Conor Gallagher says Chelsea players are putting the work in as he responded to questions about desire.
The Blues were beaten 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night - their heaviest London derby defeat since 1986.
3
Mauricio Pochettino's side conceded just five minutes into the clash, with Leandro Trossard firing the hosts into an early lead.
Ben White then helped himself to an unlikely double in the second half, with ex-Chelsea star Kai Havertz also bagging two goals to rub salt in the wounds of his former employers.
With Mikel Arteta's men 5-0 up and cruising, television cameras panned towards the away end, where a supporter held aloft a sign to the dejected Chelsea squad.
It read: "I don't want your shirt! I want you to want to fight for ours. UTC [Up the Chels]."
READ MORE ON CHELSEA
The fan's heartfelt message resonated amongst the Blues faithful, who were quick to agree with the youngster's view on social media.
One X user said: "That sign the kid was holding broke me even more. Hang your heads in shame Chelsea."
Another posted: "This sign held by a fan at tonight's game says it all... FIGHT FOR THE SHIRT!"
A third added: "Poch should nail that to the dressing room wall."
Most read in Football
3
3
This fan messaged: "Absolutely spot on. Beyond embarrassing at this stage.
"These players bar one or two don’t deserve to even wear the shirt. So so bad."
And one then simply stated: "Damn f****** right."
When asked about the sign and any perceptions the Chelsea players aren't working hard enough, captain Gallagher said: "We definitely are putting the effort in.
"I know how much it means to all the boys. It is a very young squad with not much experience as a team in the Premier League.
"We have had a lot of ups and downs and we are still improving as a team to get to the next level and today was one of those days we were nowhere near it.
"But also we will look at the performance and where we can improve and move forward."
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, though, told talkSPORT it wasn't acceptable and apologised to supporters in the ground, who left early and those watching at home.
"It's damaging to the players, the club, the coaching staff, everything.
"Everyone is damaged after this result, but the problem is to realise before when you're preparing for the game, if you want to compete, you need to realise that it's a London derby.
Read More on talkSPORT
"All I can say is I apologise to the fans, I apologise to the people because I think the first and second 15 minutes [first and second half], 30 minutes in the game, we didn't compete."
"We were so soft, it's so painful, so painful."