Wenger throws a wobbly

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Swansea 3 Arsenal 2:THE RAGE was still burning inside Arsene Wenger long after the final whistle. Furious at seeing his side succumb to a defeat that leaves them struggling to hold on to Chelsea's coat-tails in the race for the Champions League qualification places, the Arsenal manager vented his anger at Michael Oliver, the referee, accused Nathan Dyer of diving to win a penalty and criticised a dreadful defensive performance from his team.

Amid his rant there was also some credit for Swansea City, whom Wenger acknowledged deserved to win a compelling game that will live long in the memory in these parts. Danny Graham delivered the final blow, the Swansea striker shooting across Wojciech Szczesny 45 seconds after Theo Walcott had hauled Arsenal back to 2-2. Arsenal could still have salvaged a point but a gilt-edged chance dropped to Per Mertesacker and the Germany international inexplicably sliced wide from inside the six-yard box.

“Swansea played well but the game was decided by some strange decisions – the first one was the referee who gave a penalty that was a complete imagination and was a good dive. Well done to the player who did it,” Wenger said.

“Our defensive performance was not good enough and that’s why we lost the game. When we came back to 2-2, I thought we had a good chance to win the game. Their keeper made some great saves and we also missed some unbelievable chances that are very difficult to understand and explain.

“But apart from all that, well done to Swansea, they played well and they deserved to win.”

With that Wenger got up and departed after answering one question and a police escort was waiting to take the Arsenal coach back to the airport.

A miserable day for Arsenal was made complete when it emerged that Henry had become involved in an altercation with one of the travelling supporters after the final whistle.

The penalty award that upset Wenger looked soft but Aaron Ramsey appeared to make slight contact with Dyer’s ankle, prompting Oliver to point to the spot and give Scott Sinclair the chance to bring Swansea level, after Robin van Persie had earlier beaten Michel Vorm at his near post.

In that context Wenger’s criticism of Dyer, who was the game’s outstanding performer on an afternoon when Fabio Capello had come to watch another English winger (Walcott), seemed harsh.

There was certainly no argument with Wenger’s assessment of Arsenal’s defensive display. The manner in which they conceded the second and third goals will have made for painful viewing for Arsenal supporters.

Arshavin, who set up Van Persie’s opening goal but was otherwise anonymous and was predictably withdrawn in the second half, played a careless pass to Ramsey that allowed Joe Allen to pinch possession in the lead-up to the second goal.

On the third Laurent Koscielny was caught out of position.

That is enough criticism of Arsenal. This was a hugely impressive Swansea display that demonstrated they have resilience within their ranks as well as flair.

Ashley Williams was outstanding at the back, Allen provided some lovely touches in central midfield and man of the match Dyer carried a threat whenever he picked up the ball.

Manager Brendan Rodgers punched the air after the win, which lifted Swansea to 10th place.

“It was a wonderful victory and performance from us. I’m very proud of the players and it’s a great day for the people and the city of Swansea,” he said, highlighting how well his English front three – Dyer, Graham and Sinclair – had played in front of Capello.

Guardian service

Attendance: 39,993