We Carried On Spirit of Liverpool – Arsene Wenger Delighted as Arsenal Thrash Southampton

Saturday, 15th September, 2012

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reflected upon his side’s 6-1 thrashing of Southampton in the Premier League today, claiming that the Gunners have picked up where they left off before the international break.

Wenger’s men visited Anfield before the international week swung around and claimed a comfortable 2-0 win, passing the ball well and controlling the game against Liverpool, despite being the visitors.

Arsenal’s Premier League campaign had begun with two 0-0 draws, but the Liverpool match gave Wenger a pointer that his side were on the right path.

And today, with goals from Jos Hooiveld (own goal, 11th minute), Lukas Podolski (31st minute), Gervinho (35th and 71st minutes), Nathaniel Clyne (own goal 37th minute) and Theo Walcott (88th minute), the Gunners romped to a 6-1 win at the Emirates Stadium, crushing the newly promoted Saints.

The score was 4-1 at half time as Arsenal blitzed into action, leaving Wenger pleased and happy that the spirit of the win at Anfield has been continued.

"Especially in the first 45 minutes we had a high level. We had a good combination of pace, speed in our passing, quick combinations, and the movement was excellent", the Frenchman told Arsenal’s official site.

"We were a bit lucky as well because they conceded two own goals, but overall I think it was a level of continuity with what we have shown at Liverpool and today.

"The game was very interesting to watch. In the second half we lost a bit of urgency, that is human, but we controlled the game and remained serious."

The result puts to bed any concerns that Arsenal will struggle to score goals without Robin van Persie this season, in what must come as a relief for Wenger.

Next up for Arsenal is the beginning of the club’s Champions League campaign, with a trip to Montpellier to come on Tuesday evening.