Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger speaking at the Gunners AGM on Thursday called on fans and the media to acknowledge his teams talent. "You are all very quiet, a little bit like the game on Saturday. It is a recession mood, but it will not last, do not worry," Wenger joked.

"I would like to give you some reasons to cheer up and be optimistic and to share my optimism with you.

"First of all I feel the club is well managed financially and I am very proud that we live within the resources we create from our own business and we do not need external income, because I feel that is very important for the future of the club.

"The structure of our team is fantastic, but very young. That means that tomorrow will be better than yesterday.

"I believe we are at a stage where this season we are close to deliver, and it is my job to do that.

"Last year were very close to winning the championship, finishing just four points behind Manchester United.

"We were really unlucky at a difficult part of the season. Having led for so long, it was very disappointing.

"But today when you have such a young team, you have to be intelligent.

"Instead of showing resentment, we have to believe in our team, more than ever because this team will deliver.

"But the younger you are, the more you need support and the belief in the quality of these young players.

"I ask you as well to be proud of them and to show your support.

"I am personally very proud, and believe this team needs a strong guide to go through difficult periods, because at the moment I do not feel that either from the media or our supporters that this team gets the support that it deserves.

"That is why I think they need a stronger guide than ever and I want to get this team to deliver not next year, but this year."