UNSUNG HEROES

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Arsene Wenger was left fuming by referee Howard Webb's decision to dismiss Emmanuel Adebayor in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Emirates Stadium.

The Togo international striker was booked for a clumsy challenge on Emiliano Insua in the first half, before seeing red after leaving his foot high as he tackled Alvaro Arbeloa, although no contact was made.

Wenger felt the red card for Adebayor cost his side the chance of victory against the Premier League leaders, after Robbie Keane cancelled out Robin van Persie's opener for the home side.

The Frenchman told Sky Sports: "I believe that staying with 11 men we would have won this game. I was sure that in the final 30 minutes we would win the game.

"I think it was the wrong decision. I would love to have sendings off like that at home when we get kicked off the park.

"If Adebayor has to go off for that then Keane has to come off in the first minute (for a foul on Gael Clichy).

"I believe that (Lucas) Leiva made foul after foul without being booked. I don't agree with the kind of attitude here today."

Wenger has seen his side defeat Manchester United and Chelsea this season, but they remain eight points adrift having already been beaten on five occasions.

And the Emirates boss admitted this was another missed opportunity in their battle to remain in the Premier League title race.

He added: "I believe we dropped two points because we played at home. I believe we gave a soft goal away today.

"In the big games the final 30 minutes are very important if you can get on top of the other team, but we could not do that today because we were down to 10 men."

Adebayor defended his actions, insisting he was merely shielding the ball and called on referee Webb to acknowledge his "mistake".

"I hope when the referee goes home and watches it on the TV, he will see it was a foul, but I didn't deserve a card," Adebayor said. "It was a mistake from him.

"He said it was for the leg, but if I don't put my body in there I would never score a goal in this league. We have to protect the ball, which is normal and that's what I tried to do."

Adebayor added: "The defender threw himself on the floor as if I put a knife in him.

"Of course I'm annoyed. We are all here to play and if you win or lose you have to do it with 11. I cannot say he cheated, but what he did wasn't fair play at all."