Mikel Arteta apologises for ‘embarrassing’ Arsenal in wake of heavy Chelsea defeat

ARSENAL midfielder Mikel Arteta has issued a public apology for the Gunners’ “embarrassing’’ 6-0 thrashing by Chelsea last weekend.

ARSENAL midfielder Mikel Arteta issued a public apology for the Gunners’ “unacceptable’’ and “embarrassing’’ 6-0 thrashing by Premier League leaders Chelsea last weekend.

The crushing London derby loss at Stamford Bridge was a humiliating way for Arsenal to mark Arsene Wenger’s 1000th match as their manager and left them in fourth place, seven points adrift of Chelsea, albeit with a game in hand on the table-toppers.

Defeat at Stamford Bridge was Arsenal’s third huge away loss to one of their title rivals this season after a 5-1 reverse at Liverpool and a 6-3 humbling at Manchester City.

Arsenal were overwhelmed by Chelsea’s pace and power, falling 3-0 behind inside 17 minutes and playing most of the match a man down after Kieran Gibbs was mistakenly sent off in place of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Chelsea midfielder Oscar scores the home side’s fifth goal against Arsenal.

Arsenal and Spain midfielder Arteta said the Gunners were “just not good enough’’ but promised an improved performance at home to top-flight strugglers Swansea on Wednesday (EDT).

“We paid for our own mistakes. We have to take it on the chin because it is unacceptable to lose another big game like this,’’ Arteta said.

“You cannot only just move on, you have to analyse what you have done and react. I am expecting a big reaction on Tuesday (because) Saturday was not good enough for this football club

“The good thing is we have a lot of things to play for and we have always reacted to disappointments and difficult moments, but this one is a really hard one to take, it was a massive game for us and for me it is unacceptable.

“The pressure we put on ourselves by losing games like that is massive and there is no need for it.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain mistakenly stayed on the field despite this hand ball.

“We just disrupted the good season we were having. I don’t know what else to say apart from sorry to everyone at the club, the fans, and we promise that we will try hard to put that right.’’

Arteta added: ``It hurts deeply inside. It is embarrassing to be on a football pitch in that situation.

“Psychologically it is really hard, and when you go through that you analyse it and you know you don’t want to be in that situation again.

“I promise everyone that we have that hunger to put it right. On Tuesday, we have an opportunity again at home and we just need to bounce back.’’