ANTTI NIEMI admitted it was out of character for him to lose his cool following Arsenal's second goal last night.

Danny Higginbotham was clearly fouled by Ray Parlour in the build-up to the goal and the Saints goalkeeper was booked for dissent towards the linesman.

The Finn, who was picking up a booking for only the second time in 193 matches for Hearts, Rangers or Saints, said: "It should have been a free-kick for the second-goal. Anyone who knows me, knows I do not lose my temper easily.

"But overall there is nothing to be ashamed about. We did really well and Arsenal is probably the best team in the country.

"We created some chances and with more luck we could have got something from the game.

"Arsenal are physically strong, but we matched them.

"We are disappointed, but we know that we performed well.

"We are proud of ourselves, we played very well, although I can't remember too many saves for Jens Lehmann.

"We were not clinical and that is the area we have to improve.

"Stephen Crainey did very well on his debut. I knew him from when he was at Celtic and we know he is a good player."

Striker Kevin Phillips was also unhappy with some of the refereeing that contributed heavily to a defeat which leaves Saints with just one win from eight Premiership games.

He added: "We came in high on confidence and we wanted to break Arsenal's unbeaten record.

"But once again we are not talking about football, but decisions.

"We have done well, we have battled well and we have given the team that I think will be champions a great game.

"We will analyse this game, we won't let it get to us, and we are looking forward to the next game against Everton."

Of Thierry Henry, who scored his 100th and 101st Premiership goals last night, Phillips said: "I have said all along he is the best in the world.

"He has got everything, he can come deep and he is a pure goalscorer."

Henry's Arsenal and France team-mate, Patrick Vieira, added: "Thierry is an example of how to be a success.

"When he first came from Juventus he was a bit down, but he has worked hard.

"But now he scores a goal in nearly every game.

"At the moment he is the best player in the world.

"He is really enjoying himself on the pitch.

"He has really improved in every aspect and a great strength is that he believes in himself. He knows what he can do."