Back to the Premier League Newsfeed

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger puts Watford defeat down to his players not being 'mentally ready' but insists the Gunners deserved at least a point

Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal were not 'mentally ready' to handle Watford after surrendering the chance to gain ground on Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Arsenal crashed to a shock 2-1 defeat at home as Younes Kaboul and Troy Deeney scored inside a dominant first 13 minutes — and the Gunners couldn't come back despite Alex Iwobi's response.

Watford were physically dominant in the first half, creating plenty of chances to further their early lead but Wenger suggested it was Arsenal who were unlucky.

Younes Kaboul celebrates scoring Watford's opening goal at Arsenal on Tuesday
Younes Kaboul celebrates scoring Watford's opening goal at Arsenal on Tuesday
The Gunners players found themselves chasing a two-goal deficit inside 13 minutes
The Gunners players found themselves chasing a two-goal deficit inside 13 minutes

He did concede, though, that the Gunners switched off to lose out in a power surge from Walter Mazzarri's men.