A furious Arsene Wenger has hit out at falling standards in refereeing after Arsenal slipped to a 3-1 defeat at Manchester City.
The Blues claimed a 15th successive win in all competitions as goals from Kevin De Bruyne, a Sergio Aguero penalty and a Gabriel Jesus strike helped Pep Guardiola’s men to success over Wenger ‘s side.
But Wenger blasted referee Michael Oliver and his assistants for handing the win on a plate to City, claiming their second and third goals should not have stood.
Wenger told Sky Sports News: “Overall, once again, the referee made the decision today with a soft penalty and an offside goal but we are used to it when we come here.”
Asked to expand on his comments on the officials, Wenger added: “I feel they don’t work enough. The referees don’t work enough because the level drops every season at the moment and, overall, it’s unacceptable.
“The physical level is very good but the decisions….! The third goal, at 2-1 we are in the game and he (Oliver) gives a clear offside goal. And, of course, that kills the game for us.
“They are a top team but that (bad decisions) makes it even more difficult for you.
Arsenal had clawed their way back into the game at 2-0 down through Alexandre Lacazette’s strike and Petr Cech commented: “At 2-1 we got back into the game and we were in it, we had time to search for the equaliser but the third goal makes a huge difference.
“I can’t comment on the penalty because of my angle, but the third goal, I was surprised. David Silva looked far behind everybody but the referee has a better view than me.
“Referees have a difficult job to do. I don’t know if he got it right or wrong but that goal made the difference.”
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