Dwindling crowds at Emirates are becoming a big worry for Wenger

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger is worried by an apparent dip in attendance at the Emirates stadium in recent weeks but said he is confident the team will do “absolutely everything” to win back their fans.

Media reports said there were thousands of empty seats in Arsenal’s 3-0 Premier League win over Watford on Sunday despite the club selling 59 131 tickets, just short of their total capacity of 59 867 seats.

The stadium was a lot emptier in the 3-0 league defeat by Manchester City earlier this month although freezing conditions could have kept fans away on that day.

Wenger acknowledged that empty seats were a concern.

“Of course I worry because I want our fans to be behind our team and be happy,” Wenger told Standard Sport. “But after what happened in that week (against City) it’s a bit understandable.

“We are in a job where we have to get the fans on our side and do absolutely everything to achieve it.”

Arsenal are sixth in the league with 48 points and face an uphill task to qualify for next season’s Champions League by finishing in the top four.

“I don’t know how much negativity is out there. I think I’ll respect everyone’s opinion and focus on my job with total commitment,” Wenger said.

Their hopes of participating in Europe’s elite competition next season hinge on winning the Europa League. Arsenal beat AC Milan 2-0 in the first leg of their last 16 clash and take on the Italians at home on Thursday.

z Ten-man Swansea City’s draw with Huddersfield Town felt like a victory and has given the Welsh club a dose of confidence ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Tottenham Hotspur, defender Alfie Mawson said.

Swansea, who had forward Jordan Ayew sent off in the 11th minute of Saturday’s game for a challenge on midfielder Jonathan Hogg, defended with resilience to secure a goalless draw as Huddersfield failed to convert any of their 29 shots.

“We were so proud to earn the point. We thrived off the result and celebrated like it was a win,” the 24-year-old English defender said. “A result like that can drive us on.” – Reuters