Wenger pleased by 2015 response ahead of Southampton return

Arsene Wenger is keen for Arsenal to show how far they have come since a New Year s Day nightmare when they return to Southampton.

Arsenal slumped to a dispiriting 2-0 loss at St Mary s on the first day of 2015 a defeat that still rankles with their long-serving boss.

However, almost 12 months on as they prepare for a Boxing Day assignment on the south coast, Arsenal have collected 78 points during the calendar year 10 more than any other Premier League team and are primed for a tilt at the title after Monday s stirring 2-1 win over Manchester City closed them to within two points of leaders Leicester City.

Every loss hurts and that one has not gone out of my mind,  Wenger told Arsenal Player. It was a bad moment for us but also a turning point because we res…