Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hasn't lost faith in his players after their recent form slump.

After naming Cesc Fabregas as new club captain, Wenger said: "It is a learning trade, to be a top player in a top club, you need to be mentally very strong and to deal with these types of concentration.

"We have quite a good way to protect the players here and they know how much we believe in them and how much confidence we have in them.

"My trust in my players has not be affected.

"I have to stand up for my players in the criticism we get, but we are a strong team and that will come out.

"I am focused to do things well, the right way. I am strong enough to let people have opinions, and do what I feel is right."