HELL'S BELLS

Off-form Gunners turn in Hogmanay horror show as they miss the chance to go top

MIKEL ARTETA admitted Arsenal have to "look at themselves in the mirror" after a devastating defeat at Fulham.

The Spaniard looked shellshocked as he struggled to explain a wretched performance that he admitted was their worst of the season and a serious blow to their title chances.

Gunners boss Arteta said: "We were not at the levels we expect. Painful and a sad day. That's how I'd sum it up.

"We had the chance to be top of the table after 20 games with the consistency we've shown. We haven't managed well enough to earn the right to win the game.

"Three days ago we lost a game that we deserved to win (a 2-0 loss to West Ham), today was a very different story.

"We weren't good enough. We weren't good enough in possession, we gave too many balls away. We didn't have enough rhythm, enough threat.

Defensively we were second best. We could not control the direct play.