Wenger loses cool after dodgy penalty
BIRMINGHAM: Arsene Wenger’s record-breaking day as Arsenal manager ended in frustration as his disjointed side were held to a controversial 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.
The French man took charge of his 811th Gunners league game, taking him past Alex Ferguson’s Premier League record of 810.
But his side were denied victory by Jay Rodriguez’ s 89 th- minute penalty, awarded for handball against Calum Chambers to the fury of Wenger and his players.
Arsenal had taken the lead six minutes earlier after a deflected Alexis Sanchez free-kick found its way into the West B rom net via a deflection off James McClean.
A weaving run down the right flank by Matt Phillips ended with a cross for Rodriguez, who leapt highest but headed too close to Petr Cech and the Arsenal goalkeeper made a solid save, diving to his left.
West Brom continued to pass the ball neatly but the Gunners threatened on the break and a long-range effort by Granit Xh aka was saved comfortably by Ben Foster, who then turned another shot from distance from Iwobi behind for a corner.
WESTBROM PRESSURE
The hosts began the second half on the front foot, with Rodriguez forcing Chambers into a desperate challenge. The visitors had failed to fire early in the second half but West Brom needed Foster to keep them at bay on the hour mark.
The Albion goal keeper made a smart, low save to keep out as hot from La caz et te, who had played a neat one-two with Iwobi before riding two challenges on the edge of the area. And moments later Lacazette poked a shot just wide after Sanchez had picked him out with a neat pass.
The hosts threatened when Livermore arrived at the near post to meet a cross by substitute McClean but his effort was blocked by Cech. And Cech was then forced to beat away a shot from distance by Rodriguez.
But with seven minutes remaining the Gunners claimed the lead when Sanchez won the free-kick. He was tripped on the edge of the 18-yard box by a combination of Gareth Barry and Craig Dawson. The Chile an let fly with an effort that struck McClean’s leg and defeated Foster. But just minutes later Albion were level as Chambers was punished harsh ly for blocking a Kieran Gibbs cross with his arm and Rodriguez drilled the resulting penalty low past Cech.
Wenger lost his cool on the touchline and was subjected to a lengthy lecture from the referee.
WENGER RECORD WON’T BE BEATEN: FERGUSON
Alex Ferguson believes Arsene Wenger’s record for Premier League games managed will never be beaten. Arsenal boss Wenger clocked up 811 League fixtures in the dug out, surpassing the record previously set by Ferguson at Manchester United. Wenger is seen as the last of a dying breed, having managed the Gunners for more than 20 years, into an era that has seen sac kings become much more commonplace.
And Ferguson believes Wenger’s tally, wherever it ends, will stand the test of time. “I applaud Arsene on surpassing my record of managing 810 Premier League games,” Ferguson said.
“It is a fantastic milestone which has required the highest standards of dedication and professional management to achieve. I doubt his record, whatever it turns out to be, will ever be beaten. “Congratulations on a truly remarkable career and great service to football and Arsenal FC.”