SOUTHAMPTON: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger expressed frustration with his side's inconsistency and confirmed that his search for a remedy will not include bringing back the club's former striker Thierry Henry for a second comeback season.

“We didn't create a lot after having scored five at Reading, seven against Newcastle,” the Frenchman complained. “The goal chances we created were not a lot and our game lacked purpose, lacked penetration, lacked speed - all the qualities that we usually have and that we didn't see tonight."

Wenger ruled out re-signing Henry for a second time after bringing him back on a temporary deal a year ago.

“He is going away somewhere,” he said. “He is not ready and for the moment we are not on that case.”

But he confirmed that he hopes to be active during the transfer window. “I will be active, yes,” he said. “We are looking everywhere and we are open-minded. We want to strengthen the squad if possible and if we find the right players.”