Arsene Wenger insists his team have the quality and focus to overcome the negativity surrounding their recent defensive displays.
The Gunners have made a series of slow starts to matches, although a table based on second-half displays would have them in second place.
The manager admits he is working hard to address the problem, but is confident his side have what it takes to fire for the full 90 minutes.
"They have fantastic focus and they want to do well, but sometimes that can be a bit inhibitive"
“Somebody told me that we are second in the league on our second half of games, but 13th in the first half,” Wenger said. “That can only be psychological because you do not become a good football player in the second half and bad in the first half.
“The team has certainly been deeply affected by all the negativity and also by the fact they are highly focused to do well.
“They have fantastic focus and they want to do well, but sometimes that can be a bit inhibitive. I think it's mainly down to that.
“I believe it's important that you just purely focus on the technical side of your game and forget about who you play. Just enjoy playing.”
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