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Hughes disputes "ungracious" Wenger appraisal

23/11/2008

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes described Arsene Wenger as "ungracious" after the Frenchman claimed City's 3-0 win over Arsenal flattered them.

Hughes' side dominated the second half at Eastlands and the City boss claims his side could actually have won by a greater margin had they scored all their chances.

The 3-0 defeat brought an end to a turbulent week for Wenger who has had disciplinary issues with William Gallas and stripped the defender of the club captaincy.

Wenger felt the 3-0 win did not truly reflect how close the game had been and suggested the scoreline flattered City.

After being told about Wenger's comments Hughes felt the Gunners boss was being "ungracious".

He told the BBC: "I don't think it flattered us at all. We restricted Arsenal to one good opportunity and we created six or seven."

The City manager was pleased with how his side had managed to restrict Arsenal's attack opportunities.

He said: "The goal came at a good time just before half time but I still think we were good value at that point. You would expect Arsenal to come out and ask more questions of you, and although they tried to force the issue I don't think they had that many clear-cut chances.

"The only one I can recall was when Bendtner went through and Joe made a fine save. Apart from that we kept them to long distance shots and were very dangerous on the break ourselves."

The defeat meant Arsenal dropped out of the top four with Aston Villa leapfrogging them. City moved into 11th place on 17 points.