Arsene Wenger joins Cesc Fabregas in 'handball' penalty claim

Wenger claims Arsenal should have had a penalty (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsene Wenger has joined his skipper Cesc Fabregas in claiming Arsenal were robbed of a penalty in their 2-2 draw at Wigan.

Referee Lee Probert refused to award a penalty when Samir Nasri's free-kick hit James McArthur's hands in Wednesday's game - Fabregas had conceded a spot-kick for a similar offence against Tottenham in November.

Wenger also said Probert was also wrong to have given a spot-kick when Charles N'Zogbia fell over Laurent Koscielny's trailing leg.

Wenger told Arsenal TV: "I think their penalty was definitely not a penalty and we had a 100% penalty - I cannot see a difference with the penalty we got against Tottenham and the one we didn't get against Wigan.

"What's even more disappointing is the referee was only five yards away."

Wenger has also warned his defenders that they need to communicate better if Arsenal are to stay in the title hunt.

He added: "There was no need to concede the corner that led to the own goal against Wigan. We have to make a bigger effort to communicate - there was no need to concede the corner if someone talks before. That's something we need to rectify.

"Nobody is taking charge on the organisation side, there is no voice when the focus drops a little bit."

Arsenal's next match is at Birmingham, who restricted league leaders Manchester United to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday, but Wenger will have skipper Fabregas back from suspension and gave players such as Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie, Nasri and Alex Song a rest against Wigan.

Wenger added: "We need to recover quickly and focus quickly again.

"It's down to us. The players are very frustrated after the Wigan game but they can be strong in their belief and think 'that will not happen again'."

The Gunners boss has also ruled out signing any new players in the January transfer window, even though the club continue to be linked with a move for a new goalkeeper.