Wenger demands reaction from Gunners

Arsene Wenger has called on Arsenal to get the disappointment of a “very bad moment” at Norwich out of their system by taking a big step towards qualifying for the Champions League knockout phase by beating Schalke tonight.

The Gunners slipped 10 points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea when they went down 1-0 at Carrow Road on Saturday evening.

Wenger, though, feels the visit of the Germans, who are second in Group B, offers the perfect opportunity for swift redemption.

“We have got over it and we will focus on our next game, that is the only way to deal with it, to put the disappointment behind us and focus on Schalke,” the Arsenal manager said.

“As a team, we were not as efficient as we are used to. It can happen in the season. It is just of course at a very bad moment for us.

“I expect us to respond in a strong way because this team is very ambitious and wants to do very well.”

Wenger added: “We have a good opportunity, we play at home against Schalke and since we know we won in Montpellier, our qualifying will depend on how well we do at home.”

Midfielder Aaron Ramsey accepts the team must sharpen up again as soon as possible.

“When you have an upset like that you want to get back out there as quickly as possible and put it right. That is what we hope to do on Wednesday, and put ourselves in a really strong position in this group,” the Wales international said.

Ramsey added: “In any job if you do something wrong, you want to make up for it as quickly as possible — we are no different, we want to get back out there and hopefully win.”

Despite having won both their opening two group games and defending an unbeaten run of 16 home games in the Champions League, Wenger warned there can be no complacency against a team which beat Dortmund in their own domestic league on Saturday.

“They are a solid side with good organisation. Up front of course they have Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Jefferson Farfan, that we know are well, Ibrahim Afellay and Julian Draxler. They are dangerous and play a lot on counter-attacks,” he said.

Arsenal will have a German presence in their own side now, with internationals Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski, who has settled quickly after his summer move from Cologne.

Wenger said: “They have a very professional attitude, are always ready to work hard.

“Podolski is a good voice to have in the dressing room and has been received well. He works very hard for the team. He scores and makes goals.

“Tomorrow there will be a little more pressure on him, but he is used to that — he has 100 caps for Germany, so he can handle it.”

Winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will miss the game because of a hip injury picked up after a brief substitute appearance at Norwich. Theo Walcott is still sidelined by the chest injury suffered playing for England against San Marino but could come be in contention for the visit of bottom club QPR on Saturday.

Schalke lie third in the Bundesliga after the famous 2-1 win in Dortmund on Saturday.

“If we show the same attitude against Arsenal as we did against Dortmund, we’ve got a chance,” Dutch striker Huntelaar said.