Arsene Wenger labelled Diego Costa 'clever' after Chelsea defeated Arsenal 1-0 on Sunday.

The Spanish striker was brought down by Per Mertesacker inside the opening 20 minutes at the Emirates Stadium which prompted referee Mark Clattenburg to produce a straight red card.

The decision appeared to be correct as Costa was through on goal but it did not stop Wenger from commenting on the fiery Blues competitor who was also involved in Gabriel Paulista's sending off when the London rivals met at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season.

Wenger said on Sky Sports: "We had a mountain to climb with 10 men but even then, I believe there was enough there to come away with a 1-1 draw.

"We cannot influence the decision of the referee. Costa got two player sent off in two games on our side so he's clever.

"Mertesacker made the challenge but I said he got Mertesacker sent off. You cannot say it's not true."

He added: "In the first game he got Gabriel sent off and today he got Mertesacker sent off.

"Did he touch him or not? I will have to watch it again but the fact is the fact. I do not accuse him of anything it's just what happened."

In his post-match press conference, Wenger added further: "We have 35 journalists here, I am sure you have all seen it again and analysed it and know much more about that situation that I do.

"I can't comment because I didn't know if Costa was offside or not or if Per touched him or not. I don't know.

"You want me to say things I am not interested in. I said Costa got two of our players sent off in the last two games against Chelsea. Those are facts.

"Was the decision right or wrong, I don't know but those are facts. Without accusing him of anything."