‘We complicated our game and missed final ball’

ARSENE WENGER does not need an excuse to complain about decisions given against his side but the added attraction of erecting a smokescreen to disguise his side’s failure to see off inferior opponents no doubt helped fuel the Frenchman’s gripes.

Ultimately though, the manager (right) made little attempt to disguise his frustration at Arsenal’s wastefulness.

“We were in control but as long as you don’t score the third goal the game is not won,” Wenger admitted.

“In fairness West Ham did continue to fight until the last minute and we conceded two goals from two set pieces. Generous ones. West Ham is very happy tonight and I understand that. The free-kick and penalty were extremely generous.

“I don’t think that either should have been given but we cannot influence the decision of the referee.”

Wenger also suggested Carlton Cole may have helped referee Chris Foy reach the conclusion that Song’s challenge was worse than the Frenchman believed.

“If you count how many times he goes down in a game, he played very well today, but you expect him to go down,” said the manager, smiling.

“We had a feeling today and we are an intelligent team and an intelligent team makes the maximum result with the game they produce. That is what we did not do.

“We complicated our game a little bit and had five or six chances in the second half and we missed the final ball as we wanted to be a bit too complicated and that is what we have to learn.”

Zola’s reaction to the game was one of satisfaction and relief. A crushing home defeat – on the cards at half-time – would have compounded their disastrous start to the season but, instead, Alessandro Diamanti provided a timely boost.

“Last week I saw something, a change and it’s very important and today I have seen something more,” said the manager. “It was very difficult to come back from that situation but we did it and I’m very pleased and proud of them.

“I am more focused on the point and to give a signal we are there and we are fighting. Today was difficult and we did it and that means we can do it all the time. With that spirit and with the qualities we have in the team I think we can do better things starting today.”

The West Ham manager was angry, though, that Scott Parker had been sent off and claimed the midfielder’s second booking, for handball after falling under a challenge from Cesc Fabregas, was harsh.

“Scotty went for a header with the boy but he was pushed and then he touched it with his hands,” Zola added.

“It’s a pity because he was playing well and is an important player for us.”