Wenger: Arsenal weren’t switched on mentally against Stoke

Arsene Wenger thinks Arsenal were “too sloppy” in the first half of their 3-0 victory over relegation-threatened Stoke City.

After a poor first period, the Gunners burst into life with three goals – including two penalties – coming in the final 15 minutes.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice and Alexandre Lacazette added another before the end to make the scoreline look comfortable.

“It was a game of two halves for us,” Wenger told BBC Sport. “We were too sloppy and not sharp enough in the first half. We weren’t switched on mentally.

“The second half was better as we were much more dynamic and showed more pace. We showed more control and made a difference.

“I believe that the most important thing was our spirit and we won the game in the second half.

“I know how our team can respond. Our players have been away for a long time and it is always a problem to try and switch straight back on.

On the first penalty decision, Wenger added: “I will have to look at it again. I don’t know. From outside it looked like it was a penalty.