Arsene Wenger lays down challenge to Arsenal players after shock cup defeat

MANAGER Arsene Wenger has challenged his battle-weary Arsenal squad to look within themselves and provide a response at Reading tonight.

The Gunners head to Madejski Stadium in need of a confidence boost following the shock Capital One Cup penalty shoot-out defeat to League Two Bradford.

Wenger accepts the atmosphere has been somewhat subdued at Arsenal’s Hertfordshire training base this week, but maintains it is now up to the players to show their strength of character.

“There has been disappointment and frustration [this week], but that is normal when you go out in a competition like that,” Wenger said.

“However, having said that, we can only look at ourselves, get on with it and look for the future.”

Although there have been plenty of calls for a fresh voice at the helm, Wenger, 63, maintains he is the right man to turn Arsenal’s fortunes around.

England defender Kieran Gibbs, 23, believes Wenger’s work in developing raw talents such as himself can never be underestimated.

“He has built a reputation for signing players for a modest fee and turning them into great players,” Gibbs told www.fourfourtwo.com.

“The manager has an eye for noticing the potential in promising players.” Reading are desperate to atone for their worst defeat of the season yet, a 3-0 loss at Sunderland last Tuesday that has cranked up the pressure on manager Brian McDermott.