'Unacceptable' - Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal are hurting after defeat at Everton marks fifth loss in seven

It's the Gunners' worst start for 46 years

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admits their current run of results is unacceptable and do not meet the high standards the club has set.

The 2-1 defeat at Everton was their fifth defeat in seven and their worst points return - 14 from 14 matches - since 1974-75.

They have lost eight times in total and only bottom side Sheffield United have a worse record and it has put Arteta, who marks his one-year anniversary at the club on Sunday, under pressure.

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And he accepts they have to turn things around before the situation becomes "impossible".

"I understand (the scrutiny) but my energy and focus is only on getting the team out of the situation," he said.

"The spirit and fight the boys show every time they go on the pitch you can see, you cannot deny that.

"Against the results there is no question it is not good enough and not acceptable for the standards of this football club.

"Obviously it is a really complicated situation but I am very encouraged from what I see from the players who to try to continue what they are doing.

"We have to improve but as well I think we have been very unlucky not to pick up many more points.

"We have done well in the Europa League and in the cups but struggled to get results in the Premier League.

"The way the boys reacted in the dressing room tells me they have the belief. When you lose lots of games for different reasons it hurts a lot.

"The reason we are losing matches is because the margins are so small but we need (to change) those margins quickly before the situation becomes impossible."

Arsenal registered just three shots on target in the whole game and their form up front was not helped by the absence of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who was missing with a calf problem.

The Gabon striker could miss the Christmas programme.

"We want him as quickly as possible. He has a small strain and will need a few days. I don't know if it is a week or two weeks, it depends how the injury goes."

Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti also marks his one-year anniversary on Monday but after three wins in eight days his side are riding high in second place.

"I think we are doing really well in this season," he said.

"This season we started better and now we are in a good position in the table and we showed in the last three games a lot of consistency, a lot of spirit and we have to be pleased by what we are doing now."