Arsene Wenger has confessed that he is concerned by the number of fans continuing to stay away from Arsenal's home games, but says that it is entirely "understandable".
The Gunners saw off Watford 3-0 at the 59,867-capacity Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon in front of thousands of empty seats, despite 59,131 tickets being sold for the game.
Arsenal headed into the match on the back of a disappointing run of league form that has all but ended their top-four hopes, which Wenger believes has played a part in the decision of many to watch the televised contest from home.
"Of course I worry because I want our fans to be behind our team and be happy," the London Evening Standard quotes him as saying. "But after what happened in that week 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. That's what we want to do. There's a lot of negativity [around the club]. It's like rain in England, it's easy to get.
"I don't know how much negativity is out there. I focus on my job. I think I've shown in 22 years that I can do that, that I'll respect everyone's opinion and focus on my job with total commitment."
Thousands also stayed away for Arsenal's last home game - a 3-0 loss against Manchester City - but there were extenuating circumstances as the match was given the go-ahead despite heavy snow.
Daniel Lewis
