Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has rounded on the club’s critics who “have the intention to bury us” and urged fans to rally around his players when Chelsea visit the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The Gunners were beaten 2-0 by newly promoted Brentford in their Premier League opener, prompting a widespread backlash which included Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher describing Arsenal’s defending as “weak, bullied — men against boys.”

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Arteta refused to name specific individuals but sought to galvanise supporters ahead of their clash against the Champions League holders, who they beat home and away in the league last season.