WENGER: STERLING A DIVER

ARSENE WENGER branded Raheem Sterling a diver in the bitter aftermath of Arsenal’s 3-1 defeat. Referee Michael Oliver penalised Nacho Monreal for a push on the Manchester City winger early in the second half, allowing Sergio Aguero to put the Premier League leaders two goals ahead from the spot. ‘I believe it was no penalty,’ said Wenger. ‘We know that Raheem Sterling dives well, he does that very well.’ The Arsenal manager was also unhappy with the officials for failing to spot David Silva was offside in the build-up before Gabriel Jesus scored City’s third. Wenger, who believes that key offside decisions went against his team when Arsenal lost 2-1

here last December, said: ‘Overall, once again, the referee made the decision with a penalty and an offside goal. ‘We are used to it when we come here. It happens every season. I am very upset. ‘The third goal was the killer and it is by coincidence that mistakes always go for the home team, as we know. Last season we lost two offside goals and it has happened again. ‘The 3-1 was an immense relief for them, an unexpected present. Of course, they are a top team, but that makes it even more difficult for you. ‘It is unfortunate that the game finished the way it finished. I am disappointed. You can accept if it City win in a normal way, they are a good side, but this is unacceptable.’ Pep Guardiola hit back by reminding Wenger that Arsenal won at Burnley last October with a handball goal from Laurent Koscielny, and claimed that his team deserved their ninth league win in a row. ‘We won in the best way and we deserved it by far with the chances we created and the few chances we conceded,’ said Guardiola. ‘They tell me it was offside and I don’t like to win in that way. But sometimes Arsenal win in Burnley 0-1 with a hand, so sometimes it is like this.’