Arsenal vs Manchester City: Manuel Pellegrini vents anger over Mark Clattenburg's performance as he blasts key decisions

Pellegrini believes the referee got three key decisions wrong and that neither Arsenal goal should have stood

Manuel Pellegrini (Getty Images)

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini was furious with referee Mark Clattenburg, believing he got three key decisions wrong in their Barclays Premier League match with Arsenal at the Emirates.

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The champions came away from north London with a 2-2 draw, but the Chilean believes that neither Jack Wilshere nor Alexis Sanchez's strikes should have been allowed, while he also thinks Wilshere should have been penalised after he felt the England international handled in the box.

"I think it was a great game, two very good teams which try to play, both teams are very creative," Pellegrini told BT Sport.

"Today both goals by Arsenal were very clear fouls, the first one, two or three continuous fouls and the second one Welbeck on Vincent.

"Wilshere had two hands in front of the linesman and it is a clear penalty, so in that case I must be very happy with the draw.

"We have more possession and more chances than Arsenal."

Clattenburg was the referee when City lost in controversial circumstances against Liverpool last season, when Pellegrini felt Martin Skrtel handled for the Reds' second goal.

"I think we have very difficult decisions, today was unbelievable," Pellegrini added.

"He (Clattenburg) had a very bad day today in the same way he had a bad day against Liverpool last year."

Pellegrini was infuriated by Mark Clattenburg's performance (Getty Images)

Wilshere disagreed with Pellegrini's assessment, feeling there was little he could have done to avoid the ball coming in contact with his hand.

"The ball just bounced up and hit my hand," he said. "It is tough for referees and on another day he might give it but he didn't."

Wilshere was named man of the match and is pleased with his recent performances for both club and country.

"I'm trying to do what I do week in week out, I'm trying to work hard in training and taking those performances out onto the pitch," he added.

"I felt good. I had a good couple of games with the national team I recovered well and felt fresh today. We started brightly and another day we could have won."

PA