Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted he was angry after his side's 2-1 home defeat against Manchester United on Saturday, but he refused to direct his annoyance at his misfiring players.
Wenger's side spurned a host of glorious chances to take the initiative against United before a second half own goal from Kieran Gibbs and a late Wayne Rooney clincher condemned the Gunners to their worst league start in 32 years.
"I wasn't angry with the players," Wenger told reporters. "I have a lot of respect for the energy they put in the game and the spirit they show, their great attitude, spirit and energy levels.
"I'm just angry because the players do not get rewarded and our fans do not get rewarded for the result that was just there for the taking today. We have suffered against United before but we cannot say that we suffered against them.
"If you look at the number of games recently, the number of shots our opponent has and the number of goals we concede, that is quite a continuity at the moment."
Arsenal's defensive frailties have come under the microscope once again following the United defeat, with Wenger accepting the eagerness to throw men forward left his side far too open as Rooney pounced for his late decider.
"We were 1-0 down and we wanted to desperately come back, and we forgot our principles a little bit," added Wenger. "Maybe the disappointment of being 1-0 down meant everybody wanted to go forward too much.
"I have to see it again because I was surprised there wasn't anyone there [in defence]. It was a moment where -- especially with such a long injury time -- if the game stays 1-0, it gave [United] some confidence because they just defended after.
"The players have been really good [individually]. At the moment it's very difficult because we lack a bit of experience in some positions."
The predictably hostile reaction towards Wenger following the latest setback for his side will ramp up the pressure on the veteran French tactician ahead of his side's Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.