Arsene Wenger says Arsenal penalty decision was '100 per cent' correct as he praises resilient Burnley

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James Benge26 November 2017

Arsene Wenger insisted referee Lee Mason had been “100 per cent” correct in awarding Arsenal the stoppage time penalty that secured their 1-0 win over Burnley.

Alexis Sanchez converted from the spot to secure Arsenal three points that allowed them to leapfrog Tottenham and Liverpool and move into the top four after James Tarkowski had pushed Aaron Ramsey in the box.

The penalty was a cruel blow for Sean Dyche’s Clarets, who had proven themselves to be Arsenal’s equals over 90 minutes with an organised defensive display that also saw them create a string of dangerous chances in a first half they dominated.

Not for the first time in recent meetings Arsenal’s last-gasp winner had a touch of fortune to it as the excellent Tarkowski made his first error of the match in bringing down Ramsey, but Wenger was in no doubt referee Lee Mason had made the correct decision.

“From outside it looked 100%,” Wenger said. “I don't know why he pushed him in the back. I would like to see it again.”

The Arsenal manager was, however, glowing in his praise for Burnley, who came closest to breaking the first half deadlock when Johann Berg Gudmundsson’s powerful effort was tipped onto the post by Petr Cech.

"They have 22 points and when you play against them you know why,” he said. “They have conceded only two goals at home since the start of the season.

“They defend extremely well, they are very dangerous on the direct game.”

Burnley boss Dyche, however, was far less convinced with Mason's decision. He said: “It was highly unlikely it wasn't going to get given on a day like today, that's all I'll say.

“There's a lot of me inside, that's raging a lot. It's a coupon buster, I don't think anyone would put a bet on that. I've told them we continue to develop, we continue to move forward. I've also told them this is the reality. Football's a harsh game and sometimes it hurts you.“