Arsenal have been knocked out of the Carabao Cup after Wednesday’s 3-0 loss to West Ham United at the London Olympics Stadium. Both teams met in what was Declan Rice’s first return to West Ham since helping them win the UEFA Europa Conference League last season.

However, the England midfielder didn’t start as Arsenal dominated the first half only to concede sixteen minutes in through a Ben White Own goal. The Gunners huffed and puffed before the end of the first half but failed to find the equalizer.

The second half started better for the hosts rather than the visitors, who went further behind when Mohammed Kudus made it 2-0 five minutes into the second half. Ten minutes later, Jarrod Bowen struck to make sure of the result and ensure that West Ham United went into the quarterfinal of the Carabao Cup.

Declan Rice was eventually introduced three minutes before the hour mark, but it was a late Martin Odegaard shot that secured a mere consolation as Arsenal are left to focus on their next action in the Premier League at the weekend.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta took responsibility for the defeat.

“I’m really disappointed, and I am responsible for that. It wasn’t good enough. We didn’t compete good enough. I tried to warn them [the players] for 48 hours what was coming and how important it was going to be. Overall, we were nowhere near the level we needed to show. This is football, and every game is different. What happened a few days ago [defeated Sheffield United 5-0] is in the bin and in the past. We didn’t threaten enough. I wanted to see much more from my team. There is a lot to improve.” He said.

Arsenal will face Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday. Newcastle United were able to get a 3-0 win away at Manchester United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday as well.

Other Carabao Cup Results.

FT: Bournemouth 1-2 Liverpool 

FT: Chelsea 2-0 Blackburn 

FT: Everton 3-0 Burnley 

FT: Ipswich 0-3 Fulham 

FT: West Ham 3-1 Arsenal 

FT: Manchester United 0-3 Newcastle.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu