Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says now is the time for the side to challenge each other and believe again as the race for the top four intensified following a 3-0 loss at Crystal Palace on Monday.
The Gunners will finish the weekend’s fixtures in fifth with rivals Tottenham moving above them with their 5-1 win over Newcastle on Sunday.
Tottenham have played one extra game, so Arsenal retain an advantage, but there is minimal room for slip-ups.
“Today we have to put our hands up and say it wasn’t good enough,” Arteta said.
“Apologise, take the criticism and now show that when we talk about unity, especially in difficult moments, we lost two players, we lost the game, we’re disappointed but there’s still nine games to play.
“This is a moment now to challenge each other, to help each other and to believe again because on Saturday I’m sure we’re going to play at the Emirates, it’s going to be full and our supporters are going to be right behind the team.”
He added: “From the beginning we were not at the races. When you come here you have to compete. You have to win duels and second balls and be aggressive and we were none of those and top of that we were really poor on the ball.”
Spurs have 54 points from 30 games, with Arsenal on 54 from 29. West Ham United are sixth on 51 points from 31 games and Manchester United are seventh on 51 from 30.
Arsenal host Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, while Tottenham go to Aston Villa.
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