Arsenal Vs Manchester City: Don’t play the usual blame game, Arsene

Arsene Wenger has criticised refereeing decisions during Arsenal’s 3-1 loss to Manchester City. While they were errant, he should not be playing the usual blame game.

It’s fair to say that Arsenal were not helped by Michael Oliver on Sunday against Manchester City. There were two key decisions that both went against the Gunners. They were instrumental in determining the result.

Related Story: Arsenal Vs Manchester City: 5 things we learned

The first came at 1-0 down. Raheem Sterling had darted into the penalty area, in behind Sead Kolasinac, and Nacho Monreal was forced to scamper back and recover his position. In doing so, he clumsily bundled into the searing winger, tangling legs, and, ultimately, conceding the penalty.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

The second came at 2-1 down. David Silva, after playing a pass wide, drifted into the inside right-channel and in behind the Arsenal defence. He, eventually, received a return pass, but was, by this point, in an offside position. Nevertheless, the flag was never raised, and Silva set up Gabriel Jesus to all but end the game. Arsene Wenger was not best pleased. Here is what he had to say after the match:

"” The decisions… the third goal, at 2-1 we are in the game, he gives a clear offside goal and of course that kills the game for us. Last year we conceded two offside goals as well. Of course they are a top team but on top of that it makes life difficult for you. I thought Manchester City were on a high but I felt we had plenty of dangerous situations and chances and I would say overall once again the referee made the decision today. With the soft penalty and the offside goal, but we are used to it when you come here. Last year we had two offside goals against us. And once again.”"

The Sterling penalty was 50:50 at best. Silva was certainly offside. So perhaps Wenger is justified in blaming the referee for his side’s loss. But that does not tell the pattern of the game.

This was not an even game, even if two of the goals were a little controversial. City dominated throughout, and had they been more clinical and precise in the final third, they would have been three or four goals up at half-time.

City had 57% possession, had nine shots on goal, five of which were on target, and created many more openings where the only thing to let them down was their final pass. They controlled the pattern of the game, they commanded the midfield, with the fluid and elegant duo of David Silva and Kevin de Bruyne especially impressive, and they suffocated Arsenal throughout, pressing them high up the pitch, restricting them of time and space on the ball.

Next: Arsenal Vs Manchester City: Player ratings

Wenger may bemoan the decision of Michael Oliver. And he may be, at least in part, justified with those complaints. But his side did not deserve anything from this game. They were just not good enough. Wenger will play the blame game. But he shouldn’t.