Stoke City boss Paul Lambert has criticised referee Craig Pawson after he awarded Arsenal a crucial penalty for their opening goal in Sunday's 3-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.

The Potters held their colour against the Gunners and both sides were goalless going into the last 15 minutes of the game in North London.

However, Pawson pointed to the spot after Mesut Ozil went to ground under pressure from Bruno Martins Indi and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made no mistake from 12 yards.

Aubameyang then added a second on 86 minutes and allowed strike partner Alexandre Lacazette to take a penalty after the Frenchman was brought down by Badou Ndiaye.

"I thought we were excellent and looked really good but Arsenal got the penalty," Lambert told BBC Sport. "It was a game changer.

"I saw Craig Pawson after the game. I respect the referee but he has not got the benefit of television. He explained they only have one major angle to have a look at it.

"Do I have sympathy with the referee? I don't know. It was harsh on us because I thought we were great. I've been here a few times and won, but we haven't played as well as that.

"We looked really good but we need a little bit of luck. I just said to the players that I am proud of them. As long as we keep that level and that spirit then we will be fine."

Stoke remain second from bottom in the Premier League table, three points from safety, after their eighth game without a win.