Arsene Wenger complains about Southampton time-wasting after Arsenal drop points again: 'It is becoming a real problem in England'
- Arsenal drew 1-1 with Southampton at St Mary's in the Premier League on Sunday
- Arsene Wenger was upset by perceived time-wasting by his team's opponents
- Wenger wants referees and players to take action over the growing problem
Arsene Wenger added his voice to a barrage of protests about time-wasting as Arsenal squandered two more points at Southampton.
The Londoners trailed for most of the game following Charlie Austin's third-minute opener.
Olivier Giroud came off the bench to head in a late equaliser but Wenger's team have won only two of eight away games in this Premier League campaign.
Arsene Wenger was angered by time-wasting as Arsenal could only draw at Southampton
Wenger saw his side come from behind to draw but piped up about the growing problem
'The waste of time is becoming a real problem in England in the last two seasons,' said the Arsenal boss. '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.'
Pep Guardiola accused Southampton of time-wasting when Manchester City needed a last-minute winner to beat them 2-1 last month.
Wenger added: 'We're not happy because we wanted to win but when you cannot win at least don't lose.
'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.'
Olivier Giroud celebrates scoring Arsenal's equaliser in the 1-1 draw away at St Mary's
Wenger also paid tribute to Giroud. 'He is mentally very strong and we have to be grateful to a player who comes on when he is needed,' he said. 'It is a remarkable achievement.'
Giroud headed in from a cross by Alexis Sanchez. 'It was a good cross and I try to be in the right place at the right time,' said the Arsenal striker. 'It's nice to come back. We were pushing and we are pleased with this point because it's difficult to play here. It's a good point.'
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