Emery helps Iwobi, teammates to recover confidence after Wolves defeat

Unai Emery has admitted that he had to help Alex Iwobi and his Arsenal teammates to recover their confidence after consecutive defeats damaged their Champions League hopes.

The Gunners suffered a surprise 3-2 home loss to Crystal Palace last weekend before slipping to a 3-1 reverse at Wolves on Wednesday.

“The first target is to recover our confidence,” he said.

“We can build on this confidence each minute, each hour, each day, each week – and above all we’re training and we’re looking for a big performance for the three points.

“Individually for Sunday the first target is to think in our capacity and be consistent defensively and offensively.

“We need to adapt to them, but I think both are very important. We need to prepare ourselves and also adapt for them.”

Arsenal’s chances of leaving the East Midlands with a positive result could be boosted by the return of top goalscorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Gabon striker was forced to miss the loss at Wolves after undergoing a small sinus procedure.

The results leave Arsenal fifth in the table, a point behind London rivals Chelsea in the final Champions League qualification spot.

Another tricky trip lies ahead with a game at Leicester on Sunday and Emery conceded he has had to lift his squad before heading to the King Power Stadium.