ARSENE WENGER has ripped into Southampton for wasting time and believes that it is a big issue in the English game.
The veteran manager wasn’t happy at all after Arsenal’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Southampton at St Mary’s this afternoon.
The Gunners put in yet another languid performance, as a Per Mertesacker mistake gifted Charlie Austin a goal in the 3rd minute.
Blushes were spared only by substitute Olivier Giroud, who came up with an equaliser with just minutes left on the clock.
After the game, Wenger said: ‘The waste of time is becoming a real problem in England in the last two seasons.”
“First, it has to be in the head of the players to respect the game and to play.
“Then it is up to the referees to act. The answer is in the authority of the referee. They have it in their power.”
In an attempt to hold on to their narrow 1-0 lead, being camped in their half for the majority of the second half, the Saints began taking their time with goal kicks and throw-ins.
Wenger was less than pleased, he continued: “We’re not happy because we wanted to win but when you cannot win at least don’t lose.”
He was pleased with his team’s desire, but not the results, he said: “We have played with an excellent spirit in the last few week but we’ve dropped points in the last two games from bad starts.
“The second half was played in one half of the pitch and it was important not to be caught on counter attack.”
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