Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has suggested that a "very difficult climate" during home games contributed to his team's demise in the Premier League title race.
The Frenchman has come under fire from supporters after they drifted out of contention for the English crown and were knocked out of the Champions League and FA Cup.
The North London outfit are currently fourth in the table, 12 points behind leaders Leicester City and five above Manchester United.
"Some people question this team's character but they have character and attitude, and some people who question them have less character than this team has," Wenger told reporters in Friday's press conference. "They should not question this team.
"We lost the championship at home against the lower teams, but we played at home in a very difficult climate. We have to realise that, away from home, we are championship winners. At home, against the smaller teams, we lost the league.
"This club does have special values though and one I've experienced over the years is to stick together and support the team. There's no success without that."
The Gunners will face Norwich City at the Emirates on Saturday.
Danielle Joynson
