Nigel Adkins: Arsenal were "exhilarating"

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins has said that his side were taught a lesson by Arsenal during their 6-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.

The Saints have lost all four of their Premier League fixtures so far this season - to Manchester City, Wigan Athletic, Manchester United and now the Gunners.

"Arsenal were very good," said Adkins. "At times they were exhilarating as they have been in many times here.

"It was a lesson for our players. If you give quality players time they will hurt you and that's what happened. We turned it over far too cheaply. Gaston Ramirez (who made his debut today) only trained with us for the first time last night but what an exciting prospect he is.

"He showed a bit of what he is about. We knew these first four games would be tough, we haven't got any points but we will get ready for next week and now we have to start getting points on the board. This is a ruthless division."

Next up for Southampton is a home game against Aston Villa a week today.