Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger remained firm on his decision to field an inexperience defence, but revealed that his injury struck back-line finally took its toll on the squad following his side's 2-1 lost against Southampton in the Capital One Cup, Skysports.

The loss saw the Gunners get knocked out of the domestic competition for the first time in 12 years as an on-form Saints squad registered there first ever win at the Emirates.

Wenger refrained from blaming his defenders as he believes his opponents were the better side and deserved their win.

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"It's disappointing because we had a good start and we made two unneeded errors on the two goals - and big ones," he said.

"We lacked a bit of experience at the back, but overall they did well. We gave a lot and it's frustrating not to be able to score in the second half.

"When you look at the amount of possession we had, we have to give credit to Southampton, they played well and were well organised.

"They abused a bit the fouls in the middle of the park, but they are a good side and they played well tonight. Overall it is frustrating because we gave a lot."

The French boss decided to field Hector Bellerin, Calum Chambers, Issac Hayden, and Francis Coquelin in the back four, in order to allow his first-team players to get back to full fitness.

"We are a bit short, yes, because of the injuries we have," Wenger added.

"You sit there and think: (Kieran) Gibbs had a little hamstring problem and we could not play him, (Per) Mertesacker is a bit on the edge, and then we have no choice.

"I think if we lost the game tonight, it's not because of Hayden, not because of Chambers and not because of Coquelin. You have to be realistic."

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