Saints got away with a lot... but well done, says Wenger
Gunners close to £7.4m deal for Elneny as boss hopes for a quick response to shock defeat
ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger refuted claims his players crumbled under pressure as their shock 4-0 defeat at Southampton denied them the chance to top the Premier League table.
He did admit Southampton showed more desire and “wanted it more” but also hit out at referee Jon Moss for his hand in his side’s stunning loss.
A wonder goal from Cuco Martina came before a Shane Long double either side of a late Jose Fonte header.
Wenger said: “We were a bit unlucky because all the goals were debatable. Especially the second one and the third was not a corner. But what can I do about it? The score looks big but on the other side they won too many challenges for us to win.” them because they wanted it more than us.”
Wenger now has to convince his players they are still good enough to challenge for the title as they have another chance to go top when they face Bournemouth at home this afternoon.
The Frenchman has little options to make changes to his tired-looking side, however, and added: “Southampton were sharp and that can happen sometimes.
“If you play players who have not played at all, people would say they are not matchfit. We lost and we have to say ‘well done’ to Southampton and respond in two days.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal are close to finalising a £7.4 million deal for Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny.
The 23-year-old flew back to Switzerland from holiday in Egypt on Christmas Eve for medical tests as the clubs negotiated his release.
However, Elneny, as an Egyptian international, will have to attain a work visa first before he is allowed into England ahead of signing.
Although Basel staff and players are off until January 8, the plan is for him to arrive in London later this week where he will have a further medical and complete terms on a four-and-a-half-year contract.
Elneny is a central midfielder who can play in the defensive role but is seen a player who can continue to develop at Arsenal.
He has 36 international caps for Egypt and has impressed in the Europa League for Basel this season and scored four goals in all competitions.
Wenger views Elneny as a player who can grow in his squad and fill the void left by Francis Coquelin’s injury, although the Arsenal manager intends to dip into the transfer market again in the summer to strengthen his midfield.
Arsenal fans have run the risk of ridicule after setting up a petition to stop Moss from refereeing their games in the future after being left unhappy with his display
MONDAY DECEMBER 28
2015 against Southampton.
The Saints outfought the Gunners, as they got over their recent slump to stick four past the visitors at St Mary’s.
Although three of the goals were dubious, not many spectators would deny that the home side were worthy winners on Saturday night.
However, some Arsenal fans were left so incensed by Moss’ decisions that they set up the petition on Change, which currently has over 220 signatures.
After the game on Saturday night, Wenger came out and spoke of his disappointment that Saints’ goals were allowed to stand. – Daily Mail