Norwich 1 Arsenal 0: Arsene Wenger blasts Gunners’ lack of focus

Arsene Wenger had no choice but to admit his Arsenal side were below-par as they stuttered to their second defeat of the season at Norwich on Saturday.

Grant Holt put the home side ahead in the 19th minute when he slotted in after Vito Mannone had parried Alexander Tettey’s powerful shot into the striker’s path.

The Gunners never really got going despite dominating possession for long spells – and Hughton’s side showed grit and determination as they successfully shut out Wenger’s men at Carrow Road.

“I felt we lacked a bit of sharpness,” said Wenger. “We tried to get into the game after 20 minutes. But we missed what makes the success at the top level – that is complete focus. And they were sharper than us.

“Norwich had a good defensive performance; they were focused and committed. We had a lot of the ball but did not create much with it. It was an illusionary domination. It was a disappointing performance on our side.”

Wenger admitted that his side had perhaps underestimated the challenge that awaited them at Carrow Road.

“You have to give credit to Norwich today,” he continued. “They played well, were completely committed and they deserved the win.

“Maybe we underrated the difficulty we would face. But the Premier League is the Premier League. If you are not ready for the fight then you will always have bad surprises.”

The Canaries’ first league win of the season hoists Norwich into 15th place and leaves Arsenal languishing in ninth, 10 points behind league leaders Chelsea.