Wenger claims Tottenham penalty was ‘very soft’

Joe Williams

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says he was “surprised” that the referee gave the penalty that handed Tottenham their equalising goal in the north London derby on Sunday.

A Harry Kane penalty saw Spurs come from behind to draw 1-1 at the Emirates Stadium after a Kevin Wimmer own-goal had given the Gunners a lead just before the interval.

And Wenger says he thought the spot kick was “very soft” in his post-match interview.

“From the outside it looked a very soft penalty, I was surprised,” Wenger told BBC Sport.

Wenger bemoaned a lack of “vision” from his players and thought that they looked “nervous” during the draw with their arch-rivals.

“It is disappointing to drop two points at home. We created plenty of chances in dangerous situations,” Wenger continued.

“In the second half we looked more laboured, there were plenty of aspects I did not like, the desire was there but we were too nervous.

“We lacked what we are strong at; the fluency of movement, vision around the box. We usually play better from the back, there was a lot missing.

“Spurs go home happy, we go home and are not happy. We wanted to win the game, but overall it is not mathematically a disaster.”