Wenger accuses Saints of ‘going direct’

Wenger certainly will not be taking Bournemouth lightly and praised the promoted side ahead of a match which could see the Gunners belatedly reach the Premier League summit.

The Gunners had been favourites to win the league after their victory over Manchester City, but a comprehensive 4-0 loss at the hands of Southampton has once again laid doubts in fans’ minds.

Wenger remained calm and composed after the match, though, apportioning much of the blame to referee Jon Moss and his officials.

“I said before the game, whether we are one point behind or one point in front it is not too important”, he said.

“If you look at the number of shots they had – they had one in the first half and they scored a goal”.

“On top of that, well done Southampton and I hope in the next game we have this kind of decisions for us”. Saints midfielder Steven Davis was marginally offside in build up to Cuco Martina’s outrageous opening goal in the 19th minute of the match.

The Frenchman added: “Look – that is always the question”. Arsenal had to get something out of this game because it was a great opportunity for them and the worse you can do is draw that game.

Wenger believed that the goal should not have stood, nor the second, nor the third.

“Only the first three?”

The home side got a fourth goal when Dusan Tadic played in Long. “That’s odd”, he said.

“If you lose 4-0 it’s not about the referee”, he said. “Of course, we don’t expect this result”.

“The second half was ideal in all the strengths what we have and you saw that after the 2-0 – the belief and the confidence in the team”.

Wenger felt his side’s opponents were sharper in various aspects of the game, yet also felt luck was not on Arsenal’s side.

“Well done to the boys”. It was a flawless game tonight.

Following Southampton’s win, Martina admitted he was not used to scoring goals as he reflected on a magical moment.

“This game is a heavy defeat for us as we had a big chance but let’s not talk about chances as we have to bounce back very quickly and concentrate on our home game”. His was the last touch as the ball went out of play, but the Saints were awarded a corner.