Referees are protected like lions in the zoo: Arsene Wenger

We conceded two offside goals, which is very difficult to accept in a game of that stature, Wenger told his post-match press conference. As it is well known, the referees are protected very well, that is right, like the lions in the zoo. So we have to live with those decisions. I want them to be safe. If they could make the right decision, it would be even better.

Arsenal's defeat was the second game in succession they had gone ahead, only to lose 2-1, having fallen to defeat in similar circumstances at Everton on Tuesday. On that occasion, Wenger protested that Ashley Williams's headed 86th-minute winner had stemmed from an erroneously awarded corner. The result saw City leapfrog Arsenal into second place, leaving them seven points adrift of leaders Chelsea.