Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has spoken out after his side's 2-0 Premier League defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday, admitting he's disappointed by the result.
The north London giants had done into the contest hoping to take advantage of Liverpool's shock 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace earlier in the day.
Yet Arsenal were sunk by goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins, with their title hopes now in tatters as a result.
Arteta was visibly frustrated during the match, with Arsenal now facing an uphill battle as they look to win a first league title since 2004.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has criticised his players following his side's Premier League defeat to Aston Villa
GETTY
And the Spaniard, who normally doesn't criticise his players, has admitted he was unhappy with their lack of cutting edge and overall display during the match.
"Two very different performances. The first half was superb, one of the best halves we have played against a top team. It should have been three or four - or more," he said.
"We didn't put that score line up and didn't reflect that second half.
"We lacked momentum. We didn't have the flow we had in the first half and then we conceded two very, very poor goals.
"Credit to them, in the second half we were a bit unprecise with the ball, we weren't able to do what we did in the first half. In the end we lost it so we have to congratulate them on the points."
On missed chances, he added:: "When you are at this level, you have to punish them, it is not like you can do that for 90-95 minutes against a top opponent.
"If you can't do that then at least don't concede. We couldn't do that.
"We have to be more patient in the second half to find our moments. We were trying to do that with the changes but that's when we conceded."
While Arteta was criticial, however, the Arsenal boss did challenge his players to bounce back and save their season.
"We can't control [Manchester City]," he added.
"What we can control is that when we have the run we had when you win, win, win, win, it's easy.
"The moment is now. After this blow, it's how we react.
"We have the best opportunity to react against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
"The team has to show it. If you want to win, you have to overcome these situations.
"With the games we had, this was going to happen. It is now about how we react. This is in our control."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp delivers brutal verdict after nightmare Crystal Palace defeat - 'Weren't great'
- Christian Horner accuser 'to be re-interviewed this week' in new Red Bull twist ahead of Chinese Grand Prix
- Tyson Fury promoter makes 'very strong' demand as blockbuster Oleksandr Usyk fight creeps closer
Arsenal conceded two late goals with Mikel Arteta critical of his side following their Premier League defeat to Aston Villa
GETTY
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, meanwhile, was delighted.
And the Spaniard admitted he feels his team can get even better, despite their sensational season so far.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "Before the match we were very motivated and very excited about the possibility.
"This is a very tough match and we needed to be focusing very well defensively.
"We wanted to be strong and have high commitment to defence as were in the first half.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants his team to bounce back following their Premier League defeat to Aston Villa
GETTY
"We tried to do 90 minutes being consistent and wait for our moment to control the game.
"The first half was more difficult but we tried to dominate with the ball. We did that less than in the second half.
"Second half we competed very well. But we are not being consistent in every match like I want.
"But today we were fantastic."