Arsene Wenger gives verdict on Arsenal title chances after Southampton humiliation

“If you lose 4-0 it’s not about the referee”, he said.

Wenger’s side fuelled talk of a sustained title push with an impressive victory over Manchester City on Monday, but were punished for a lethargic display on the south coast as the hosts ended their run of five league games without a win in style. That is one aspect, so well done to them. “These players have fantastic spirit and they will show that”. But if they play as openly here, Arsenal will win.

“Of course, of course” said Wenger who seemed more philosophical than angry. Both teams have plenty of prove and if their previous matches are anything to go by, we are in for a good, exciting match with tons of goals.

“They were sharper than us”, Wenger told BT Sport.

“In a normal season you would worry for their chances but in this season of flux, of change, of inconsistency they will probably get away with it”.

“After the Tottenham game the gaffer said to us it wasn’t our formation which was causing us problems, it was more mental and confidence”.

“We were not at our usual level and that’s more disappointing than not overtaking Leicester at the top”.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe wants his side to learn from their match against Crystal Palace as they head to the Emirates.

“The second half was far better than the first, some good goals and maybe more chances to score more”. How “Gunners under Arsene Wenger recentlty” of them. That can happen even if it’s not a fatigue.

They were a very physical team who stopped us from playing and the conditions were very hard for us as well.

Wenger rejected former England manager Glenn Hoddle’s belief that the players choked due to the pressure brought by potentially going top, so too the necessity to dip into the transfer market next month. Saints midfielder Steven Davis was marginally offside in build up to Cuco Martina’s outrageous opening goal in the 19th minute of the match.

Shane Long added a second from close range in controversial fashion after Arsenal claimed he had fouled Laurent Koscielny in the build-up, before Jose Fonte headed home Southampton’s third from a corner.

The Republic of Ireland global played a neat one-two with Mane, before turning his team-mate’s cross past Cech from close range amid Arsenal complaints over a perceived trip from Long on Koscielny.

“In the second half [two of their] goals were practically the same”.

Southampton made four alterations for the visit of an Arsenal side that opened by the week by beating Manchester City.