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Arsene Wenger tips Arsenal to recover from Southampton defeat

Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil of Arsenal in discussion as Southampton score their fourth goal during the Barclays Premier League
Image: Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil of Arsenal in discussion after Southampton's fourth goal

Arsenal's beleaguered players have the spirit to hit back following their Boxing Day nightmare at Southampton, says Arsene Wenger.

The trip to St Mary's seemingly offered the Frenchman's side a great chance to go top of the Premier League, but a poor display saw them return to north London reeling from a shock 4-0 defeat.

There is little time for the Gunners to wallow, though, as the hectic festive period means they take on another south-coast side on Monday when they host Bournemouth at the Emirates.

"I believe what I say to my players is between my players and myself," Wenger said. "These players have fantastic spirit and they can show that in 48 hours. We are in a job where we have to respond. We want to respond from disappointments.

"Unfortunately, there's no possible career without disappointment. Nobody, not even the best players in the world, can have that. It's down to how you respond and I trust my players to respond in a very strong way on Monday."

Saints-Arsenal talking points
Saints-Arsenal talking points

We round up the talking points from Southampton's stunning Boxing Day win over Arsenal

Wenger will not be taking Bournemouth lightly and praised the promoted side ahead of a match which gives Arsenal another chance to reach the Premier League summit.

Surprise leaders Leicester do not face Manchester City until Tuesday, but Wenger is not concerned about starting 2016 in pole position.

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"I said before the game, whether we are one point behind or one point in front it is not too important," Wenger added.

"It is the quality of our performance that counts and we were not good enough to win the game [against Southampton]. We have just to look at that. On the other side, we can't dwell too much because in 48 hours we play again.

"We are disappointed and frustrated, but there's only one way to respond in 48 hours."

Wenger rejected former England manager Glenn Hoddle's belief that the players choked due to the pressure brought by potentially going top, so too the necessity to dip into the transfer market next month.

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Arsene Wenger and Ronald Koeman reflect on Southampton's fine win

The Gunners boss downplayed speculation linking Arsenal to Basel's Mohamed Elneny and was keen to underline the quality waiting that will be at his disposal after injury.

"That's always the question you get," Wenger said. "We have many players who are injured and will come back soon.

"Buy, buy, buy, buy is always the solution that people see. I think it's true that we couldn't score, but we conceded goals [against Southampton] and we have enough defenders."

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