Wenger: Arsenal denied '100 per cent' penalty against Chelsea

The Frenchman is furious with Mike Dean for not giving his side a spot-kick after Willian felled Theo Walcott in the first half of a dour north London derby

Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal should “100 per cent” have been given a penalty during Monday's goalless draw with Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.

Winger Theo Walcott appeared to be felled in the box by Willian in the 36th minute but appeals from Gunners players were turned down by referee Mike Dean.

And Wenger believes that his side were denied a clear and crucial decision against Jose Mourinho's men, one which would have turned a tight game decisively in their favour.
"[It was] 100 per cent a penalty," the Gunners boss told Sky Sports.

When asked why it had not been given, the Frenchman added: "That's a question you have to ask the referee; I cannot give it.

"In my mind, there is no doubt."

The dropped points mean that Arsenal will go into their Boxing Day clash with West Ham second in the Premier League, as Liverpool remain top the table on goal difference.

But Wenger is adamant that his side deserved the three points against Jose Mourinho’s Blues.

"I think in the final part of the game we should have won it. They came here to defend well and catch us on the break," he argued.

“We were a bit - you could see at the start of the game - edgy, and when we took control of the game in the second half we should have won it.

"It was a game of very few chances and the few opportunities we had we couldn't take. When you cannot win the game, don't lose it and that's what we did.