Mikel Arteta has been slammed over his ‘strange’ substitutions as Arsenal unsuccessfully chased the game in a damaging defeat to West Ham. Arsenal’s hopes of reeling in Liverpool and lifting the Premier League trophy were dealt another blow on Saturday as Arteta’s side were beaten 1-0 by West Ham.

Mikel Arteta won’t concede title but knows ‘urgency’ of Arsenal’s chase - Declan Rice’s goal was only enough for a draw with Manchester United, leaving the Gunners 15 points behind Liverpool.

Arsenal lack anybody even approaching Saka’s quality to pick up the slack – but all the more reason for Arteta to free up a little more license in the final third. He has the best defence in the Premier League, and less to fear than any other manager about the downsides of taking off that handbrake.