Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger feels that his side's physical level in their 2-1 defeat at Watford dropped in the second half, while he also blasted the penalty awarded to the Hornets. 

Wenger's side did take the lead at Vicarage Road in the Premier League clash, through Per Mertesacker in the 39th minute.




But Watford fought back and were handed a controversial penalty in the 71st minute, with Richarlison accused of having dived, and converted it as Troy Deeney scored from the spot.

Watford did not settle for the draw and pushed on, eventually scoring a second in injury time through Tom Cleverley to down Arsenal.
 


Wenger was left fuming at the penalty decision, while he also feels that on a physical level his side declined in the second half.

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"When you lose in the last minute it's even more difficult, especially in a game where we had done the most difficult, going 1-0 up", Wenger told BBC Radio 5 live.

"We had many chances to score the second goal and on top of that we missed great chances.

"We got a penalty which was a creation from the referee and from the player who dived well, but we have to deal with that.

"We dropped physically at the back in the second half, even in midfield and we suffered a little bit.

"The penalty looked to be a blow for the team and we didn't recover from that. It gave a little bit more belief to Watford", the Arsenal boss added.

Wenger must now consider what side to field in the Europa League on Thursday night, when the Gunners have a trip to Serbia on the agenda to take on Red Star Belgrade.