Jack Wilshere has dismissed claims Arsenal players lack character.

The Gunners conceded a winner in stoppage time against Watford on Saturday. Hornets striker Troy Deeney, who scored the equaliser in the match, stated after the game that Arsenal had 'backed down' and lacked 'cojones', claims which Wilshere disagrees with.

"As a player if your attitude is questioned, it's horrible," Wilshere said. "I look around this team and you can't question our character.

"People try to put us down, they always have. I don't think the comments were justified. When we look back at the game we look back at ourselves and what we did wrong. I don't think we can look back and question our character.

"We did certain things wrong but we certainly didn't want to let the lead slip. We will move on. We have a game tomorrow and another big game at the weekend and we have seen with this team that the players can bounce back quick - and we will do that.

"I'm sure individually the players are disappointed, no-one wants to hear those comments, [but] the players are entitled to their opinions and to talk, that's part of the modern-day game. We have to deal with that.

"All we can do is come back with a good performance tomorrow and a good performance at the weekend."