Arsene Wenger berated the refereeing decisions after his side lost 2-1 at Manchester City.

Two contentious decisions resulted in goals for Pep Guardiola’s team who have now leapfrogged The Gunners and Liverpool into second.

Leroy Sane was marginally offside as David Silva played him in to bare down on goal and equalise. Less disputed was Silva potentially interfering with play for Sterling’s winner. The midfielder was suggested to have obstructed ‘keeper Petr Cech as the England man netted his near post strike.

Regardless of the contentious decision making, Arsenal’s chalk and cheese performances either side of half time made the talking points. The wheels came off in the second period and it appears to be another spurned title charge in a season that promised so much.

Take a look at the FIVE things we learned from the crushing defeat…

DEFENSIVE WOES

If the Gunners defensive issues looked precarious prior to Shkodran Mustafi’s injury, they look perilous now. Two poorly conceded goals gave City the advantage.

Gabriel’s two game partnership with Laurent Koscielny has done nothing to suggest he can maintain a place upon the German’s return and it is now two months since Arsenal last kept a clean sheet.

Wenger should start considering replacements this summer.

CHELSEA EXTREME FAVOURITES

The Blues are seven points clear of second place Manchester City and now nine clear of The Gunners.

Antonio Conte’s five at the back formation has been unsurpassable and his side are now clear favourites to lift the title in May.

Chelsea do however have a tricky run of fixtures including Tottenham and Liverpool away in the coming weeks.

ARSENAL’S SOFT BELLY

It appears to be same old Arsenal once more. When the pressure mounted, The Gunners’ soft belly told. The defeats to Everton and City will be a hard pill to swallow for Arsenal fans who can be forgiven for thinking their side had turned a corner.

Wenger’s team have a kind run of fixtures and will likely need to pick up at least 13 points from their next five to maintain a glimmer of hope in the title picture.

WALCOTT FORM

Another game, another goal for Theo Walcott whose impressive form continues.

The England international netted his 8th league goal of the campaign and 11th in all competitions. Walcott, 27, is on target to record his best scoring tally in his Arsenal career and now looks the real deal.

CL SPOT UNDER PRESSURE

Though still confident of a Champions League spot, Arsenal are now just a point above North London rivals Tottenham. Spu*rs came from behind to see off Burnley 2-1 yesterday to close the gap.

It’s an added irritancy to have our rivals now talk up their chances of finishing above us.

It’s not just our neighbours improving, but Manchester United’s early season form has returned. With Ibrahimovic flying. Top four is not out of the question for Mourinho’s men.