Wilshere is determined to prove Deeney wrong

Jack Wilshere said it was “horrible” to hear accusations from Watford striker Troy Deeney that Arsenal lacked “cojones” after their defeat at Vicarage Road on Saturday, but insisted that it was unfair to question the side’s character.

The midfielder, who is set to start tonight’s Europa League match against Red Star Belgrade in Serbia, said the comments were not justified. Deeney said: “There’s a reason they lost and it was not because of one penalty. I have to watch what I say, but… having a bit of cojones, having a bit of nuts.”

Wilshere, who has yet to feature in the Premier League after returning to Arsenal from a loan at Bournemouth last season, said the players had not spoken about Deeney’s criticism but added: “No one wants to hear those comments”.

He added: “As a player, if your attitude is questioned, it’s horrible. I look around this team and you can’t question our character. People try and put us down, they always have. I don’t think the comments were justified.”

Arsene Wenger, his manager, said: “I know who my players are. In the past seven games we had six wins and one draw. I trust their strength of character to respond.

“After that, the comments, that’s part of the modern game. I love my players and I trust their strength of character to respond quickly.”

Arsenal come into tonight’s game two points clear of Red Star Belgrade at the top of their Europa League group following wins in their opening two games. But the Serbs are likely to present the stiffest test yet for Wenger’s side.

Vladen Milojevic’s side have not been beaten at home in five European games this season, and are currently four points clear at the top of the Serbian Superliga.

Wenger said defender Mathieu Debuchy would “certainly” start in what would be his first appearance since November 2016.