The charge came from Manchester City manager Mark Hughes after his side's comfortable 3-0 home victory.

Goals from Stephen Ireland, Robinho and substitute Daniel Sturridge (penalty) condemned Arsenal to their fifth league defeat of the season and their second in succession.

Gunners boss Wenger, who stripped William Gallas of the captaincy at Eastlands, claimed the scoreline "flattered" City.

Hughes told the BBC: "Maybe he is being a little bit ungracious because I remember Robinho going around (Manuel) Almunia to make it even more emphatic.

"We had another couple of good opportunities, so I do not think the scoreline flattered us at all. We created six or seven chances."

Gallas did not travel with the squad after making critical remarks about the team in midweek when he questioned their fighting spirit.

While Wenger confirmed the French defender still had a future at the club he refused to discuss the reasons behind his absence.

"I will not speak about William Gallas in a post-match interview, " said Wenger. He is a player who did not play today, so what can he do? Nothing.

"Why should we not talk about (Cesc) Fabregas and the other nine players who are not here. We can go on until midnight and I will give the same answer to the same question."

Arsenal, who face Dinamo Kiev in the Champions League on Tuesday, looked vulnerable at the back in the absence of Gallas and the injured Kolo Toure.

However Wenger is refusing to concede they are out of the title race even though they have seen Aston Villa move into fourth place.

He said: "We have to keep our belief. With a strong team in a strong club, you have sometimes to go through a period like this.

"It is how well you deal with that situation you determine your future.

"I believe we have to try to win our next game and not set targets and see where we go."

Ireland made the breakthrough by clipping the ball over Almunia following a defensive muddle between Gael Clichy and Mikael Silvestre.

Robinho extended City's lead with a wonder goal and Sturridge completed the scoring in stoppage time scoring from the spot after being bundled over by Johan Djourou.

Wenger added: "We were in control in the first half but then conceded a goal in stoppage time.

"That goal changed the game. City played a lot on the counter attack and we played into their hands.

"We lacked maturity and the second goal illustrated that. The third goal was a very soft penalty.

"We gave absolutely everything - we are not in the blaming culture. We stand up for our responsibilities."