Clichy: "Arsenal must pull together"

(GETTY IMAGES)

Defender Gael Clichy believes teamwork is key if Arsenal are to return to winning ways after their shock defeat to Stoke.

The Gunners suffered their third loss of the season when they went down 2-1 to the Potters at the Britannia Stadium, both goals coming as a result of Rory Delap's potent long throw.

It follows the north London side's defeats by Fulham and Hull and has placed question marks against their credentials both at home and in Europe.

Arsenal, though, have the chance to make amends as they host Fenerbahce in the Champions League tomorrow with memories still fresh of the 5-2 mauling they administered to the Turkish side a fortnight ago.

The Gunners currently head Group G and are well placed to qualify for the knockout stages but left-back Clichy insists the players must concentrate on team-work as well as playing entertaining football if they are to succeed this season.

Clichy told Arsenal TV Online: "[Against Stoke] I think we lacked a bit of everything: up front we couldn't keep the ball, in the middle we didn't run enough and at the back we conceded goals again.

"So all the team was to blame again and I think we have to really work harder and to give the confidence back to the boss because every day he is giving us a lot of credit.

"I think now it is time to realise that we have got the quality but we need to work harder because football is not only about playing nice football and goals.

"We have to really work as a team and maybe everything will be better.

"We have the quality to do it but it's just a fact of being focused and working as a team because in football when you play a collective game everyone has to turn up, everyone has to defend, to attack and to run for each other.

"So if we try to do this and we can do that I'm sure we can still have a good season."

The Gunners have fitness fears over Theo Walcott, Emmanuel Adebayor and Bacary Sagna.

Fenerbahce have injury problems of their own, with playmaker Alex rated doubtful with a thigh strain.

The Brazilian scored twice in the 2-2 draw with Eskisehirspor on Saturday before sustaining the injury.