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Arsenal top the Premier League for conceding penalties as Arsene Wenger seethes over Watford spot-kick

Gunners chief's latest rage at a 'ridiculous' decision masks a much bigger headache for his team - giving away far more spot-kicks than all their rivals for a top-four place

Ian Tuckey

Published: 20:14, 15 Oct 2017
Updated: 1:03, 16 Oct 2017

ARSENE WENGER'S latest rage over a penalty decision is all part of a huge spot of bother for Arsenal.

The Gunners have conceded more Premier League spot-kicks since the start of last season than any other club - and FAR MORE than their main rivals.

Arsene Wenger blasted the Watford penalty but should look at the bigger picture — Arsene Wenger blasted the Watford penalty but should look at the bigger pictureCredit: Dave Pinegar - The Sun

Richarlison tumbles under the challenge of Hector Bellerin for a spot-kick — Richarlison tumbles under the challenge of Hector Bellerin for a spot-kickCredit: Reuters

Arsenal boss Wenger slated a "ridiculous" decision as Hector Bellerin was penalised for a gentle challenge on Richarlison, enabling Troy Deeney's spot-kick to spark a 2-1 comeback win for Watford on Saturday.

But the Frenchman might want to look at the bigger picture before he feels too aggrieved.

have put figures together showing it was the 11th penalty the Gunners have conceded in 14 months of Prem action.

That is one more than the next-worst offenders West Ham and Southampton - but more importantly it is FIVE MORE than any of Arsenal's traditional top-six rivals.

Wenger said of the Gunners' Vicarage Road setback: "We were unlucky. That penalty was a bit ridiculous.

"It came at a moment in the game where it was absolutely important for Watford. No penalty, no goal."

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Arene Wenger has often bemoaned decisions going against Arsenal but they concede many more penalties than their big rivals — Arene Wenger has often bemoaned decisions going against Arsenal but they concede many more penalties than their big rivalsCredit: PA:Empics Sport

But Watford striker Troy Deeney had a unique justification for the verdict: "He [Bellerin] his long hair in the way, he can't see. It's a penalty."

Meanwhile, Hornets boss Marco Silva insisted Brazilian Richarlison was blameless.

Silva said: "I didn't see a dive or a simulation.

"Richarlison has suffered the most fouls in the Premier League this season, and people are starting to say he dives.

Hector Bellerin reflects as Arsenal slip to another costly defeat in the Prem — Hector Bellerin reflects as Arsenal slip to another costly defeat in the PremCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Arsene Wenger believes Watford were gifted a match-turning penalty equaliser — Arsene Wenger believes Watford were gifted a match-turning penalty equaliserCredit: PA:Press Association

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"He is not. He is fair, He wins fouls like the best players in the world win fouls."

Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy argued: "He goes down easily but it's not simulation because there's contact.

"If Arsene Wenger was in the other dugout he'd want the penalty there."

But whatever the rights and wrongs of this particular decision it seems the Gunners are paying a bigger price over the months for conceding so many spot-kicks.

Hector Bellerin tangles with Richarlison as Watford went on to sneak a 2-1 victory — Hector Bellerin tangles with Richarlison as Watford went on to sneak a 2-1 victoryCredit: Rex Features

Premier League spot-kicks conceded since start of 2016-17:

Arsenal 11

West Ham - 10

Southampton - 10

Swansea - 8

Watford - 6

Everton - 6

Liverpool - 6

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