Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger aims furious tirade at referee Michael Oliver: 'This happens every season we come here, it's unacceptable... we knew Raheem Sterling dives very well'

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Arsene Wenger claims Manchester City will be 'unstoppable' this season if they continue to get the benefit of decisions as the Arsenal manager also had a go at Raheem Sterling for diving.

Wenger was frustrated that referee Michael Oliver awarded a penalty for Nacho Monreal's challenge on Sterling in Arsenal's 3-1 defeat at the Etihad, and then the match officials failed to spot that David Silva was marginally offside in the build-up to the third goal from Gabriel Jesus.

The victory saw City move 12 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League after scoring 38 goals in their first 11 league games – two more than Guardiola's prolific Barcelona side in the 2008-09 season.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger branded decisions made by Micheal Oliver 'unacceptable'

Wenger complained to officials after Oliver handed City a penalty and missed an offside call

The Gunners boss told Match of the Day after the defeat: 'I believe it was no penalty. We know that Raheem Sterling dives well, he does that very well.'

Wenger added: 'Can anyone stop them? It will be difficult this season, the way they have started the quality they have, but you never know. If, on top of that, they have decisions at home like that, they will be unstoppable.

'Overall, once again, the referee made the decision with a penalty and an offside goal. We are used to it when we come here. I feel they don't work enough, because it happens every season. It is unacceptable.

Oliver pointed to the spot at 1-0 following Nacho Monreal's challenge on Raheem Sterling

Wenger was not alone in his appeals as his players immediately questioned the decision

Sergio Aguero stepped up to convert the spot-kick and double the home side's advantage

'You have seen what I have seen. The fact you tell me it is an offside goal says enough. I don't want to take anything away from the quality, but it happened at a moment when we were really in the game at 2-1 and it killed the game.

'It is the second year. We got two offside goals here last year and one this year. We put a lot of effort in and at 2-1 I thought we could come back. 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.'

Asked if the decision was soft or wrong, Wenger replied: 'Just wrong.'