Arsene Wenger: 'Early kickoffs not to blame for defeats last season'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted that early kickoff times were not to blame for his side's heavy defeats at the hands of the other members of the top four last season.

The Gunners lost 5-1 to Liverpool, 6-3 to Manchester City and 6-0 to Chelsea in games starting at 12.45pm in the Premier League.

However, Wenger is adamant that his side's problems had nothing to do with the time of the match, but solely in the quality of their displays.

He told reporters: "I never honestly thought it was the kickoff time that cost us the games. It was the performances. The poor performance was not linked with the kickoff times.

"We live in a society where you need to find explanations for everything. Let's not forget we are competitive people and sometimes when your opponent is better than you, you lose.

"It wouldn't matter if we played at nine at night or 12.45 – they were better than us. That was not down in my opinion to the kickoff time."

Wenger's men face Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium later today.