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Wenger attributes Arsenal defeat to poor officiating

By Daily Sports on August 20, 2017

Arsene Wenger complained his side were denied a goal and a penalty as Jese Rodriguez enjoyed a dream start to his Stoke City career by scoring the winner against the Gunners.

Former Real Madrid winger Jese, who was thrust straight into Mark Hughes' side after arriving from Paris St-Germain on Wednesday, slid in from a tight angle after being left unmarked to pick up Saido Berahino's pass.

Jese Rodriguez made a memorable start to life at Stoke City by scoring the only goal of a 1-0 victory over Arsenal at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday.

The Spanish forward, a loan signing from Paris Saint-Germain, finished crisply in the 47th minute to bring Arsene Wenger's side down to earth after their opening 4-3 win over Leicester City.

The Spaniard's strike came just 90 seconds into the second half, after an opening 45 minutes the visitors had dominated.

Wenger felt his team should have been given a first-half penalty when Hector Bellerin fell under a clumsy challenge by Mame Biram Diouf.

And Arsenal thought they had equalised when Alexandre Lacazette rifled in, only for the France striker to be ruled offside by a tiny margin.

"We know we don't get penalties," said Wenger. "Look at the numbers and you will see."

We had last year the highest number of penalties against us at home by a mile and the lowest number for us. So I give you just the numbers. I don't say anything else.

"Wenger's side were awarded six penalties last season, a tally bettered by only five other Premier League sides. Four of those were given at Emirates Stadium, only Tottenham (seven) and Bournemouth (five) won more at home.

The Gunners conceded 10 penalties in their 38 games - the second highest tally after relegated Hull City (13). Five were given against Arsenal at the Emirates, while Hull had six awarded against them at home.

On Lacazette's disallowed strike, the Frenchman added: "I believe we scored a regular goal that was not offside. It is an easy decision. Even his foot was not offside.

"The Gunners continued to press in the closing stages at the Bet365 Stadium but Stoke, who had only 23% possession, remained resolute to earn their first win of the Premier League season.

•Photo shows Arsene Wenger.

Source Daily Sports

Posted August 20, 2017