Going 4-0 down: Wenger laments lack of sharpness
Arsenal denied top spot as Southampton run riot at St Mary’s
Southampton managed to score four times past Arsenal, who simply fell apart and couldn’t find a way back after Martina’s spectacular 30-yard strike. PHOTO: REUTERS
SOUTHAMPTON:
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said that his title-chasing side had been punished for lacking sharpness after they crashed to a damaging 4-0 defeat at Southampton on Boxing Day.
Having beaten Premier League title rivals Manchester City 2-1 on their previous outing, Arsenal were looking for a victory that would have sent them to the top of the table.
But instead they slumped to their heaviest league defeat since March 2014 courtesy of a jaw-dropping Cuco Martina strike, a second-half Shane Long brace and a Jose Fonte header at St Mary’s.
Wenger expects title charge from the Gunners
“We lost too many challenges today. They were sharper than us,” Wenger told BT Sport. “I think we were unlucky as well. Their first shot on goal went into the top corner from the right-back [Martina], the second goal came after a foul on [Laurent] Koscielny.”
The Frenchman also felt the officiating was not up to the mark but added that it was not the defining factor. “It’s a disappointing result, but I have to say well done to Southampton. The referee let a lot go, but when you’re not dominant in challenges, that is the price you have to pay.”
The result kept Arsenal second in the table, two points below Leicester City and a point above Manchester City, ahead of Monday’s home game with Bournemouth.
Hiddink frustrated at Costa suspension
Guus Hiddink admits the absence of Diego Costa is a major blow to Chelsea’s hopes of taking advantage of Manchester United’s struggles when they travel to Old Trafford on Monday.
Hiddink took charge of his first game since being installed as Chelsea interim manager, overseeing a frustrating 2-2 draw against Watford at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The result left Chelsea in 15th place and came at the cost of a fifth booking of the season for Costa, who will now miss the meeting with United while he serves a one-match ban.
The Spain striker had confirmed his value to Hiddink’s side by scoring twice against Watford and the Dutch manager said: “It’s a setback of course. Costa’s performances are improving. I can complain [about the booking], but it’s not my nature. I have to go on and find a solution as soon as possible.”
Loic Remy is expected to step into the line-up for the meeting against United, whose 2-0 defeat at Stoke means they are going into the game without a win in seven matches.
‘Class’ Benteke leaves Klopp beaming
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for his side as they returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Premier League leaders Leicester City at Anfield.
Before Saturday’s encounter, Liverpool had picked up just one point from their previous three league matches, culminating in last weekend’s miserable 3-0 defeat by Watford at Vicarage Road.
But they were far brighter against Leicester and substitute Christian Benteke made the difference in the second half, slotting home Roberto Firmino’s cross to finally make Liverpool’s dominance count.
“Beating the top of the table is tough,” said Klopp. “A lot of teams have tried and it’s not easy, so I’m very pleased. It was deserved and I think we played a game we should play against these opponents.
“We had a lot of patience and it was good. We deserved the three points.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 28th, 2015.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said that his title-chasing side had been punished for lacking sharpness after they crashed to a damaging 4-0 defeat at Southampton on Boxing Day.
Having beaten Premier League title rivals Manchester City 2-1 on their previous outing, Arsenal were looking for a victory that would have sent them to the top of the table.
But instead they slumped to their heaviest league defeat since March 2014 courtesy of a jaw-dropping Cuco Martina strike, a second-half Shane Long brace and a Jose Fonte header at St Mary’s.
Wenger expects title charge from the Gunners
“We lost too many challenges today. They were sharper than us,” Wenger told BT Sport. “I think we were unlucky as well. Their first shot on goal went into the top corner from the right-back [Martina], the second goal came after a foul on [Laurent] Koscielny.”
The Frenchman also felt the officiating was not up to the mark but added that it was not the defining factor. “It’s a disappointing result, but I have to say well done to Southampton. The referee let a lot go, but when you’re not dominant in challenges, that is the price you have to pay.”
The result kept Arsenal second in the table, two points below Leicester City and a point above Manchester City, ahead of Monday’s home game with Bournemouth.
Hiddink frustrated at Costa suspension
Guus Hiddink admits the absence of Diego Costa is a major blow to Chelsea’s hopes of taking advantage of Manchester United’s struggles when they travel to Old Trafford on Monday.
Hiddink took charge of his first game since being installed as Chelsea interim manager, overseeing a frustrating 2-2 draw against Watford at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The result left Chelsea in 15th place and came at the cost of a fifth booking of the season for Costa, who will now miss the meeting with United while he serves a one-match ban.
The Spain striker had confirmed his value to Hiddink’s side by scoring twice against Watford and the Dutch manager said: “It’s a setback of course. Costa’s performances are improving. I can complain [about the booking], but it’s not my nature. I have to go on and find a solution as soon as possible.”
Loic Remy is expected to step into the line-up for the meeting against United, whose 2-0 defeat at Stoke means they are going into the game without a win in seven matches.
‘Class’ Benteke leaves Klopp beaming
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for his side as they returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Premier League leaders Leicester City at Anfield.
Before Saturday’s encounter, Liverpool had picked up just one point from their previous three league matches, culminating in last weekend’s miserable 3-0 defeat by Watford at Vicarage Road.
But they were far brighter against Leicester and substitute Christian Benteke made the difference in the second half, slotting home Roberto Firmino’s cross to finally make Liverpool’s dominance count.
“Beating the top of the table is tough,” said Klopp. “A lot of teams have tried and it’s not easy, so I’m very pleased. It was deserved and I think we played a game we should play against these opponents.
“We had a lot of patience and it was good. We deserved the three points.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 28th, 2015.