Arsene Wenger slammed his Arsenal players for being bullied by Watford in their dissapointing defeat
Gunners boss accused his players of not being mentally strong enough against the Hornets at the Emirates
FURIOUS Arsene Wenger accused his Arsenal lightweights of being bullied by Watford on another dismal night at the Emirates.
The Gunners dropped to nine points behind League leaders Chelsea following a catastrophic 2-1 home defeat by Walter Mazzarri’s Hornets.
And Wenger fumed: “It looked mentally that we were not ready for the physical challenges.
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“It was obvious we lost duels and were not sharp enough. Every team in the Premier League is physically strong so to give 90 per cent is not enough.
“We were warned that Watford would make it very physical. I don’t know if we subconsciously thought we could just turn up and it would be OK.”
Wenger’s frustration was compounded by the knowledge that title rivals Chelsea, Liverpool and Spurs had all dropped points but Arsenal were unable to capitalise.
He said: “What the other teams do doesn’t matter. I am responsible for the results so I am frustrated that we didn’t win.
“We were at home and it was a great opportunity but we started like that.
“Where does that leave the League? You can only have a chance if you win your games.
“We have to learn from tonight and respond quickly in a convincing manner at Chelsea on Saturday.
“Tonight we lost a bit of patience in the build-up and gave too many long balls. We wanted too much to be the saviour and didn’t stick to our game.
“Every time we passed the ball quickly we created dangerous situations and we were unlucky to lose the game. We didn’t deserve to lose.”
Arsenal will almost certainly be without Aaron Ramsey at Stamford Bridge after the Welsh midfielder limped off in the 18th minute last night.
“It’s a calf strain but I don’t know how long he will be out,” Wenger said.
With Granit Xhaka suspended, Santi Cazorla injured and Mohamed Elneny at the African Nations Cup, Francis Coquelin will be the only central midfield player available for Saturday.
Watford boss Walter Mazzarri said: “This is one of the greatest results of my career.
“My objective has always been to stay in the Premier League and make my team grow game by game.
“We needed a big win after a long list of negative results and a victory in the stadium of great team like Arsenal will be very good for the morale of my players.
“We studied Arsenal for a long time and thought about what would be the best tactics. I am very happy.”