Arsenal drops to 10th after losing to Swansea

LONDON — Arsenal dropped to 10th place in the Premier League after losing 2-0 to Swansea on Saturday, allowing the Welsh club to leap above Arsene Wenger’s struggling side.

The Gunners had been second best for long spells and, despite an improved performance after the break, Swansea earned reward for its persistence when Spain forward Michu grabbed a late brace in the 88th and first minute of stoppage time.

Swansea rose to seventh, but Arsenal was jeered after dropping more points and falling further behind in the battle to break back into the top four.

“We are in this job to turn things around, and I am confident we will (because of) the quality of the players and the spirit we have in the team. It is a good moment to stick together,” Wenger said. “I am not so much worried about (league) places, even if that is not the place you want to be.

“But I believe what is important is we get the quality of our game back. Then the places change.”

Fans backing the “Black Scarf Movement” had demonstrated around the ground before kickoff, complaining at the perceived commercialization of the club following the move to Emirates Stadium in 2006.

“I know that at the moment you get some good news from everywhere because there is a lot of unrest everywhere,” Wenger told the media. “I believe it is a good opportunity to stick together and show we are a strong club.”