Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists fatigue wasn't a factor for their 6-3 thrashing at Manchester City.
Arsenal had gone into the Saturday lunchtime game at a perceived disadvantage after playing in the Champions League on Wednesday night, 24 hours after City had been in action.
But Wenger said: "I don't want to look for excuses after a defeat like that but it doesn't help.
"I said before the game I would not use it as an excuse and I won't do it now, but it was not ideal.
"You could see we were not as fresh as we should be for a big game."
City's victory is certain to see their status as title favourites strengthened but Wenger did not necessarily agree.
He said: "They are one of the teams to beat, but not more than any of the other ones we have played until now.
"We have played Everton, who were as good as City, and Southampton, who were as good as City."
