The Gunners boss conceded that his players performed at such a low level against the Reds that they made it “impossible” for themselves to get anything out of the game
Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal were “feeble in every aspect” in Saturday’s 5-1 thrashing at Liverpool.
The Frenchman watched his side concede four goals in the first 20 minutes at Anfield and Raheem Sterling added a fifth after the break before Mikel Arteta converted a consolation penalty.
It was only the fourth time in Premier League history that the Gunners had let in five goals or more but the second occasion this season and Wenger conceded afterwards that his side had not been strong enough.
“We were feeble in every important aspect of playing at the highest level: concentration, strength in the challenge and naivety. So from that moment on it’s impossible to win a game when you’re at that level,” Wenger told reporters.
“We’ve been well beaten twice now, and twice with an early kick-off away from home [having lost 6-3 at Manchester City in December].
“But we have to ask questions about this. Because when you’re playing in a big game and the first two free kicks go in, it becomes very hard because you have to open the game up and you’ve got more chance of letting in eight or 10 than you have of getting back in the game.
“We were poor in every aspect. Maybe that has something to do with Liverpool. They played really well and I wouldn’t like to take anything away from their performance, but we did make it quite easy for them.”
The Gunners’ loss saw them drop to second place with Chelsea taking advantage by beating Newcastle United 3-0, but Wenger expects his side to bounce back in their midweek clash with Manchester United.
“A successful team responds to disappointment and we will see on Wednesday night,” he added.
“What shocked me [against Liverpool] was the quality of our performance. Of course that was not expected but we have to take it on the chin, analyse it in the right way and come back with what we are used to.
“If our confidence isn’t affected too much, I think it will come back and we’ll see a different Arsenal side.”