Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has left his players in no doubt that a repeat of the capitulation at Liverpool will be unacceptable.
The Gunners go to Stamford Bridge this afternoon to face champions Chelsea, a ground where they have not won since 2011.
And Wenger knows that a repeat of the tame performance at Anfield two weeks ago will see that record extended.
He held a lengthy inquest into that 4-0 humiliation when the players returned from international duty – and he made his feelings known.
“Just not good enough,” was his message.
And while Arsenal reacted to the Anfield match with comprehensive wins against Bournemouth in the Premier League and FC Cologne in the Europa League, Wenger knows the test at Chelsea will be far more exacting.
And ahead of Sunday’s London derby he said: “I am expecting a good response to the Liverpool game – and I am anticipating it.”
Asked if they have the backbone and character to come back from the debacle on Merseyside, Wenger pointed to the FA Cup final win over Chelsea and the fact that his team accumulated 75 points in the Premier League last season.
“You do not win the FA Cup the way we did without that,” said Wenger. ”We had more points last season than the one before when we were runners-up.
“Nobody gives you a present of 75 points and we won the FA Cup.
This team has character. Nobody gives you the FA Cup. We had a very positive end to last season and we played very well in big games against the big clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea.
“It is important now not to think of the Liverpool game – yes, it was a bad game but that doesn’t mean it will happen again. You learn from defeats.”
Source: The Mirror.
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