Deeney

get the fans on our side and do absolutely everything to achieve it.”

Wenger acknowledged there had been “a lot of negativity” in the build-up to the Europa League win at AC Milan on Thursday that ended Arsenal’s losing run. “It’s like rain in England – it’s easy to get,” he said. “I focus on my job and I think I’ve shown in 22 years that I can do that.”

Wenger declared yesterday’s win showed Arsenal were close to turning a corner, adding: “It was difficult but overall it gets us out a little bit of that negative spiral.”

A 3-0 win flattered Arsenal. Petr Cech made a string of saves, including keeping out a penalty for the first time since joining the club, to become – finally – the first goalkeeper to record 200 Premier League clean sheets.

“It is an unbelievable personal milestone,” said Cech.