Arsenal are ready for physical test at Stoke, says Arsene Wenger

After conceding four goals against their arch-rivals Tottenham on Wednesday night, the last thing Arsene Wenger needs is a visit to Stoke City, who will provide another stern test for a nervous looking Arsenal defence.

Wenger was bitterly disappointed to see his side throw away 3-1 and 4-2 leads and drop two crucial points as they look to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title this season.

The Arsenal defence have struggled throughout the season, which has resulted in Kolo Toure losing his place in the team, but not even the arrival of Mikael Silvestre from Manchester United has tightened up the back four.

The Arsenal manager knows things will not get any easier when they face a totally different style of football against Stoke, whose direct style of play is likely to cause untold problems for the north London side.

Rory Delap's long throw-ins continue to be one of Stoke's main attacking threats and resulted in Ricardo Fuller scoring the winning goal against Sunderland on Wednesday night.

Wenger admits his side are bracing themselves for a different kind of game, but is refusing to get carried away by Delap's aerial threat.

Wenger said: "We know they are very dangerous on set-pieces and especially from long throw-ins. We need to deal with that.

"I believe the most important thing is for us to have the ball and put them under pressure. We have to attack the ball in the air and not make too much fuss about it. They score maybe one like that every two months and it is not like a penalty. It is a throw-in and we cannot get obsessed by that. We need to try and dominate the game and score goals."

When asked if he would ever employ a similar tactic, Wenger added: "Why not? If you have a player who can do it, then of course. It is normal."

Wenger was quick to dispel rumours of unrest in the Arsenal camp following their 4-4 draw with Tottenham.

Reports suggested there was a dressing-room showdown between some of the players, but Wenger was adamant that all his players were united in wanting to win major silverware this season and would show their fighting spirit at the Britannia Stadium this afternoon.

Wenger said: "We know the truth on the inside and that is not what has been projected on the outside. We know what we have to do. We were all very disappointed.

"The mood in the dressing room was of disbelief and frustration. But the players are united, passionate and want to win.

"They are in this together, they want to be winners together. We have a long way to go and we are all determined to show that we can fight for this title together."