Beleaguered Arsenal • manager Arsene

Wenger called on his players to show they can meet the club's standards after a second humbling 3-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City in five days on Thursday.

City moved 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League as fresh from claiming their first silverware of the Pep Guardiola era in the League Cup final on Sunday, the visitors scored three times in the opening 33 minutes as Arsenal disintegrated once more in front of a sparse crowd at the Emirates.

Bernardo Silva, David Silva and Leroy Sane were on target to inflict a third straight defeat on Arsenal and leave them 10 points adrift of the Premier League top four in sixth place.

And a night to forget for the Gunners was complete when £56 million club record signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang saw his second-half penalty saved by Ederson.

"You go up by stairs and come down by the lift, that is what happens with confidence, ” said Wenger. "Wehavetoshowwehavetheleveltobe at Arsenal football club."

However, the Frenchman again refused to accept it is inevitable that his 22-year stay as boss is coming to a sad end.

" 1 am confident that nothing is permanent in life," added Wenger. "It is down to how you respond and the focus and effort you show to

turn things around."

Unfortunately for the home fans that did brave the cold, that was the only novelty on a night of familiar failings from Wenger’s men, who have now tost seven times in 12 games this year.

" Do you want the fans to be happy when you are 3-0 down? 1 am surprised you are surprised," continued Wenger. "It was combination of the weather conditions and the fact we had a big disappointment on Sunday. *

Guardiola celebrated his 100th game in charge of City by hailinghis side's focus to not let complacency seep in despite their huge lead at the top.

"People always think 'a lot of points in front, we can relax' and we did the opposite," said Guardiola. "It is never easy if you are not focused against teams like Arsenal. We were (focused] and so far we make an amazing Premier League season."

Guardiola also spoke of his admiration for Wenger, suggesting his counterpart would make the right decision over his own future, given his long history at Arsenal.

"He knows my admiration for him," he said of the Frenchman. "We play, we fight many, many times in Barcelona, a lot of times in Bayem Munich, a lot of times here in Premier League. A lot of times.

" 1 can understand the situation. I know all the managers can be in that situation. He knows, he handles that situation. He has a lot of experience."