Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has declared that his team must beat Reading tomorrow night to restore confidence.

The Gunners slipped to a shock League Cup exit at the hands of Bradford City last time out to pile the pressure on beleaguered boss Arsene Wenger.

Wilshere believes that the players must step up and take responsibility for their performances, starting at the Madejski Stadium on Monday.

He told the club's official website: "We have got some great leaders in this team, people like Thomas Vermaelen and Mikel Arteta. But all the players can lead by example. We all have to step up now, it's a tough time but we have to stick together and be united.

"A lot of people are criticising the manager at the moment, but there will be a time when they look at the players and ask questions of us. We don't want that, so we have to step up and be counted.

"We have to get the result, that's the main thing. We know it won't be easy, especially having just lost at Bradford.

"I think technically we are probably the best team out there. We keep the ball well and that's what we have to try to do against Reading. We need to try to create chances, outplay them and also remember our defensive duties."

Arsenal can move as high as fifth in the table with a win against the Royals.