Arsene Wenger admitted defeat in the League Cup final of Manchester City has undermined Arsenal confidence.
The Gunners again humiliated by City, early this morning, with conceded three goals in the first round in the home game. This record experienced Arsenal for the first time in the Premier League.
The 3-0 defeat of City second in five days means Wenger's squad has lost three times in the last four games in all competitions, so the French manager is under pressure.
With ten points outside the Champions League qualifying zone, stepping away in the Europa League is the sole target of the Gunners, who have already lost seven defeats in all competitions throughout 2018.
But the veteran coach highlighted the quality of attacking City - Leroy Sane was involved in all three goals - while Arsenal struggled with confidence.
"Nothing much to talk about, it's a game with top-quality teams full of confidence, we're a bit low in confidence," Wenger told Sky Sports.
"The first half was hard for us after what happened on Sunday.
"But they took advantage of our lack of confidence and I have to say our team gives physical effort and technique. We passed a difficult period, their quality is difficult for us.
"It's tough, but this can be explained by the fact what happened on Sunday, the consequences of appearance, it's punishing you. But I think the players gave big effort today and unfortunately we are weak in defense. "
Yeah the team is obviously lacking in confidence but it is the duty of the coach to motivate the team and instill in the team confidence even when thins are not going on well on the pitch.