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Wenger - It hurts to disappoint our fans

Arsene Wenger admits that “it hurts to disappoint our fans” but has backed his side to respond against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The Gunners slipped to a surprise defeat against West Ham United last weekend in the opening match of the new Premier League season.

Arsenal now travel to Selhurst Park on Sunday to face Crystal Palace and Wenger is confident the fans will leave south London in a happier frame of mind.

"We have to put things in perspective, we come out from a very strong run and we have 37 games to go. It’s how we respond [that matters]"

Arsene Wenger

"[Our fans have] passion, love and that’s why it hurts [to lose]," he said. "We have a big following and disappointed people are emotional and that is understandable.

“It hurts us to disappoint people who have a high level of expectation. On our side we have to put things in perspective, we come out from a very strong run and we have 37 games to go. It’s how we respond [that matters].

“Our job is to deal with this kind of reaction and just to keep your mind on your job, that means play football well and enjoy it. I believe we have a great group, we have a fantastic mentality and we have a united group of players.

“We were disappointed with the result [against West Ham] and with our performance. We have analysed what happened to us but we don’t have to go overboard with what happened. It is a defeat and it hurts but that shouldn’t take our belief in our potential away.

“We have the history behind us in the second half of the campaign last year that we have the quality to respond always and to be consistent. Defeat is part of the season and of course that was not planned but we know it is how we respond to these kind of things that will make our season.”

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