Arsenal

Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger Blasts Premier League Referees

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has spoken out about Premier League referees' tendancies to be influenced by half-time 'stick' from other managers.

Dec 27, 2008 9:11:33 AM

Arsene Wenger has lots to ponder after his Arsenal side let it slip against Aston Villa (PA)

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Arsene Wenger has lots to ponder after his Arsenal side let it slip against Aston Villa (PA)

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Arsenal travelled to Villa park yesterday looking to secure an away win which would put them back into fourth place, even if it would only be on goal difference. It was not to be for the Frenchman's side however, as Villa equalised in injury-time to end the match 2-2.

With regards to Wenger's conerns, Villa boss Martin O'Neill admitted that his assistant John Roberton had questioned the referee about an incident involving Gabriel Agbonlahor moments before Denilson opened the scoring at Villa Park.

"I know how it works here," Wenger said. "At half-time the referee gets stick and then in the second half every little 50-50 decision goes the other way.

"That's what happened and it's not just here."

Wenger also admitted that his team's inability to hold onto yet another league lead was a real blow for the side.

"We are disappointed because we were close to the win and we conceded the equaliser," he said. "Especially at that moment, when Villa had not created a lot in the second half.

"I believe the turning point was at 2-1, because we lost composure and there was plenty of room to keep the ball much better but we were a bit nervous just to get over the line. In the end it cost us."

Stephen Crawford, Goal.com