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'A strong push'

Arsene Wenger insists the referee was right to award his side a last ditch penalty

Frenchman says he spoke to Aaron Ramsey after the game and the midfielder had a 'very strong push' in his back

ARSENE WENGER believes the referee was "100 per cent" correct in awarding his side a last minute penalty as Arsenal left it late to beat Burnley.

Just as it appeared as though both sides would share the spoils, ref Lee Mason showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot when Aaron Ramsey went down under the pressure of James Tarkowski.

 Aaron Ramsey was bundled to the floor under the challenge of James Tarkowski
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Aaron Ramsey was bundled to the floor under the challenge of James TarkowskiCredit: Getty - Contributor

Alexis Sanchez made no mistake from the spot to fire Arsenal into fourth and leave the furious home fans booing the officials off the field.

But Wenger insists it was the correct call despite Burnley's protests because Ramsey had told him he received a "very strong push."

Speaking after the match, the Frenchman said: "It looked a clear penalty.

"I think there was one on Bellerin as well. Ramsey wanted to flick the ball and was pushed in the back. He said it was a very strong push.

 Alexis Sanchez drilled it low to the keeper's right to give Arsenal all three points
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Alexis Sanchez drilled it low to the keeper's right to give Arsenal all three pointsCredit: AFP or licensors
 Arsene Wenger claims Aaron Ramsey told him it was "a strong push"
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Arsene Wenger claims Aaron Ramsey told him it was "a strong push"Credit: Reuters

"From outside it looked 100%. I don't know why he pushed him in the back. I would like to see it again.”

Burnley boss Sean Dyche continues to work wonders with his side and were seconds away from their fourth top flight clean sheet in a row for the first time ever.

And Wenger was very complimentary over Burnley's resolute defence.

He added: "They have 22 points and when you play against them you know why.

 Burnley boss Sean Dyche claims he was raging at the full time whistle
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Burnley boss Sean Dyche claims he was raging at the full time whistleCredit: Reuters
 Arsenal leapfrogged rivals Tottenham into fourth place
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Arsenal leapfrogged rivals Tottenham into fourth placeCredit: PA:Press Association

"They have conceded only two goals at home since the start of the season. They defend extremely well, they are very dangerous on the direct game.”

Dyche was left furious after the game but was full of praise for his side's performance.

He told the BBC: "There's a lot of me inside that's raging.

"My view is that it is highly unlikely that anything else other than a penalty would have been given.

"I've got to look beyond that. Our performance was excellent, first half we were creative."

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