Wenger slams penalty call

Arsene Wenger criticised refereeing decisions and his own team’s mistakes as Arsenal went down 3-2 away to Swansea City on Sunday.

The visitors saw their early lead cancelled out by a Scott Sinclair penalty at the Liberty Stadium, after questionable contact between Swansea’s Nathan Dyer and Arsenal man Aaron Ramsey.

Arsenal also lost in their last away game at Fulham after seeing Johan Djourou controversially sent off.

Wenger questioned the decision to award the penalty, but also acknowledged the mistakes committed by his players as Arsenal left south Wales empty-handed.

“We played against a good side but we have lost the last two games in very special circumstances,” Wenger told Sky Sports.

“I think we were very unlucky because it was never a penalty but after that I feel we were guilty because when we got back to 2-2 I felt there was space to win the game.”

“But straight away we gave away a third goal.”

“We played to win the game and of course we took everything forward but we made massive mistakes on their third goal that are difficult to explain.”

Arsenal have conceded more goals away from home than any other English Premier League side so far this season.

When asked if he was concerned at his side’s leaky back line, Wenger replied: “Recently, yes.”

“Maybe it’s down to the fact that we have shuffled the defence around, every week we have a different defence and some players are playing out of position.”

“But I still feel in the last few games we’ve given very, very cheap goals away in massive, important games and you cannot afford to do that at our level.”

Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers believes the victory was a testament to the hard work undergone at the club during his tenure.

“The journey we’ve been on in the last 18 months has been incredible,” he said.

“To beat a top team and a top club like Arsenal was fantastic and the players were brilliant today. I’m very, very proud.”

“To be able to play it is what we believe in and the players show great courage to keep playing the ball.”

“I thought overall some of our combinations and ball retention was unbelievable so I’m very pleased.”