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Ronald Koeman poured scorn on Arsene Wenger’s complaint that Arsenal’s surrender on Tuesday night was referee Mark Clattenburg’s fault.
Wenger was incensed at the award of a corner in the build-up to Ashley Williams’ 86th-minute winner at Goodison Park, claiming his side should have had a goal kick.
But Everton manager Koeman ridiculed that and suggested Wenger criticises officials each time he loses.
‘I’m not surprised about Wenger and his comments,’ Koeman said. ‘It’s a third time in a row I’ve beaten Arsenal at home as a manager and three times it’s been the referee’s fault.’
He added flippantly: ‘Sorry Arsenal, we won through the referee!’
Wenger admitted Arsenal lacked urgency after taking the lead through Alexis Sanchez as they lost pace with Premier League leaders Chelsea following a first domestic away defeat since February.
But he saved the majority of his ire for Clattenburg and felt Everton substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin got the last touch before the corner rather than Laurent Koscielny.
The Frenchman was also upset at a penalty given to Tottenham during the drawn north London derby last month and believes the Gunners are not given the rub of decisions when Clattenburg takes charge.
‘It was not a corner – you can see it was not a corner,’ Wenger said. ‘The referee made his decision and that does not explain why we did not head the ball.
‘I am really disappointed in Mr Clattenburg. He is in a really good position to see it and it is not the first time we are really unlucky with his decisions.’
Wenger was also displeased with the aggression of James McCarthy in midfield – the Irishman was involved in a heated exchange with Mesut Ozil as the teams headed in for half-time.
‘McCarthy was very physical today,’ he added. ‘That is down to the referee. I cannot interfere too much in that.’
Koeman brushed that off and wants to see more hostility in future.
‘That was what we like to see, and what the fans like,’ the Dutchman said. ‘Face-to-face, aggression and playing football going for it.
‘It was a fantastic atmosphere. If you show that commitment then it’s difficult to beat Everton at Goodison Park. I hope from now on we realise how strong we can be if we play like this.’
