Arsene Wenger has slammed the standard of refereeing his side faced against Manchester City on Sunday, a game the Gunners lost 3-1.

Wenger’s side found themselves 2-0 down after a “soft penalty” was awarded by the referee for a challenge by Nacho Monreal on Raheem Sterling. The Gunners managed to find their way back into the game though via Lacazette’s strike, but were once again pegged further behind when the linesman judged David Silva to be onside, who subsequently set up City’s third goal for Gabriel Jesus.

Speaking after the match to Sky Sports, Wenger was outraged by some of the decisions that went against his side, sighting that the same occurred in the reverse fixture last season.

“I would say overall the referee made the decision today, with the soft penalty and the offside goal. But we are used to it when coming here, last year they had two offside goals, and once again, I feel they don’t work enough, because the level drops every season at the moment. Overall it’s unacceptable what happens,” said Wenger.

“The physical level is very good, the decisions [are not]. At 2-1 we are in the game, and he gives a clear offside goal, and of course that kills the game for us.

“And if you see last year we conceded two offside goals as well, but of course they are a top team, but on top of that it makes things very difficult for you.”

“I believe it was no penalty,” he told the BBC.

“We know that Sterling dives well, and he does that [win the penalty] very well.”

The result leaves Arsenal in 6th place, 12 points off leaders Manchester City.