Wenger wants Arsenal response after defeat

LONDON - Agence France-Presse

Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain reacts after missing a chance against Norwich in the Premier League. AFP photo

Arsene Wenger has called on his Arsenal stars to deliver an immediate response to their shock defeat against Norwich when Schalke visit the Emirates Stadium in the Champions League tonight.

Wenger’s team is now 10 points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea after losing to previously winless Norwich on Oct. 20.

An error from Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone presented Grant Holt with the goal that condemned the Gunners to their second league defeat of the season and Wenger’s grumpy mood after the match reflected his frustration at a lackluster performance.

Arsenal will need an improved display to see off Schalke and maintain its 100 percent start to the Champions League. Wenger hopes the defeat will provoke a reaction from his players tonight.

“I hope it will have a positive impact,” Wenger said. “It was a shock to the system. Maybe we underrated the difficulty, but the Premier League is the Premier League - if you are not ready for the fight then you will always have bad surprises.

“There is a big difference between the amount of possession we had and the amount of chances we created, that is down to the fact that Norwich defended well and we did not create a lot.”