Oliver’s twist and defensive frailties frustrate Wenger
Robin Van Persie had given the Gunners a fifth-minute lead only for Oliver to point to the spot just 11 minutes later when Nathan Dyer went to ground under pressure from Aaron Ramsey, described by Wenger as a “good dive”.
Scott Sinclair scored the resulting penalty and the Swans went on to win a dramatic contest 3-2, with Danny Graham scoring a 70th-minute winner within seconds of Theo Walcott having levelled matters.
It left the Arsenal four points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea in fifth position following back-to-back league defeats in the Premier League.
And while Wenger was clearly angry with Oliver’s penalty decision, he was equally frustrated with his own defence for the manner in which they allowed Graham to score so soon after Walcott had given them hope.
Wenger said: “The game was difficult because Swansea played well and also it was decided by some strange decisions.
“The first one is by the referee who gave a penalty that was complete imagination and a good dive. Well done to the player who did it.
“From then on, I felt that there were some odd turning points, like when we went to 2-2 we straightaway made a defensive mistake.
“It was similar for me to the Fulham match. Our defensive performance was not good enough and that is why we lost the game.
“When we came back to 2-2 I thought we had a good chance to win the game because we looked dangerous. Their keeper kept them in the game and made some great saves and we missed some unbelievable chances that are difficult to understand and explain.
“Apart from all of that, well done to Swansea. They played well and deserved to win.”
Wenger was impressed by Thierry Henry’s latest cameo even if the striker could not inspire them to victory this time around following his FA Cup winner against Leeds.
He said: “You are always tempted (to start him). I know he wants to help the team out. When he comes on the pitch he gives us a lift. He was dangerous again when he came on.”
Swans manager Brendan Rodgers hailed his players for their heroics in achieving what he felt was their biggest scalp since their promotion to the Premier League.
He said: “You come up against a top club with a world-class manager and to come out with a victory and performance like that is an incredible day.
“It is the biggest scalp we have had so far. We are not a very fashionable team, but we have to continue to earn the respect through our performances. We are trying to keep moving forward and progress.”
Matchwinner Graham added: “It was a great game for the spectators with two passing teams, and I thought we deserved the win.”
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