Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has paid tribute to Southampton for their performance in Saturday's Premier League clash at St Mary's.

Wenger's team entered the match knowing that three points would see them rise to the top of the Premier League table, but Southampton ran out 4-0 winners in front of their own supporters.

The Frenchman also admitted that his team struggled with the physical side of the contest against Ronald Koeman's outfit, who scored three times in the second period.

"It is a disappointing result, but I have to say well done Southampton," Wenger told BT Sport after the match.

"I have said many times that [winning the league] is down to consistency, to fight in every single game. Today it was a very, very physical game. The fact that we did not score the first goal made it a difficult game."

Arsenal will attempt to return to winning ways in the league when they host Bournemouth on Monday.