Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted that his side have suffered due to the negativity surrounding them.

The Gunners have struggled for consistency so far this season and Wenger believes that the criticism has not helped his players.

However, Wenger has insisted that the team want to do well and has backed them to improve in the second half of the season.

"The team has certainly been deeply affected by all the negativity and as well by the fact they are highly focused to do well," said the Frenchman.

"Everyone of us is affected by criticism. I didn't meet one person who loves to be slaughtered.

"The team want to do well. But sometimes that can be a bit inhibitive. I think it's mainly down to that."

Arsenal currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League and face Stoke City on Saturday afternoon.