Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said he took full responsibility for his side’s 3-0 defeat at home by Aston Villa and expressed concern that his players did not perform “as a team”.
An Ollie Watkins brace and a Bukayo Saka own goal gave Villa victory.
Defeat was especially disappointing for Arsenal on the back of a good win at Manchester United in their last Premier League game.
“We performed below our standards,” said Arteta.
“I have to say it’s the first time I’ve seen us play where we weren’t a team.
“We didn’t start well enough, we got away with VAR for an offside situation but we lost all the races, the duels and we were sloppy on the ball.
“When we created chances we didn’t hit the target – it’s a really bad combination.
“I take full responsibility. I am responsible to make the team perform on the pitch and today we were not a team and it is my job – it is why I am standing here.”