The Gunners' must refocus on the Premier League
top-four race after Tuesday's disastrous Champions
League setback against Monaco as they face the
resurgent Toffees
A "hurt" Arsene Wenger has demanded a response
to Arsenal's shock Champions League defeat to
Monaco when they welcome Everton to the Emirates
Stadium on Sunday.
The critics were left sharpening their knives after the
Gunners slipped to a 3-1 home loss to Leonardo
Jardim's men in Wednesday's Champions League
last-16 first leg, which left them a tall order to turn
the tie around in the return meeting.
Arsenal were too often exposed in defence against
the Ligue 1 side, while striker Olivier Giroud endured
a dreadful outing in front of goal.
Wenger was not interested in playing the blame
game, though, insisting the team must take collective
responsibility and put in a much improved showing
as they look to consolidate third place in Premier
League.
"There's nobody to blame individually. Who is a
striker who didn't miss a chance? The fact that we
missed some chances was only one of the
characteristics of the night," he told reporters.
"For us what is important is to respond well. We are
on a strong run in the Premier League and we have
to respond to that disappointment in a strong way on
Sunday afternoon - that's all we can do.
"What is hurting is the defeat more than the criticism.
I do not say I'm immune to it. I love to win and when
I don't win, I'm hurt of course."
In contrast to Arsenal's woes, Everton's continental
adventure continued in the Europa League as a 3-1
victory at home to Young Boys completed a 7-2
aggregate triumph.
Roberto Martinez's side have now lost just once in
their past seven matches and there is further cause
for optimism in the fact Everton have not been
beaten by Arsenal in the last five league meetings
between the sides.
Martinez does not expect Arsenal to show any effects
from their poor showing against Monaco, though,
and pointed to the Londoners' excellent home league
record as a sign of the difficulty Everton face.
"I don't think Arsenal will suffer from what happened
against Monaco," he insisted.
"You need to remember they only have one [league]
defeat at home. We are desperate to go for a good
result."
Martinez, whose side are 12th, has no fresh injury
worries to contend with ahead of the trip south.
Christian Atsu and Bryan Oviedo (hamstring) remain
absent after missing the clash against Young Boys,
while Tony Hibbert, Aiden McGeady and Steven
Pienaar (all knee) are not yet ready to return.
Wenger received another blow ahead of the match,
with Jack Wilshere set for more time out after
undergoing a minor ankle operation. www.goal.com/en-gb/match/arsenal-vs-everton/1704015/preview