in the Premier League table by their next appearance at the Emirates, with City scheduled to face Burnley in their match in hand following the Etihad showdown.