Arsene Wenger says his players responded well to their Capital One Cup exit with a convincing 5-2 thrashing of Reading on Monday night.
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The Gunners, who were humiliated by League Two side Bradford last week, stormed into a four-goal lead with Santi Cazorla netting a hat-trick before the Royals were let back in the game with two soft goals.
But any chance Brian McDermott's charges might had of a late comeback was thwarted when Theo Walcott netted late on.
Lukas Podolski had set the north Londoners on their way with his first-half effort.
After the match, Wenger said: "The target was to win in a convincing way. We focused on playing the game.
"At 4-0 we had a little wobbling period. And at 4-2, after what happened last week, we became a bit uncertain. We lost a bit of focus and paid for it.
"But overall it was important to go out and play and give the right answer on the football pitch."
Wenger opted for a new-look strike-force with Podolski and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain playing either side of Walcott.
Commenting on Walcott, the Frenchman added: "In training sessions he has shown the abilities to play in this position - the timing of his movement - and for his first game I think he has done very well. There are very encouraging signs."
He continued: "We had pace, that was the target in the build-up to the game and overall we gave them many problems through that.
"I said many times I believe in this team and the players want to do well. In the league - apart from the Swansea game - we have been quite consistent but we need to go from strength to strength.
"It's been difficult (the past week), you'd prefer it when everything goes well. It's been interesting also - you discover who is strong and you discover who can remain united and on that front in the club we were very good.
"In 16 years we went out just once against a team from a lower division. If you compare that record to all the other clubs in England it is still the best record.
"I agree that it was hurtful, and very disappointing. But on the night Bradford did very well. I am responsible for when it goes well - and I have to take the criticism when it doesn't go well."
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