Arsene Wenger has urged his side to defend well and “not be timid” when they face Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday.
The Gunners go into the game on the back of a first defeat since the opening day, having gone down 2-1 to Everton at Goodison Park in midweek.
The result leaves Arsenal a point ahead of City but six behind leaders Chelsea after 16 games played and eager to bounce back.
Wenger admits he is important his side get back on track with a victory that could potentially leave City 10 points off the top should Chelsea beat Crystal Palace on Saturday.
“What is important is that we respond straightaway,” he said via The Mirror. “Maybe we didn’t manage to transform our chances [against Everton].
“Big games against City mean defend well together and not be timid when you get the ball.”
Arsenal are boosted by the absence of City top scorer Sergio Aguero who is suspended after being sent off against Chelsea.
However, Wenger downplayed the absence of the Argentina international and pointed to his own team who are without several big names including Shkodran Mustafi and Aaron Ramsey.
He added: “Look, I don’t deny Sergio is an important player for them but they have other important players…we have plenty out.”
Arsenal will certainly be confident of scoring against a City side that shipped four goals to Leicester City last weekend and with Alexis Sanchez in fine form and hoping to add to his tally of 14 goals already.