Mauricio Pochettino backs Artur Boruc after error at Arsenal

Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino defended Artur Boruc after his mistake gifted Arsenal the opening goal in their 2-0 victory at Emirates Stadium.

The Polish keeper, who also conceded a bizarre goal at Stoke, tried to dribble past Olivier Giroud but was tackled and the striker tapped in.

"It's not really necessary to analyse what happened, we all saw it on the pitch," Pochettino told BBC Sport.

"We want to support our keeper in spite of this mistake, these things happen."

Southampton came into the match third in the Premier League following their best start to a top-flight season - and the Argentine linked Boruc's error to the game plan that has served his side well.

He added: "When it goes well we receive compliments, when it doesn't - as today - we get negative comments. But that's how we play and we want to continue because it brings us results."

The Saints enjoyed plenty of early possession but Arsenal soon asserted their authority, with Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey hitting the post.

Pressure was building when Boruc received a back-pass from Nathaniel Clyne and attempted to outwit Giroud, but he lost possession and the Frenchman put Arsenal ahead with a simple finish.

That followed the goal Southampton conceded away to Stoke, when a long kick forward from Potters keeper Asmir Begovic bounced over Boruc and in.

Giroud wrapped up Arsenal's victory with a penalty after Jose Fonte was penalised for pulling the shirt of Per Mertesacker.

"I'm clearly unhappy with the result and the way we lost as well, but this is football," said Pochettino.

"We competed until the last minute and that's the positive. We tried our best."