Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that his players have been affected by their shock League Cup exit to Bradford City.
The Gunners slipped to defeat on penalties at Valley Parade to compound an indifferent start to the season.
Wenger is adamant that his current crop are one of the most focused squads he has ever worked with and backed his players to bounce back.
He told the club's official website: "I've had groups who had fantastic results [but] were less serious than these players, believe me. Players who were less focused than this team. Of course these players are hurting.
"You think they don't care and they go home and think they had a fantastic game? They do care.
"We prepare for games seriously. It was a cup game on an English December night in Bradford. You have to give Bradford credit. Unfortunately we paid the price, they knocked Wigan Athletic out as well. That shows they have something and that they are difficult to beat."
Arsenal are back in Premier League action on Monday night when they clash with Reading at the Madejski Stadium.
Liam Power
