Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger remained defiant after his side's FA Cup defeat to Sunderland.
A 2-0 loss at the Stadium of Light has put the Gunners on course for another trophyless season.
"We have to take the criticism on board, stay together and face the critics," said Wenger. "The only response in our job is to stay united and fight and focus on the next game.
"I think it was a committed performance and we gave absolutely everything that was left in our legs.
"We had three away games in one week and I believe it was a very unfortunate schedule to play away in the Champions League and immediately away again. They were very difficult pitches as well but we fought hard today."
Arsenal host local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League next Sunday.
