Wenger blasts ‘weak’ Arsenal after Southampton loss

Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger, has criticized his players after they were dumped out of the EFL Cup by Southampton on Wednesday night.

Jordy Clasie and Ryan Bertrand scored for the visitors, who have now qualified for the semi-final of the competition.

Wenger, who made 10 changes from the weekend’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth, labelled his team as ‘weak’ and admits they looked incapable of scoring.

“It was one of those nights where it looked like we can play for two hours and not score a goal,” the Frenchman said.

“We didn’t have enough urgency in the first half. We were weak in some departments and we paid for that.

“I have no regrets over selection, I regret we lost the game.”

Southampton manager, Claude Puel, could not hide his delight after an impressive display from his side.

“I enjoy this win for all of the squad and for the fans, because it’s a good answer to keep all of our possibilities in every competition,” Puel said.

“It was an objective of the team to qualify for the semi-finals after the winter.

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“It was a strong game, with good solidarity. We moved the team at the start with different players and the answer from them was fantastic.

“We played a very good game and to qualify for the next round is very important. We now get to play in a semi-final and that’s great for the players.”

Southampton will play Liverpool in the semi-finals, having lost 6-1 to the Reds in the same competition last season.

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