Football
ESPN staff 10y

Arsene Wenger frustrated as Southampton end Arsenal's hopes

#INSERT type:image caption:Nathaniel CLyne's fine long-range strike decided the game. END#

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger lamented the "big errors" made by his side as they crashed out of the Capital One Cup 2-1 at home to Southampton.

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The Gunners went in front when Alexis Sanchez curled home a fine free kick from the edge of the box after 14 minutes, but they fell behind by half-time and were unable to recover.

Saints debutant Sadio Mane was fouled by Tomas Rosicky for the penalty from which Dusan Tadic levelled the scores, and a superb long-range by Nathaniel Clyne put the visitors ahead with five minutes remaining until the break.

Wenger told his news conference, reported on the club official Twitter account: "It's disappointing because we had a good start, but we made big errors when we had the ball. We gave a lot, but it's frustrating.

"You have to give credit to Southampton -- they are a good side, and they played very well tonight.

"I cannot fault the attitude. The reason we lost is because of our opponents' performance. It is not the players' fault."

He said the returning Abou Diaby, who last started an Arsenal game 18 months ago, had emerged from his return unscathed, explaining: "It was difficult for him, but he got 60 minutes and he was not injured. He was acceptable but tired."

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